Zaena dropped her existing spell and took a moment to concentrate on the critic’s table. She couldn’t pick through individual strands of sound, but she could amplify and pull the sound from his table. It was hard to hear, but she could make out enough.

  “This is stunningly good,” the critic commented after pulling away from his wife, “and the chef is new. I thought it was a gimmick and a lie, but I checked into him. He was working as a waiter only months ago, and he’s been in the restaurant industry for less than a year. Excellent taste, excellent heart. If he’s already this good, I can only imagine what he’ll be like in a few years.”

  Zaena smiled. “He likes it a lot.”

  “I didn’t need magic to know that,” Karl replied. He saw a server leading a familiar man to a table, his old boss Captain Gary East. He stood. “Huh. About time he showed up. I’m going to go talk to Gary.”

  “Please do,” Zaena insisted. “It seems like we can go one night without trouble after all.” Her smile dimmed. “Then I remember what I need to do after this is all over.”

  “I’ll set up the meeting with our favorite guys in suits,” Karl offered, “but don’t let it dampen your enthusiasm for this night.” He pushed in his chair and headed toward his friend.

  The advice was sound. Despite the intense violence earlier that week, nothing else of note had happened with the opening of the restaurant. They’d converted a temple of wickedness into a delicious symbol of hope for the community.

  It could also serve as proof to the government that Zaena wasn’t Mark Wong. She’d left the human community better than it had been before she arrived. She only hoped they’d see it the same way.

  She swept the room with her gaze again, smiling. “It’s even better than I could have hoped.”

  “I know,” Grace replied. Her expression turned uneasy. “To be honest, part of me wondered if we could pull this off.”

  “Really? You expressed some skepticism, but I didn’t realize you doubted it so much.”

  “It’s not that I doubted you, but you have to think about it from my perspective.” She leaned in to whisper because of the lack of the sound curtain. “An elf princess decides to start a restaurant where the head chef will be a pickpocket she ran down when she first came to Chinatown?”

  “There is a certain absurdity when you express it that way.” Zaena smiled at her friend.

  She froze when she spotted a large man in a dark suit sitting at a table, casting furtive glances all around the restaurant. His gaze kept dipping to a slight bulge in his jacket.

  Another man approached his table. This one had bandages on the side of his face and a black eye. Was he a gangster who’d been involved in violence?

  “What’s wrong?” Grace asked. “You’ve got that world-on-your-shoulders look on your face. It makes my heart race.”

  “Perhaps nothing,” Zaena replied. “Perhaps everything. We shall see.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Air magic was useful for many things. That night, it had proven helpful in confirming a positive review for the restaurant, and now it would be useful for evaluating a threat.

  The bruised man slipped into his seat. A bowl of red bean soup and a cup of tea were waiting for him.

  “Why are you still here?” he asked.

  The large man looked around the restaurant. “I’m trying to get the timing right. The target hasn’t arrived yet. I got a text. She’ll be late. Just eat your soup. I’ll go intercept the package when she arrives. I should have never let you talk me into the plan.”

  The bruised man scoffed. “You needed to be pushed.”

  “I’m lucky she’ll even come near this place. We screwed up. I screwed up. She had a friend who got killed by the Overlords. Crossfire thing. If I didn’t already have the reservation, there’s no way I would have come.”

  Zaena narrowed her eyes. She’d feared a grand, blatant attack on the restaurant, but that would require more resources and gall than the gangsters were willing to muster. A targeted assassination could spread terror.

  Who was the target? Someone inspired to stand up to organized crime because of her personal tragedy?

  Grace might be targeted. Someone might have misinterpreted her relationship with Benny Lee, but she was already there. Zaena doubted fancier clothes and her hair being up would render her unrecognizable to an assassin.

  Another member of the Board of Supervisors was a possibility, given that the only one present was a man. Killing a high-profile politician in the restaurant in front of the chief of police might be a way of sowing terror again in San Francisco and proving criminals were not frightened of the Crimson Wind.

