"Ethics?" Ria shook her head. "No, I don't have any problems with ethics. The question is risk versus benefit. I assume you've heard of RICO? The Racketeer-Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act? The one that allows the government to seize any assets that were acquired illegally? I have a multi-million-dollar, completely legal, business. Any legal difficulties with my investment money would reflect back onto the Llewellyn Corporation and could result in a Federal seizure of assets. I won't risk it. Tell me about a profitable and legal investment, and I'll consider that. But not drugs, no thank you."
Shari considered that for a moment. "We can offer excellent terms for your legal risks and some good layering to separate your investment from your operations. Perhaps investing in a third-party venture? Such as an air cargo company?" Damn her, we need the money to invest in the new aircraft fleet, or it'll be another year before we expand into Northern California. We'll lose our competitive edge to the local humans, which will mean a long battle to win it back, a lot of wasted effort, and spilled human blood. We need that money now.
"Still too dangerous. Even if you hide the direct ownership linkages, what happens to that air cargo company's profit line when the Feds confiscate the aircraft?" Ria said, then smiled suddenly. "Of course, Nataniel keeps his limited partnership ownership of that Las Vegas hotel entirely separate from his other businesses, doesn't he? Perhaps in exchange for a percentage in that business, I could be persuaded to invest in the hotel. That would free up some of your operating capital for these other . . . ventures."
Shari pretended to consider that for a moment, but she was seething inside. She's done her homework, this one. Nataniel was a fool for saying that we could control her easily, that she's just her father's pawn. But this may be the only route we can go. If only my lord Nataniel hadn't told me that we need her aid, I'd teach this little human bitch some proper respect for the Unseelie Court. . . . "I'll suggest it to him," Shari said. "In the meantime, I think—" She stopped, listening intently. Not to any audible sound, but something far away, a distant echo that resonated in her bones. It was the noise of magic, someone working a major sorcery. She recognized it instantly: it was the human mage.
"I can sense it too, Shari. It's in the San Fernando Valley," Ria said quietly. "Studio City, I think, or maybe Van Nuys."
Shari stood up. "I'll need to go track it down immediately. If you'll excuse me . . ." She saw the glint in Perenor's eyes, a thinly disguised hunger.
"Would you like my company, Sharanya?" Perenor said, but she could hear the eagerness beneath his cultured tones. "This could be dangerous for you. I know you have considerable talents, but you might want some extra protection."
He enjoys killing them, she realized. It's like a game for him, more than anything else. This is closest we have to the Great Hunt now that we live among the humans, chasing down these pitiful human mages. Such a pity that Nataniel ordered me to bring this human back alive—I would enjoy killing it, if I could.
And Perenor is a handsome man, for a Seelie, as handsome as Nataniel. I wonder what he would be like, flushed in the success of a Great Hunt, glorying in his kill? Perhaps I'll find that out for myself, someday. "My lord, your company would be welcome, but I must caution you: Nataniel ordered me to capture this mage alive, and he would be very displeased if it were to die unexpectedly."
"I understand," Perenor said, though she could hear the frustration in his voice. Maybe I can channel that frustration into another arena, Shari thought with a silent laugh. We'll see how skilled you really are, my lord Perenor.
"Enjoy yourselves," Ria Llewellyn said, reaching for her purse and silk jacket. "I have some real work to do, if you don't mind. I'm sure we'll talk later about these investments, Shari. Call me when you two are . . . finished."
Shari flushed slightly, realizing that her thoughts must have been transparent as glass to the woman. Someday you'll learn respect for your betters, half-breed bitch, Shari thought, and smiled a cordial farewell to Ria Llewellyn. But until then, I suppose I'll have to amuse myself in other ways. . . . She extended her arm to Perenor, who gave her a courtly bow before escorting her from the townhouse.
Elizabet hesitated at the warehouse door, looking around the deserted street before touching the half-open door. She could still feel the residue of magic within, now slowly fading. It had been enough magic to startle her from her preoccupation with a backlog of juvenile-related files and bring her here, to this industrial zone. She wasn't certain what she'd find inside, but guessed that she had better be careful. She pushed the door further open with her foot, not wanting to leave any fingerprints on the smooth metal doorknob.