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“Yes, Commandant.”

I go to move toward my office, then turn back to Gaspard. “Call La Couronne Bleu and tell Bruno that Andi and Jade will not be coming in today. I expect their jobs to be waiting for them when they return, and will be very displeased if they are not.”

My second nods. “It will be done, Commandant. I’ll make sure the fae understands his place . . .” Gaspard then hesitates. He never hesitates, so this is odd. I give him a searching look, and he finally says, “I wish, Commandant, to express my . . . gratitude. For what you did for Jade last night. For bringing her here and calling Hector. I owe you another favor, it seems.”

I quirk a brow. “Shouldn’t it be Jade that owes me a favor now? You take on too much for a witch who is not even yours.”

He grimaces at my words, but shakes his head. “It doesn’t matter. Please, don’t go to Jade with her debt. If she owes anything, come to me, and I will square it.”

Gaspard really has it bad for the fiery Jade to stick his neck out like this for her. I wonder, not for the first time, what happened between them that led them to break up. There was obviously not a lack of feeling, at least on Gaspard’s end. I also wonder at the foolishness of my second. Doesn’t he see that by broadcasting his care for the witch, he is also broadcasting his weakness? But he’s always been more of a romantic, despite his outer stoicism. I would have thought that his long years would have taught him the folly of such feelings, but I suppose he is still fairly young, less than three hundred years as a vampire.

“Be careful, Gaspard,” I warn. “You reveal too much. It leaves you in an unfavorable position for bargaining.”

“I trust your discretion, Commandant. And your fairness.”

He really shouldn’t. I always do what is best for myself, but Gaspard has been blind to my faults since I saved and turned him all those years ago. And it is against my own self-interest to disabuse him of his false ideas, so I do not. Still, I need him to understand something.

“Tell me, Gaspard,” I ask, “in the event that Jade was in danger and saving her would be against the interests of the Fraternity, what would you do?”

Gaspard stiffens at my question, and I can tell that I have surprised him. I remark lightly, “Your silence is telling, my brother.”

Gaspard takes a deep breath. “I would never act against the Fraternity. You know that.”

I smile, perhaps a touch cruelly. “That still isn’t a clear answer. Your Jade against your allegiance. What do you pick?”

My second’s face is unreadable when he responds, “I would choose the Fraternity, Commandant. Always. But then I would walk into the sun and join Jade in whatever there is after this life. If she will have me.”

Hmm. Not the optimal response, but I can tell that he means it, and his response is still loyal. I am still the priority. It would seem that if I wish to keep my second, then I must also keep the witch safe.

I nod. “I accept your answer. Now, I would have your word: in the event that you must choose between Jade's safety and Andi's, I command you to choose Andi. I am siren-bound to her. We have no idea what will happen to me if she is compromised, and without me, there is no Fraternity.”

Gaspard hesitates again, and I continue, “I could always use your marker to require such a thing, but I would rather have your word willingly. A proof of your loyalty.”

I suppose that it is not fair to call this “willing.” Andi would take umbrage at it, I’m sure. I remember her passionate speech about how it is impossible to consent under the influence of substances, and I'm sure she would be of the mind that coercion cannot be consent, either, but I use what tactics I must to get what I want.

Finally, Gaspard nods, almost imperceptibly. “My word, Commandant, that I will hold Andi’s safety as the highest priority, even over Jade’s.”

The corners of my lips curl up. I do so love getting what I want. “Good. As always, you are my most faithful servant, Gaspard. Now, make that call.”

With that out of the way, I step past Gaspard, heading to my office. I am eager to meet this Granny Jean. She knows something about Andi’s origin. As I reach the doors, Garnet is standing guard outside the office, her back to the door.

“Garnet,” I acknowledge.

“Commandant,” she greets. “The old woman is within. The background check you asked for is on your desk as well.”

“You are quick as usual,” I commend.

“It’s easy with the resources of the Fraternity,” she responds modestly.

I nod in acceptance of her words, and she steps to the side to let me in. The door swings wide under my confident hands, and then I pause. Behind my desk, sitting in my own chair, is, for want of a better word, a crone. Her silver hair is very long and loose, with wild waves that run down her shoulders, held back by a leather headband. She wears a flowing patchwork dress of many colors, reminiscent of Romani clothes. Her face is naught but layers of wrinkles, but shining amber eyes glint with intelligence and sharpness behind the drooping skin.

I did not expect someone who looked so . . . old. Witches tend to be vain, using their magic to extend their lives and appear as youthful as possible. Like Zelda. I do not fault them for their vanity, as vampires do not age either, and most are conventionally attractive, the better to lure prey. But it is a rare thing to find a witch who has allowed herself to age, as this woman obviously has. Though, of course, she could still be older than she looks.

She doesn’t look up as I enter, but is instead paging through a file on my desk. Andi’s background check, ostensibly. She remarks flippantly, “This is quite thorough. Your girl does excellent work.”

“Granny Jean?” I ask, perhaps a touch hesitantly, stepping into the room. The door swings shut behind me, and we are alone in my office.

“That’s my name,” she drawls with a Southern twang, looking up finally. “Don’t wear it out.” Then she grins at me with strong white teeth, and I feel a little on guard. It is not often that I meet an Other who is this calm in the presence of an ancient vampire. She is either ignorant or has the power to back up her ease. I would bet on the latter, and I rarely ever lose a bet.