  If she’d misinterpreted what she’d heard about the target, Zaena, either in her civilian identity or as the Crimson Wind, might be the target. No one had any reason to believe the Crimson Wind would be attending. Zaena had presented herself as a representative of investor interests in the White Ruby Company. Suspicious criminals might want to take her down.

  Unlike Grace, Zaena was wearing a disguise. That didn’t guarantee she was the target, but it did mean she couldn’t exclude herself. Since the chief and the board member had shown up without emphasizing who they were, there could be another high-profile customer present.

  Zaena frowned. No. It couldn’t be her. She lacked a friend killed by the Overlords, and the potential assassin had mentioned a text saying the target would be late. There was no reason for anyone to expect Zaena to show up later to the restaurant.

  “You’re scaring me,” Grace noted.

  “There might be a complication,” Zaena explained. “I think it best to be sure before raising the alarm.”

  “You make any noise, that critic and the reporters are going to smear it all over the news,” Grace replied with a grim look. “I think some of these people want something weird and spectacular to happen because of what this place used to be.” She looked at Karl, who was talking to Gary. “Maybe you should tell him.”

  Zaena shook her head. “I can handle a single assassin, and I have a greater chance of stopping any deaths without it going public.”

  “Wait, what? Assassin?” Grace’s eyes widened. “What the hell, Zaena?”

  “I’ll handle him.” Zaena smiled. There were many skills she needed to continue to hone, but she had no doubts about her combat abilities.

  The larger man looked down at his watch. “It’s time.” He pulled out a stack of twenties and dropped them on the table. “That’ll cover it. Should be enough for a decent tip, too. You stay here until it’s done. If she sees you, she’ll know something is up.”

  Zaena stood. “He’s making his move.”

  “Are you sure we shouldn’t get security?” Grace asked.

  “Let me handle this,” Zaena insisted. “Whatever he’s planning, it’s not going to happen inside.”

  Grace sighed. “Okay, but be careful, and let me know right away what happens. Or I’ll make assumptions when I start hearing gunshots.”

  Zaena made her way toward the front. She glanced at the Ruby of Tarilan. She had not thought anything about it, but the neckline of the dress made the jewelry stand out. Anyone who’d seen the necklace before would recognize it. Taking it off wasn’t an option, but she did need to be more careful when donning future disguises.

  The man pushed through the dining room, almost knocking over a server. He apologized but didn’t slow down as he continued toward the front.

  Zaena went after him, her movements graceful and posing little risk to the employees or the diners. She wasn’t far from the man when he stepped out of the restaurant.

  He stuck his hands in his pockets and crossed the street. Zaena kept walking after him, wondering where he was going. She hurried away from the streetlamps to find a pocket of shadow. There wasn’t anyone looking her way or any nearby cameras, so she vanished.

  The man slowed a block away and stopped in front of a bar. Zaena had briefly been inside. She didn’t remember anything special about it. It wasn’t and hadn’t been owned by any organized crime group or family to the best of her knowledge.

  Zaena looked back at the White Ruby Building. The bruised man hadn’t followed. Taking down one assassin would be easy.

  A rideshare pulled up. A woman in a black cocktail dress sat in the back. She murmured something to the driver before getting out and glaring at the large man.

  “Why did you invite me to that restaurant?” she demanded. “I know what you said in your text, but I want to hear it come out of your actual mouth.”

  “I’m sorry. It was in the news. I thought it’d be cool.”

  “That place?” She scoffed. “Of all places?”

  Zaena didn’t recognize the woman. She wasn’t a board member, and she looked to be about the same age as the man. There was nothing in the way she carried herself that suggested she was familiar with criminals.

  “I can’t believe this.” She folded her arms. “I came because you said you had a big surprise for me.”

  “I do,” the man replied. He swallowed, and his hand started shaking.

  Attacking would disrupt her camouflage. There were enough people on the street that someone would see.

