Jade by Rose Montague Read Free Book Online Page B

in just a few minutes if you have a fae agent that can go with me. The Summer Queen is having a little party and just about everybody of importance in her court will be there. This thing with the kidnappings and murders is already starting to hurt my business. Even if most believe it is the vamps that are responsible, all supes are coming under suspicion and my goods are not such a hot item right now. Most of my local trade has dried up recently.”
    “I can go,” I replied. “I do have some fae blood, after all.”
    “Not just any halfling can penetrate the veil and the attempt would probably kill you,” he answered.
    “We have a full blooded fae agent on the way,” Sarah interjected. “But she will not arrive until tomorrow evening.”
    “It is not an issue,” I said. “I have been through the veil before.”
    Now I had his attention. “I can sense the fae in you, Smith. But I can’t get a handle on your strength or lineage. If you make the attempt, I am not taking responsibility for what may happen.”
    Rolfe had that look on his face again, both of curiosity and concern. “I’m ready,” I replied.
    “Be it so.” That phrase was fae shorthand for putting the consequences on me and not him.
    “You will need appropriate attire,” he said. “I probably have some samples of fae gowns here, they are very popular with celebrities and I do a good trade in them. Let me see if my secretary can kind something that may fit you.”
    “Are you sure about this, Smith?” Rolfe asked. “I have no desire to lose another partner, and none of us can go with you.”
    “I will meet you at the safe house later tonight,” I responded. “Please, don’t wait up for me.”
    Kaosium’s secretary led me to the sample room. Sarah came with me, saying she would not miss seeing the gowns and she would assist me in getting dressed. I guess she was no longer upset about my vamp nature. There were several gowns hanging on a rack, most would be too small for me at first glance. There was one however that appeared to be designed to be a flowing, floor length gown, with the sides slit up almost to the hips and a deep V-necked back with matching V-neck front that might do. It was the color of Jade, my first name, and yes, it had my name all over it.
    I would leave my weapons behind. Bringing metal of any kind into Faerie would set off alarms as would my bra and panties, human-made materials of any kind are forbidden. I had a feeling the dagger of darkness would pass through without notice but I just could not chance it. Karen, the fae secretary, was apologetic.
    “I am sorry I don’t have any undergarments for you,” she said. “This gown does come with a pair of matching slippers that might fit you, however.”
    They were open-toed. A little short but would do, I thought as I pulled the slippers on. Naked in front of strangers again, I thought, what a day.
    There was a full length mirror on the wall and I took a look at myself. The dress fit like a glove, and other than the length it was gorgeous. It had been designed to touch the floor but was just about ankle length on me. I had no complaints, at least I would not be tripping over it. The price tag was twenty grand. When I got back, I would be buying this one.
    Sarah was carrying my clothes and weapons and promised to take the weapons back to the safe house with her, I simply could not chance them being left here. My clothes would remain however, so I could change on my return. The boys were staring at me as we returned to the office, even Kaosium had a slightly stunned look on his face.
    “I think that will do just fine,” he said. Rolfe laughed and even Chris had a silly grin showing.
    The door was directly behind Kaosium’s desk, perfect for an emergency retreat into Faerie if he ever came under attack. “You better hang on to my arm,” he said. “I don’t want to lose you in the mists.” Opening the door you could see a hallway, perhaps ending at the edge of those