Illusion Town by Jayne Castle Page B

that Marla had loved her infant daughter with all her heart and therefore deserved to keep the title of mother.
    â€œI can explain, Aunt Clara,” Hannah said. “It’s a little complicated.”
    â€œThis is a yes-or-no question,” Clara said. “Is the story true?”
    â€œSort of.”
    â€œSort of. What kind of answer is that? Honey, are you okay?”
    â€œI’m fine, Aunt Clara.”
    â€œWhat is going on?”
    Hannah took a deep breath and plunged into the tale.
    â€œElias Coppersmith came to see me yesterday to get my help opening a dreamlight gate down at the Ghost City project. I agreed but before we could leave town a gang of bikers tried to grab one of us. We’re not positive but we think they might have been after me. Elias thinks it may be a case of corporate espionage. They may have been trying to keep me from rescuing the Coppersmith team.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œElias thought I would be safer if I was his wife. It’s just an MC, Aunt Clara. Nothing to get excited about.”
    â€œYou were attacked? By a motorcycle gang? Where are you?”
    â€œHome, safe and sound. The gang showed up when we left the Green Ruin Café last night.”
    â€œBut that’s right here in the DZ. We’ve never had a problem with motorcycle gangs in this zone.”
    â€œYes, I know, Aunt Clara.”
    â€œThe Club wouldn’t allow the competition,” Clara observed somewhat absently.
    It was a fact, Hannah thought. Illusion Town had the usual democratic trappings—an elected mayor and a city council. It also had an effective police force. But everyone knew that the real powers-behind-the-scenes were the members of the Illusion Club. It was a very exclusiveorganization. The membership list was short. The Club was made up of the owners of the largest casino empires in the city.
    â€œI know,” Hannah said. “I was amazed that the bikers would take the risk. Obviously, they’re not from around here.”
    â€œObviously,” Clara said.
    Elias held out his hand.
    â€œLet me talk to your aunt,” he said.
    Hannah clamped the phone against her chest. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.”
    â€œI heard that,” Clara said, her voice somewhat muffled by Hannah’s bosom. “Put that MC husband of yours on the phone.”
    Reluctantly, Hannah handed the phone to Elias.
    â€œMeet Mrs. Clara Stockbridge,” she said. “My aunt.”
    Elias took the phone.
    â€œGood morning, ma’am,” he said. “No, I realize it’s not a good morning for everyone. Sorry, force of habit. I’m Elias Coppersmith.”
    He gave a quick, detailed account of events and wound up with:
    â€œNo, I don’t know what’s going on yet, but until I do, I think Hannah will be safer with Coppersmith Security around her, Mrs. Stockbridge. Also, as my wife she’ll have an additional level of protection . . . Yes, ma’am. I understand. We’re leaving for the jobsite just as soon as Hannah picks up her Underworld gear. Meanwhile, I’ll have our security people coordinate with the Illusion Town police to start an investigation up here on the surface . . . Yes,ma’am, I agree, the Club won’t like having some biker gang think it can roar through town and frighten the locals. Bad for business.”
    There was a lengthy pause.
    Elias gave Hannah a speculative look as he listened to whatever Clara was saying on the other end of the connection.
    â€œNo, ma’am, I didn’t know that. I’ll keep it in mind,” he said. “Yes, I’ll take good care of her. Sorry about the headlines . . . What? No, I’m not sure what a scion is, either. I agree it doesn’t have a good ring to it . . . Right. It won’t happen again, Mrs. Stockbridge.”
    Elias ended the connection and handed the phone back to