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shoots him a look that forbids him to spill more. “Now, of course, she is a well-respected art historian, specializing in American art of the sixties and seventies. Not much of an overlap with my own specialty of antiquities, of course, but we historians stick together.”
    He smiles up at her, breaking her stoniness enough to let a fond smile shine through. It’s obvious: They aren’t just kindred.They are friends.
    Gold stands and straightens his suit. “Well, this isn’t a social call, my dear, so let’s get down to business. Jules was invited to the wedding of two of his Paris kindred. It’s taking place in just under two weeks.
    â€œOn the way here, I explained the history behind the heightened numa presence in New York. I explained that we fear things coming to a head like they did in Paris, and that it might end in a deciding battle.” It’s obvious from the looks on both of their faces that this is a topic they have discussed at length. Gold is just letting Ava know how much he’s told me. He crosses his arms, all business.
    â€œI have spoken to some others, and we want you to accompany Jules to Paris, to gather as much information as you can from our French kindred about recent advances they’ve made, especially interviewing the guérisseur , Bran, as to anything that may give us an advantage in an upcoming struggle. If it is deemed necessary, you could make an official request in the name of the council that the Champion return to help us.” A look passes between them. There’s something they’re not telling me. Probably a lot of things they’re not telling me. But that’s not what’s bothering meat the moment.
    â€œListen, Gold. Why do you need me to go?” I say. “Why can’t you accompany Ava to France? I’m not”— ready —“prepared to travel. I’m still assimilating to life in New York and would rather delay my return until I’m totally comfortable here.” That’s a load of crap, and both Ava and Gold know it, but it’s all I can think of at the moment.
    â€œI am needed here,” Gold says. “Plus, it’s your kindred and their guérisseur that we need to consult with. You are the natural choice for a liaison.”
    â€œWe will need to be accompanied, of course,” Ava says, a soupçon of alarm showing through her mask of self-control. She doesn’t want to be alone with me. Once again, I wonder what I possibly could have done to offend this woman.
    â€œOf course, three is always better even if no one is volant,” Gold agrees. “It has been suggested that Faustino go with you. But let’s limit the number. I don’t want to make a big deal of it and possibly alert our enemies to our movements. This wedding is the perfect cover for our fact-finding mission.”
    Gold nods, like his job is now over. He looks back and forth between us. “Well?” he asks. “You better get your stuff together. I reserved your plane for six a.m. That gives you exactly”—he pulls his shirtsleeve back and inspects a large gold wristwatch—“two hours until you need to leave for JFK. I’d get packing if I were you.”
    â€œTwo hours?” I exclaim. “Why the rush if you’re chartering a plane?”
    â€œWhy wait?” Gold challenges. “Ava’s got her work cut out for her. The more research she can do before our Paris kindred are completely distracted by wedding festivities, the better.”
    â€œDon’t you think we ought to talk to Gaspard first?” I ask, my final plea to get out of this mess.
    â€œYes, of course,” Gold says, and pulls a phone out of his pocket.He taps a button and holds it up to his ear.
    I hear Gaspard yell, “ Oui, allo? ” at his phone, and picture him holding it out at arm’s distance like he always does.
    â€œGaspard, my dear, it’s Theo.