Em’s flip-phone pinged.
‘Finally, service,’ she said, glancing at the screen. ‘It’s from Vaughn. He says he’s on his way.’
Matt stared at the people by the front of the hotel. ‘He’s here already. Look.’
Vaughn stood among the police and hotel guests. A tall dark-haired young woman stood with him.
‘Who’s with him?’ Rémy asked.
‘Hope it’s not Mum,’ said Em.
Vaughn broke into a jog towards them, his face set in a frown the twins knew a little too well. The woman kept pace with him, although she took a more sedate route than Vaughn, who simply hurdled the low hedges of the garden. The gazebo was becoming less and less like a quiet spot for romantic interludes and more and more like a crowded bus shelter.
‘My God,’ Vaughn growled, pulling Em and Matt into angry hugs, ‘you two will be the death of me. What were you thinking? I sent you on a simple job. You nearly get yourselves killed!’
He shook Rémy’s hand with a swift nod, and looked curiously at the Moor.
‘Lakshmi,’ he said to his female companion, ‘meet my reprobate trainees, Matt and Em Calder. And Rémy Dupree Rush too, of course. This is Lakshmi Misra, from the Metropolitan Police.’
‘You’re the police officer at Old Worm’s,’ Rémy said, staring at Lakshmi.
‘I remember you too,’ said Matt. ‘Em and I followed you to South Kensington.’
Lakshmi lifted her shoulders apologetically. ‘There was no other way to get you across the city to where you needed to be. Rémy was there with Alessandro’s portrait, and I knew he needed your help.’
‘Señor Grant,’ said the Moor, bowing slightly. ‘Don Alessandro de Mendoza, the Moor of Cadiz. I’ve heard a great deal about you and your organization over the years. Truth be told, if not for your fine young agents, we would all be in a lamentable state. And my dear Lakshmi! Is my portrait safe? I had no choice but to abandon it.’
‘The curators were a little stunned,’ said Lakshmi, ‘but Papa has covered your tracks, and I was able to contact Vaughn and explain what was happening. He was already concerned for the twins’ safety, so I invited him to travel with me.’
‘Is this the first time you’ve worked together?’ asked Rémy.
Lakshmi smiled. ‘I’ve had Orion’s number for a long time, but I’ve never had to use it until this week.’
‘So you lied to us earlier when you said Orion knew about the Camarilla and the painting,’ said Em, her hands on her hips.
‘I’m sorry, Em, but at that moment things were on a need-to-know basis. You both are still on probation after all.’
‘I’m impressed,’ said Matt, grinning and slapping Vaughn on the shoulder.
‘With what?’ said Vaughn, eying him suspiciously.
‘With the fact that you were able to keep a lie from Em’s Guardian senses.’
‘Thank you,’ smiled Vaughn. ‘I’ve been practising.’
‘I need a lesson or two,’ said Matt.