  She crossed the street to duck into an alley with a good view of the couple, but something was wrong. The large man obviously knew the woman, and it didn’t make sense to sit there and engage in a lengthy conversation before killing her. There were too many witnesses around.

  Another possibility was this wasn’t a professional hit. This might be an obsessive stalker. If that were the case, she’d disarm him with a spell from across the street, then finish him off hand-to-hand.

  “Don’t you remember this place?” he asked, nodding toward the bar.

  “Should I?” the woman replied, squinting at the bar.

  The man looked crestfallen. “It’s where we first met.”

  “Oh. I was super drunk that night. Remember? I didn’t know who you were when you first called me back.”

  He reached into his jacket. Zaena raised her hand, ready to fire an air gust.

  The man chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. “You went out with me again.”

  She sighed. “I did. I know I’m supposed to be mad at you, but you’re a great guy.”

  Zaena edged forward. He wasn’t a stalker. He was her lover, but that didn’t explain the odd lump and the references to the target. Nor did it clarify the identity of his associate at the restaurant.

  He reached into his jacket. Zaena held her breath. She couldn’t attack until she was sure what was going on.

  The man pulled out a small velvet-covered box and dropped to one knee.

  Zaena chuckled and dropped her hands.

  “I know I screwed up tonight.” The man opened the box, revealing a diamond ring. “That’s only because I wanted to make everything perfect for the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with.”

  She gasped and put her hand over her mouth. “How did… When… What?”

  The man grinned. “Why do you think I’ve been spending so much time with Bobby?”

  “That guy from your boxing gym?” she asked.

  That explained his injuries. He needed to get better at his chosen sport.

  “Yeah. He works at a jewelry store.” The man smiled. “He got me a good deal, but it doesn’t mean anything if you don’t say yes. Will you marry me?”

  People nearby on the street stopped and watched. A young woman filmed the exchange on her phone. Two men who’d emerged from the bar halted to join the viewing party.

  Tears rolled down the woman’s cheeks. “You can be annoying at times, but I still love you. Yes, I’ll marry you.”

  Everyone cheered. Zaena walked out of the alley but kept her camouflage up. She’d stand out too much, and she didn’t want to ruin the moment.

  She was glad she hadn’t bothered Karl.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Karl chatted with Gary about the restaurant, the police, and the meal. He didn’t want to be distracted and not pay attention to his old friend and boss, but it was hard to ignore Zaena’s and Grace’s worried looks before the princess hurried out of the restaurant. Ten minutes passed as Karl pretended to listen to Gary. He was about to get up to ask Grace what was going on when he got a text from her.

  “One second,” he offered and checked his phone.

  Don’t worry. I saw you looking worried. She thought something was going on, but it was nothing.

  “Everything okay?” Gary asked. “Oil explosion? Some guy showed up and stole all the pork?”

  The best lies were unrelated truths.

  Karl chuckled. “No, it’s okay. I’m just expecting someone else tonight.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yeah. An old friend.”

  “I feel like I’ve been talking about me this entire time,” Gary replied. “You shouldn’t let me ramble on.”

  “I don’t mind hearing about how you’re taking down more gangs. I might not want to go back to the department, but I still enjoy you cleaning up the city.”

  His work with Zaena kept him from wanting to return. He got the satisfaction of feeling like he was making a difference with fewer rules. The pay was nice, too.

  Gary laughed. “The chief keeps getting interviewed about what we’re doing, with other cities hoping to emulate our success, but it’s not like he’s going to play up that a superpowered vigilante did the heavy lifting. I think LA’s screwed unless they can get the Crimson Wind to move down there.”

  Karl gave Gary a serious look. “The Crimson Wind might have helped out, but it’s basic, normal, everyday cops that are doing all the continuing hard work. From what I’ve seen in the news, her patrols these days are random stuff, not gang-targeted.”

