The conversation flowed easily, Mercier playing the perfect host. Drinks appeared, the atmosphere relaxed, and gradually the other patrons of the club faded into background noise.
I waited for the right moment. We needed Mercier focused on us, his guard down, the other vampires positioned where they wouldn't immediately interfere.
"You know," Mercier said after about twenty minutes, "I have a proposition for you both."
"Oh?" I kept my tone casual.
"I'm hosting a private gathering next week. Very exclusive, very... adventurous. I'd like you to attend as my personal guests." His smile widened. "I think you'd find it quite memorable."
"That's very generous," Sarah said.
"Not generous. Selfish, perhaps. I enjoy surrounding myself with interesting people." He leaned forward. "So what do you say? Will you – "
Sarah's purse fell open, the modified compact tumbling out.
"Oh, damn it," she said, reaching for it.
I saw her finger press the center as she picked it up.
Three seconds.
