The hotel room door opened soundlessly, and the Vampire Grant White slipped into the room as silently as a shadow.
The moment he turned around, he saw a wand aimed at his heart. Grant White immediately raised both hands.
"It's me, Sera."
"Remember to knock next time," Abigail said coldly, putting away her wand.
"They sent a reply."
Grant White's voice was low, carrying a trace of barely perceptible malice:
"Ms. Lightfoot has invited us to meet at ten tomorrow night, on the top floor of Watergate Tower."
Abigail returned to the chair by the window and sat down, sipping water casually. Yet there was not the slightest sign of relaxation in her posture.
"Understood," she said. "For a first visit, didn't Mr. Brolin ask us to bring any gifts? At the very least, a handwritten letter of introduction?"
"No need," Grant White said. "Mr. Brolin had actually reached an agreement with them long ago. All we need to do is go meet them."
Abigail's expression shifted slightly, but she merely nodded and said nothing more.
A brief silence filled the room. Grant White did not leave. Instead, he took a step forward, and the faint scent of cologne mingled with something cold drifted from him.
"There's still quite a while until tomorrow night."
He suggested, "I hear the Crimson Twilight downstairs is quite good. Want to go have a drink together? You've been cooped up at your New York safehouse for a long time too, haven't you?"
Abigail shook her head. "No. I want to rest early. Save my strength and prepare for tomorrow's meeting."
"Don't be so tense, girl."
Grant White moved a little closer, his tone gentler as he tried to persuade her.
"It's only one drink. It won't delay anything important. Besides... perhaps we could talk.