For some reason, Vincent decided to bring his work into the dining room. Of course, he wasn't picky about where he commanded his empire, so I didn't read too much into it, or the large brandy he cradled in his palm. Despite the stellar sex he had compliments of his mate, who was definitely not white fish, Vincent returned from his afternoon meeting in a grumpy mood. I didn't even mention it was Friday night and we had nothing planned. I was starting to feel like an old married woman. Oh, who was I kidding? My life barreled down the tracks like a runaway train.

Sylvie called just as I was about to interrupt Vincent's sulk. "It's Friday, mamacita! Are we on for a night of wild abandon?"

"Um, that's going to be a definite maybe," I offered as I stood from the couch to pace.

She huffed through the phone, although she sounded more winded than angry. I could hear heavy foot traffic nearby. "C'mon. I moved to this fabulous city to reunite the dynamic duo."

"I figured you and Colin would have made plans already."

"I don't want to bug Colin every time I need a partner in crime. Besides, he has plans to hang out with Adam."

"Oh, so I'm you're second choice? I see where I stand now."

"Don't turn the tables on me, Miss Thing. If you don't want to hang out, just say so." I heard the drone of subway noise through my phone and Sylvie grunted. "Boy, I miss the Metro. It smelled better."

"Hey, don't dis our fine subway system. Is Rizzo with you?"

"Yes. He's pretending not to know me so he doesn't blow his cover. So, are we hanging out or not?"

I glanced across the room at Vincent's hunched form and offered my muffled reply. "Let me get back to you. Vincent is being grumpy."

"Since when has your boyfriend's mood played a role in our nights out?"

"Since I found a boyfriend who gives a shit about me."

"Fair point. I'll let you handle the big guy. Talk to you later."

When I hung up, Vincent stopped obsessing over his laptop and caught me in a long distance gaze. "Grumpy, huh? Are my moods that obvious?"

"Pretty much, but at least I don't have to second guess you all the time."

I offered a guilty smile as I shuffled out of the kitchen, and he stood from his chair, gesturing to the couch with his brandy. "If you want to go out with Sylvie, I won't stop you, but I was going to suggest..."

"I know. I'll take a gollum escort."

Vincent sat down and motioned me onto his lap. "I was going to say you could spend a quiet evening at home with your boyfriend who gives a shit about you."

"That sounds promising." My phone rang just as I leaned over to kiss Vincent on his brandy-laced lips, and we both turned to look as Christoph's name flash on the screen. "He might have news about Willem."

Vincent waved me on and I answered as I engaged the speakerphone. 

"Hi, Christoph. What's up?"

"Hey, Reese. I wanted to let you know that Willem will be released from the hospital in the morning. That is, if they can keep him in bed until then. He's been a real pain-in-the-ass."

"He sounds like another old fart I know."

"They want him to start physical therapy but he refuses."

"Do you think he needs it?"

"Not really. I'm more worried about his spirit. He's hurting about Cecile and the hive, and I suck at motivational speeches."

Lovely. A depressed demon nursing a severe battle wound and a broken heart. "Should I talk to him?"

"You can try, but don't expect him to listen to you. He's beyond stubborn."

"I've dealt with plenty of stubborn." I purposefully didn't look at Vincent when I made my comment and quickly changed the subject. "So, Christoph. What are you and Willem going to do when he's released? Where will you live?"

"I'm not sure. Dale and the guys haven't returned from the hive yet, so we could bunk at my apartment temporarily. Of course, meeting up with them could be problematic."

"Would you and Willem consider renting my apartment? There's a sublease clause, and I'll be meeting my landlord tomorrow to pay rent."

Silence ensued and I still hadn't looked at Vincent. He was probably pursing his lips.

"I can't afford to pay rent on a place. I don't even have a job."

"We can deal with those logistics later. Think of it as a temporary safe home where Willem can recover and you can both regroup."

"How does Vincent feel about this? Does he know you're offering your apartment to his enemy?"

