LILITH

The sun was high when the taxi dropped me off in front of Cameron Hotel.

Inside the cool lobby, the faint scent of coffee and fresh flowers clung to the air, but I was in no mood to appreciate it as I dragged Claire’s number from the blacklist and dialed.

“I’m at the hotel,” I said flatly the moment she picked up.

She chuckled, a mocking undertone in her voice. “That was fast of you.”

After a pause, she added: “You already know the room number. Come up yourself.”

“Or do you expect me to come down and escort you like a princess? Just a warning—don’t take too long,...