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small flats.”
    Fenix sucked in her breath. “Can you tell me the address?”
    Mistress Chat shrugged, a very Gallic expression. “I’m not sure. I would have to see it again. I do remember I could see the tower of Saint Sulpice from the street.”
    Fenix smiled. “I know that church. It’s old.”
    The dominatrix shot out a claw-like hand and grabbed Fenix’s arm. “You will not go hunting for this man. If he’s murdering these women, he’s very dangerous. Fenix, the dead girl in the alley had red-gold hair like yours. If you go hunting for him, he will see you and kill you.”
    â€œI’m stronger than you know,” Fenix said carefully considering what to tell this woman. “I can well care for myself.”
    Chat tilted her head and inspected Fenix carefully from head to toe. “I don’t believe it. You look like a child.”
    Fenix held her palms flat and created a fire ball in their center. She tossed it up in the air several times, spun it and then made it disappear. Mistress Chat’s eyes grew wide. “I can do much more. Believe me when I say, I can take care of myself. I am so much older than you can imagine.”
    The dominatrix leaned forward. “Your sister, she can do this, too?”
    Fenix leaned back in her chair. “To Bryn, I am as a baby. Her powers are not as mine, but she’s a very dangerous woman.”
    â€œShe was here this morning. Behind the building speaking with the gendarmes .”
    â€œTake me to the building where you saw the priest,” Fenix said.
    Mistress Chat smiled. “And what will you do for me in return?”
    Fenix instantly knew what Chat wanted. She smiled slyly. “I can whip a few of your clients for you. I imagine some are looking for new adventures, more dangerous situations. Maybe some very exclusive and special clients.”
    Mistress Chat’s eyes glowed. “Yes, I have several special clients just as you say, looking for more adventure, a more exciting experience with a new dominatrix, a new and infinitely beautiful woman to control them and make them beg for mercy.”
    â€œThen we are agreed. You will take me.”
    Chat meant cat in French and at that moment the dominatrix looked exactly like one. Her slanted eyes glowed, her pointed chin twitched and Fenix expected her to purr or lick her paw at any moment. “I am done here, finis. We will go and tonight you will come and entertain my clients especial. ”
    Fenix was so excited she felt like dancing. She would find Priest before Bryn even knew where he lived and she would steal the dagger proving to her sister she could take care of herself.
    They went out the back door. The police were gone and so was the dead body. One of the new steam-powered horseless carriages waited. The dominatrix opened the door and hustled Fenix inside. She climbed in beside her and leaned forward to speak to the driver. He released a lever and the chug of the steam engine increased. Amazed, Fenix stared as they rolled down the alley without the benefit of horses.
    â€œThis is your first ride in a steam powered carriage?”
    â€œI think so. Sometimes my memories are imperfect, but yes. I can’t believe it moves so fast and so easily.”
    Mistress Chat leaned against the black leather upholstery and closed her eyes. “It is a luxury but I no longer have to keep horses. So convenient, you see.”
    The driver kept to wider roads finally turning into the rue de Seine. He stopped in front of a building made of the white limestone so common in Paris. It was six stories high with a black door. Curtains fluttered in many of the windows. Fenix turned and stared behind. She saw the tower of Saint Sulpice and knew his flat must be on the front where Priest could see the church. A sudden movement in the window of one of the third floor flats caught her eye. And there he was, Draak Priest staring right at her.

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