"Why do we have to be enemies? You saved my life. I'm repaying the kindness. And Vincent is supportive of my choice."

I finally lifted my gaze to look at Vincent. Hopefully, my eyes conveyed the message of gratitude, or at least the message of I owe you, big time. For his part, Vincent remained mute and impassive. So, the usual.

"Okay, Reese. I'll accept your offer because I know you want this for Willem, although it might take an act of nature to get him to agree to charity. Maybe he'll come to his senses after spending a few hours on the streets of Manhattan."

"Take him to Time's Square," I offered. "When he's ready for a break from that mania, the subway station will take you straight to my stop. Do you need money?"

"No. I have enough to get us to your place."

"Then I'll see you and Willem tomorrow at my apartment. Just text me the details."

"Thanks for this," Christoph said. "I'm sure it isn't part of domus protocol, and all that. So, thank Vincent too."

Christoph hung up and I kept my eyes on Vincent, waiting for him to react.

"I don't think you should involve your landlord in this," he said first thing. "He'll want Christoph and Willem to sign sublease agreements, and they'll have to lie through their teeth. It's a lawsuit waiting to happen."

"Alright. I'll just pay the rent as if I'm still living there and give my notice when Christoph and Willem find another place. And when the time feels right, I will talk to Christoph about spying for the gollums."

"Don't use the word 'spy'. That gives the wrong message."

"So, I should dance around the subject to make our relationship even more strained? How very legislative of you."

He scowled. "I didn't mean it that way. I was going to suggest you ask him to keep us in the loop."

Vincent and I spent the next few seconds staring stubbornly at each other, and I watched him slowly come to his own realization.

"You're right," he said on a surrendering sigh. "Spying is spying, whatever we call it. Once again, you've made me look more closely at my methods. It's a wonder I've made it this far in life."

He offered an incredulous smile, and I leaned forward to kiss those smirking lips. "There's more than one way to get what you want, and you have a lot going for you in the handsome and charming department."

Vincent's eyebrows rose slightly. "Charming? Are you sure you want to go that far?"

"You may be right. Who needs charm when handsome has the masses falling at your feet."

"Ah, the truth finally comes out. I'm just arm candy to you."

"Oh, you're most definitely arm candy, but I love you for your mind. It's dirty."

Vincent seized my waist and tackled me with a passionate kiss, and this time, the phone did not interrupt us.

~ ~ ~

Nurse Kathy wished me a fracture-free weekend on her way out of Mr. Pearlman's apartment, leaving Mr. P camped out in his recliner with a plate of oatmeal cookies and a glass of milk. He was just about to turn the volume up on the TV when he saw me, returning the remote to his lap.

"I earned these cookies," he said when he caught me eyeballing his snack. "It doesn't exceed my dietary... whatchamacallit."

"I wasn't going to take your cookies away. I came over to help you make a list of stuff you want salvaged from your apartment. The junk truck will be there tomorrow morning."

"Ah, they're coming to haul off my worldly possession, eh?" He took a bite of cookie and chewed as he gazed off into the middle distance, probably watching the movie of his life play out. "Not much to save. Everything I need is inside my head... what hasn't leaked out already. But, I do need my coffee maker. I forgot to put that on the last list."

"You don't want that old thing, Mr. Pearlman. The pot is stained with cheap coffee."

"That's why I need it. I haven't had a good cup since I left home."

"Okay." I shrugged and wrote down his request. Who was I to deny an old man a nasty cup of coffee if that's what he wanted. The front door swung open, and Vincent walked in with Colin hot on his heels. Both wore the pink flush of a recent argument.

"Reese, what's the story with you and Christoph?" Colin grouched as he attempted to take the lead from Vincent.

"Reese, we need to talk," Vincent said as if Colin hadn't spoken.

While I didn't appreciate the accusatory tone of either brother, I humored them with a reply. "What kind of story were you looking for, Colin?"

"I'm just wondering why you're letting Christoph sleep in the apartment two floors above your best friend."

