As usual, he didn't take it personally. A slight, wheezing laugh. "Package for you, mi profesora. Wrapped up with a pretty bow."

"A package?" My mouth went dry. "Gilberto-"

"And the man who delivered it still here. Uno rubio, in a suit. Says he'll wait for you."

A blond? The dryness poured down, invaded my throat. "Gilberto, listen to me very carefully-"

A slight sound as the phone was taken from my apprentice. I knew, from the very first breath, who was waiting for me at home.

"My darling Kiss." Perry's voice was smooth as silk, and full of nasty amusement. "He's quite a winning elf, your new houseboy. And so polite."

Think fast, Jill. My heart leapt, and the scar on my wrist turned hot and hard, swollen with corruption. As if he had just pressed his lips against my flesh again. "Pericles."

Saul went stiff next to me, his dark eyes flashing orange for a moment.

The hellbreed on the other end of the line laughed. "I have a gift for you, my darling. Come home and see it. I will be content with the boy until then."

He dropped the phone down into the cradle, and I slammed the receiver down, pulling it at the last moment so I wouldn't break the rest of the phone. The man on the other side of the glass jumped, and the nurse twisted in her chair to look at me. I didn't bother to give a glance of apology, just looked at my Were.

Saul's eyes met mine, and I didn't have to explain a single thing. He turned so fast the fringe on his jacket flared, and headed with long strides for the door that would take us out toward the exit. I was right behind him. The scar on my wrist twitched under the flayed cuff of my trench coat, and Saul's stride lengthened into a run.

So did mine.

BOOKS BY LILITH SAINTCROW.

JILL KISMET NOVELS.

Night Shift.

Hunter's Prayer.

Redemption Alley.

Flesh Circus.

DANTE VALENTINE NOVELS.

Working for the Devil.

Dead Man Rising The Devil's Right Hand.

Saint City Sinners.

To Hell and Back Dark Watcher.

Storm Watcher Fire Watcher.

Cloud Watcher The Society Hunter, Healer.

Mindhealer.

Steelflower.