24 – A Friendly Conversation“Why does he have to wait outside?” Lemon asked, scowling as the fancy lady and her entourage invaded the tiny sitting area at the front of the rental house. A big, wolf-eyed man was glowering in Demon’s face, trying to usher him out. Of course, the fighter, small as he was compared to the bodyguard, bristled, clenching his fists.The lady—Lemon had forgotten her name, but it was something with a V—spoke smoothly, and her presence and expectation for obedience seemed to work like a magic spell, “Young man, I am here to provide aid, but I’d like to talk to this woman alone. Step outside, please, and don’t be difficult.”Demon glanced at Lemon, and she nodded, trying not to look as frightened as she was. What could he do? Orin was in town, and the lady had two other bodyguards, though not as menacing as the big man, standing by the exits. “Go on. I’ll be fine.”“Go with him, Flint. Make sure we’re not disturbed.”The man, his presence like a black hole, turned to regard her. “I shouldn’t—”“Go on, Flint. You know where the danger lies.”“We think,” he muttered, opening the door and ushering Demon out. A moment later, Lemon was standing face-to-face with the fancy lady in a much less-cramped space.“Where’s your little one?”Lemon folded her arms, her scowl deepening.“Don’t be difficult, girl. If I’d wanted to harm you, you’d be locked in a cell awaiting a much less gentle questioner.” The woman looked mature and moved a little stiffly, like her smooth features were hiding some real age. When she spoke, her tone reminded Lemon of PKs and magistrates; she was used to compliance.“He’s in the backyard playing,” Lemon answered, picturing Kit pushing around the tractor that Orin had gotten him. “Also, I’m not a girl.”The woman ignored the comment, looking at her two remaining bodyguards. “Go out (...)