"Christoph is not going to bother Sylvie. He's taking care of my grandfather. Vincent isn't worried, so you shouldn't be." I turned my gaze on Vincent, who didn't look happy at all. "Are you having reservations?"

He let out an obstinate snort, like I'd asked him the worst possible question. "Not based on my recent interactions with him, but allegiances can change with the right motivation."

"I thought you were calling a family meeting to discuss Christoph and Willem," I said, wondering why these two suddenly decided to behave like children.

"I was attempting to, but Colin suggested we take this to you first. He's under some delusion there's more to your charity than giving your grandfather a place to recuperate."

"Like what, for instance?" I glared at Colin, daring him to make an accusation I wouldn't defend vigorously.

"Should I go?" Mr. Pearlman croaked from his chair.

The brothers appeared to just notice Mr. Pearlman, and they relaxed their warrior stances. I stood and patted Mr. Pearlman's shoulder.

"Ignore us, Mr. Pearlman. We'll finish the list later. I'll be back at eleven to put you to bed."

"You gonna be home at eleven? Ain't it Friday night?" Mr. Pearlman may have claimed a failing memory, but his perception seemed unimpaired.

"I think Vincent and I may be staying in tonight. Believe it or not, I'm in need of some down time."

~ ~ ~

The domus meeting consisted of six. A workable number considering my past experiences with domus meetings, but I still felt like a bloody mess as I pleaded my case with the Valentinos.

"So, based on everything I just told you, are you okay with Willem and Christoph living in my apartment if I ask Christoph to spy for us?" I clarified.

"We lost our intel when the last wave of demons left the city," Wren said. She sat with her usual straight-backed confidence, her hands clasped firmly in her lap. "Being a group leader, Christoph is likely to have better access to information."

Charleton's eyebrows gathered over his eyes as he offered his opinion. "While I commend your generosity, Reese, I must remind you that this action will not bode well with the high council. I know how much you would like to impress them."

My stomach took a little misstep when he reminded me of that potential snag, but Vincent's plan seemed solid. "I know my habit of giving aid to the enemy isn't going to win me any points with the magisters, but if I convince a demon to spy for them, maybe that would make up for my annoying compassion."

Charleton smiled. "Spoken like a true strategist." 

"Well, I can't take all the credit." I looked pointedly at Vincent, who offered a non-committal shrug.

"I think it's a good idea, but my opinion is biased," Jonathan said. "I'm not eager to be magister, so I'll support anything that will strengthen your case. Amelia would stop putting up with me if I had that extra burden to bear."

An uncomfortable silence tried to take over, but I quickly filled it. "Don't think of it as a burden, Jonathan. It would be an opportunity to learn more about yourself. That's a quote my dad likes to use. And for the record, I think you would make a great magister."

"A magister is only as strong as his family," Vincent added. "I am not the only gollum running this ship."

Jonathan looked embarrassed, but he recovered smoothly even with all eyes on him. "When you put it that way, how could I say no and save face?"

Wren leaned across the couch and patted Jonathan on the knee. "That's what I've been trying to tell you. If it comes to pass, make the role your own. We each have a path to follow, but that does not mean it has to be the same path. And, don't take cues from Vincent. He is determined to work himself to death." She turned to offer Vincent a raised brow, and that seemed to signal the end of the discussion. Colin didn't even attempt to interject his opinion about my 'story' with Christoph.

Everyone slowly left their seats, returning water glasses to the sink as we chit-chatted, and Vincent walked Charleton home, leaving me alone in the apartment with my thoughts. This turned into me making coffee even though I didn't need it, and begging off girl's night via a pitiful text to Sylvia. When Vincent returned, he found me wandering the apartment.

"It looks like you need a distraction," he said as he ushered me to the couch and grabbed the remote. "I have full access to everything to numb the mind. What is your pleasure, Miss Kentwell?"

I smiled at his uncanny ability to know what I needed. "Comedy, please."

"One mind-numbing comedy, coming right up."