  “Hey, I’m not complaining, and I’m fine with the attention we’re getting. I don’t know who was behind the Demon Overlords with their weird robots and all that crap, and I’m happy someone popped in to clear things out.” Gary raised his beer bottle. “No decent cop’s going to complain when crime is down. All I ever wanted to do was make this city a safer place, and it’s becoming one.”

  He took a sip of his beer. “You’re happy as local security for absentee investors? I get that you’re dancing on the Overlords’ grave here, and that’s some of the attraction, but is it enough for you?”

  “It’s a living,” Karl replied, “and it’s a living that doesn’t mean taking pictures of guys cheating on their wives, and it’s also given me more time to do what you told me to do.”

  Gary gave him an odd look. “What did I tell you to do?”

  “To catch up with people and not just you. I’ve been doing that a lot. I started right after Christmas, but I’ve been reaching out to everyone.”

  “Is that why you’re waiting for an old friend?” Gary gave him a questioning look. “Are you reaching out to everyone?”

  “If you’re talking about my dad, some things take more time, but I’m talking to my brother a lot more.”

  “You never stopped talking to him.”

  “He never stopped talking to me,” Karl pointed out. “I’ll get around to my dad eventually, but I’m not letting life pass me by anymore. That’s why I’m meeting with a high school friend.”

  “What about John?” Gary prodded.

  “He’s moved on. I’ve talked to him, apologized for some crap, but we’re both different people.” Karl motioned around the restaurant. “I’m only getting a lot busier now that this place has opened, and the White Ruby Company’s interested in doing more with the whole building.”

  Gary looked disappointed. “Oh, I thought he was the old friend you were talking about.”

  “Nah, she’s somebody from high school,” Karl explained. “We used to be close, then she left for college, and you know how things go.” He smirked. “You should be happy I took your old man's advice to heart. It’s good crap.”

  “Good crap, huh?” Gary laughed. “Next thing you know, somebody’s going to accuse you of having feelings other than pissiness.”

  “Nah, I’m still the same, Gary. I just come in the less pissy version.”

  The captain’s phone chimed. He pulled it out with a furrowed brow and read a text. “Damn it. Sorry. I’d like to say this is just about meeting an old friend, but this is police business. I have to reply.” He motioned to the chief and his dinner guest. “Somebody’s got to do the grunt work so guys like them can sit there and have a nice night.”

  Karl frowned. “Anything serious?”

  “Nothing that’s going to make the news.” Gary looked around for a server. “Just some stuff with guys we brought in.”

  Karl held up a hand. “I’ll take care of the bill. You just do what you need to do to keep the city safe.”

  Gary yanked out a couple of twenties and set them on the center of the table. “The least I can do is handle the tip. Thanks, Karl. We need to get together on the course soon. I’ve got a new driver I want to test.”

  “Sure, just give me a call.” Karl waved.

  Gary nodded at him and made his way out of the restaurant, his phone to his ear. Everybody had their responsibilities. The police captain might not have to worry about defending a nexus, but that didn’t make his job any easier.

  Karl sensed someone behind him. He almost went for his gun but turned instead. It was a crowded restaurant. Of course, there would be someone behind him. Zaena and Grace wouldn’t take too kindly to him threatening a patron.

  A slender brown-haired woman in a rumpled gray suit stood behind him with a sheepish smile. “I’m sorry I’m late, but I lost my phone somewhere between the airport and my hotel. I spent so much time searching, I figured I’d just come here and worry about it later.”

  “Caroline.” Karl motioned to a chair. “I was talking to my old captain before you arrived. Sorry for the mess.”

  “I’m the mess.” She took a seat. “I think I’ll survive.” She looked around. “Wow. Busy opening night.”

  “I figured it’d be nice. When I contacted you and you said you’d be in town anyway on a business trip, I was trying to figure out something interesting to do. You’re from here, so tourist crap is pointless.” Karl grinned. “I’ve never been to the opening of a restaurant before.”