“Conference room,” she said, after taking one look at us. She turned to retreat.

I followed, not wanting to think about what might be happening in the other rooms. Call me a prude. But the conference room looked normal.

“So, what brings not one, but two Norse goddesses here.”

Thruor was the one who spoke. I let her, still feeling quite uncomfortable. “One of our friends was kidnapped. The trace led here.”

“I don’t appreciate people being kidnapped and brought here.”

“Furthermore, he’s a Catholic priest.”

She frowned. “Alright. This stops now.” She studied us. Particularly, her gaze lingered on me and Kanesha. “Love should be given freely.”

“Or paid for?” I couldn’t help but asked.

The madam laughed. “I don’t sell love. I sell a little bit of lust, here and there. I also sell…shall we say…instruction.”

I fell silent. This wasn’t what I’d expected. There was nothing sordid here.

Thruor apparently already knew. “So, you’ll turn him over to us and deal with the woman who brought him here?”

“Is she a witch?”

“No. She’s a crazy Christian fanatic. Who’s probably trying to set our friend up to get a hold on him,” Sebastian explained. “They must be desperate. They don’t like men.”

“Crazy Christian female separatist fanatics.” The madam laughed a little bit. “Oh. I’m Amara.”

I was sure that was a professional name. “Yes. I had that reaction too.”

“And this is most intriguing. Thor’s daughter and a daughter of Loki who’s name I don’t know. As allies.” She studied me.
“Priestess,” I retorted.
She grinned. “Well, yes. And on very good terms with my goddess. But Asgardians on either side of that feud showing up together is a new one.”

Thruor shrugged. “We are actually capable of getting over grudges. Just give us a few centuries.”

I laughed again. “Uh…well. Let’s get our friend.”
She touched the intercom and the same girl, the vaguely familiar one, came in.

“Alex, do be a dear. Go see what’s happening in room 34.”

Alex nodded and turned.
Amara looked at us. “Don’t worry about her, by the way. Hair pins.”

I decided I liked Amara. Even if she did run a brothel. Hair pins? I’d have to try that some time.