't a request. "I'm casting for Midnight Rain. You ha

om a waiter. Her hands were steady now. "I'

"Talk to me about noir. W

m are afraid of women who su

t was a wolfish g

ing until his knuckles turned white. He watched Avery smile at Arnoldo-

touched. He felt a burning irritation in his chest. He wanted to go down

irs slammed open with a fo

mmot

ind him trailed Hamlin Ward, his wrist wrapped in an overly dramatic bandage

. A blurry shot of 'the Hall disgrace' playing pi

n the booth with Arnoldo. He marched over,

ted. His voice cracked. The

her water glass. She didn't

out of the booth. "You're playing piano in a dive bar? Have

ctable one," Avery said, her voice

't a big man, but he had

"Stay out of this. Th

she is my guest," Arnol

. He pointed his good hand at Avery. "She assaulted

r. Assault? Her? The skin

, mocking sound. "You're stil

ed. "Assault? What i

e's on drugs again!" Hamlin whined. He moved clos

ep into Avery's space. He saw Hamlin r

ed. The glass in his ha

toward the stairs. He didn't hurry. He moved wi

d up. She shifted her

le. A scent of sandalwood and cold

ullen Hunter descended the final

e a prob

ce was low.

s arm loosened instantly. Even E

mered. "This... this is

ok at Ernest. He looked at Avery. He checked h

aid, turning his cold eyes to Erne