'No-no. I want to know what she's made of, first. She could prove to be a useful tool, especially once she begins to understand just what Cameron is asking her to read.' Beltaire nodded thoughtfully. 'If he revolts her, if he frightens her ... that woman's weakness can be turned to serve us. She might even welcome such an opportunity.'
He must have sensed Paul's veiled disappointment, for he added in explanation, 'I prefer not to discard a possible weapon until it proves useless. It would make things much simpler for us if we can use her against Cameron and avoid drawing attention to you.'
Paul nodded, still disappointed, but with his disappointment fading fast. It would be better to avoid Cameron's attention and anger. He might not be the magician he had been before his transformation, but he was still formidable.
'If she proves useless, you may deal with her as you choose,' Beltaire continued. 'In the meantime, I will find out what I can about her, and you keep me informed. I particularly wish to know if she is released for an excursion to the city. I wish to approach her myself and take her measure. If nothing else, she may give us information we need on Jason's progress.' Again, the smile crept into his voice. 'I do not believe that I flatter myself when I say that I am remarkably good at temptation.'
Du Mond laughed dryly at that, for Beltaire had certainly discovered exactly what tempted him. 'I cannot think of anything else that would interest you at this time, Simon.'
'Nor can I, and it is getting quite late.' Beltaire's voice turned solicitous. 'Paul, I do believe it is more than time that I gave you some recompense for your assiduous labor on my behalf. Here.'
He passed over a parcel; as du Mond's fingers touched it, he felt paper and string tied about what felt like a book.
'Don't allow Jason to see this, or he'll certainly know where it came from,' Beltaire warned. 'It is rather in my style. I told you that Jason's way was not the only method of Firemastery. This should get you started on an easier path.'
Du Mond's heart leapt with exultation, and with a fierce joy that he had been right. He had been so certain that Jason was prevaricating, that there was another, easier way to become a Master of Elements-one without all the tedious memorization and the mummery.
'I have hesitated this long only because I have been waiting for something to occur that would take Jason's attention off you-and to make certain of your own temperament.' Beltaire chuckled. 'There are things required on this path that would be repugnant to a weaker man, but I am certain you have the stomach for them.'
'I have the stomach for a great deal,' du Mond promised. 'Thank you. Now, I must continue to play Cameron's errand-boy tomorrow, so if you'll pardon me, I will take my leave of you.'
Beltaire touched the brim of his hat with his cane in ironic salute, and faded into the darkness. Paul waited several moments for him to get well on his way, then made his own way across the docks, making certain not to retrace his footsteps.
Diego was still on duty at the Mexican's-du Mond wasn't the only breaker the Mexican used, just the most skillful-and sounds from some of the other rooms led him to believe that his counterparts were hard at work. Diego bowed him mockingly into an empty room where his clothing waited.
It was past one before he was out on the street again and hailing a cab, his precious book tucked into a pocket. It was a leather-bound, handwritten volume, like many of Cameron's treasured books of Magick, and small enough to fit in a coat pocket.
So many important things were small in size.
He hailed a cab, and took it back to Cameron's townhouse-which would not be Cameron's for very much longer-leaving the noise and garishness of the Barbary Coast behind him.
Until tomorrow.
CHAPTER
SIX
Somehow, even though she had hardly seen Paul du Mond for more than a few minutes at a time, knowing
