Alien Diplomacy

wearing?” It was a cheap shot, I had to admit, but I enjoyed it.
    Bryce looked shocked and a little panicked, but he scrambled well. “Something that looks great on her.” I managed not to smirk. I figured the last time he’d seen Leslie was when they’d walkedthrough the door, and I doubted that he’d paid any attention to her clothing choices.
    “Bryce is right,” Marcia said quickly. “You’re in a great dress.” She sounded somewhat envious.
    I wasn’t sure if she was faking it or not, but something in her tone caused Nathalie to look up. She looked me up and down. “Your dress is beautiful, and it fits you perfectly, both in tailoring and style. If I may ask, who did the design?”
    She was a former fashion model, so it didn’t surprise me that she wanted to know. “Akiko Designs. She’s an up-and-comer.”
    Nathalie’s eyes widened. “You took quite a chance.”
    “Did I?” I laughed. “Didn’t seem like it. She’s extremely talented. I’m sure she’s going to be big.”
    Nathalie smiled. “Ah, very wise. Claim her as yours now, before someone else can snap her up.” She nodded as though we were fashion insiders, then went back to Angry Birds before I could share that I hadn’t snapped anyone up, and the designer was free to have as many clients as she wanted.
    Abner took a shot at getting the conversation back onto the track the rest of them wanted. “You know, Kitty, everyone here can help you navigate through the intricacies of D.C. life. After all, as Missus Lockwood says, we’re all in this together.”
    “Are we?”
    Joker Jaws gave her husband a sharp look. “Absolutely,” she said.
    “Great. Then maybe you can tell me something I’m curious about.” They all nodded eagerly. I made sure I was able to see all their expressions. “I’m wondering if Titan Security is one of your clients.”
    Cantu and Armstrong both twitched, just a little. Bryce and Whitmore’s smiles froze. Culver paused just a little too long before she put her Joker smile back on. “How do you mean?” she asked.
    “They’re here in full force, aren’t they? I think it’s pretty impressive, and I’m wondering if you helped them get the contract.”
    “Oh, thank you.” She preened and I congratulated myself. “Yes, they’re one of the many fine companies I represent. Just as I’d like to represent American Centaurion.”
    Really? She wanted to land us as a client? Maybe. After all, whoever controlled the A-Cs had a better shot at turning us into the War Division. However, while my suspicions about Cantu and company were confirmed, it wasn’t the proof Mom or Chuckie were going to need. It was also a safe bet that none of these people wouldbe pulling whatever triggers—the kill order had already gone out, at least so far as we knew.
    “What an interesting idea. I’ll discuss it with my husband.”
    “ Do ,” Culver said. “I’ll be in touch with you when?”
    “Oh, don’t call us, we’ll call you. I’m sure we have your cards from the other day.” I didn’t believe they’d left any, but it was as good a line as any other.
    Cantu waved at someone. “What great timing,” he said, as another man joined us. “Antony, Ambassador Martini was just complimenting Titan’s protective services. Ambassador Martini, please allow me to introduce you to Mister Antony Marling, the head of Titan Security.”
    Sure enough, the Head Dude of Evil had joined our group. Joker Jaws’ smile went to Destroying All of Gotham City proportions. Everyone else seemed thrilled Marling had joined us. Other than Bryce, who looked sullen as he busied himself with the examination of his fingernails.
    Marling smiled and offered his hand. “Wonderful to finally meet you. Haven’t had the pleasure of meeting your husband yet, but I’m looking forward to it.”
    I forced myself to give him my hand. I also forced myself not to ask him why, if he was so keen to meet us, he’d spent the last few days having people try to kill me. “Pleasure.”
    Marling looked me up and down. “What a vision you are. Très belle, mademoiselle ,” he said with a wink.
    It was fab to discover that the Cabal of Evil had their own little flirty catchphrase, but it really made me want to gag. I wondered if he’d stolen the phrase from Bryce, if Bryce had stolen it from him, or if it was just a group thing. Then I decided not to care.
    “How sweet. Merci, monsieur .” Everyone, from Marling to Bryce, looked shocked that I