Page 89 of Beauty At Stake
“That would be appreciated,” Sullivan said.
“Losuc,” I called out.
“His name is Losuc?” Karmen whispered, practically salivating.
“Be nice. He's been through a lot,” I whispered back.
“I'm always nice!” He grimaced at me, then his gaze slid over to Losuc, who came through the kitchen doorway. “Oh, my. Hello, Demon Daddy!”
Losuc stopped in his tracks and stared at Karmen.
“He's not why I called you into the room,” I said. “I mean, he is, but not for him to flirt with you.” I smacked Karmen. “Don't scare the Demons!”
“Is that Karmen with a K?” Sal called out, then came striding into the room. “What's up, Special K?”
“Hey, Sassy Sal!” Karmen hurried over to hug her.
“Sassy Sal?” I asked. “When did you two become friends?”
“Oh, the last time I helped you guys out.” Karmen waved a hand. “You know, with that whole underground bunker thing.”
“You mean the Cheyenne Mountain Complex?”
“Yeah, that one. I met Sal there, and we hit it off.”
“What are you doing here?” Sal asked.
“Why do people keep asking me that?” Karmen rolled his eyes. “Hello? I'm a godsend. Obviously.”
Everyone went quiet.
“What I say?” Karmen looked around.
“God is persona non grata around here at the moment.” I made a wincing grimace. “At least with me and mine.”
“Why?” Karmen gaped at me.
“He's been manipulating me. I'll tell you more about it later. Just know that if Anu did send you, it's not happy tidings for us. It would mean he's continuing to interfere when he expressly said he wouldn't.”
“Shit.” Karmen pulled down his lips and chin in an oh-no expression. “Sorry I brought him up.”
“Um, did you need me, Light-Bringer?” Losuc asked.
“Oh! Yes, sorry, Losuc. Uh, this is Councilman Karmen Dinello. He's a sketch artist, among other things, and we're hoping you can describe that logo to him. The one you saw on the boxes in the place you were first summoned.”
“Yes, of course.” He waved Karmen toward the couch. “Shall we sit down?”
“Sure thing. One sex.” Karmen held up a finger, then winced. “Uh, I mean, onesec. I need some paper and a pencil.”
“I'll help you find something,” Sal offered and sauntered off.
Karmen pointed at Losuc. “I'll be right back, hot stuff.”
I rolled my eyes as Karmen followed Sal, calling out, “Girl, where did you get those boots?”
“Did he get gayer?” Killian asked. “I swear, he was at this level of gayness.” He held a hand out to waist high on him. “A nice in-between.”
“In between what?” I asked.
