by C C Sommerly
Something in what he said, had me seeing red. “So you’re just throwing me to the wolves, then? They can kill me as often as they like until the day I can’t be brought back to life? Is this because I scare you?”
“We aren’t scared of you,” said Lochlan before Sterling could respond to me.
Callie sure looked scared. I couldn’t tell about Jennica, but she looked unsettled. They all think I’m a monster.
“None of us want you hurt or dead. I’ll talk with Miles. Dealing with your magic by killing you should never have been an option. It won’t happen again.
“I agree with Lochlan. And, unfortunately, you don’t have a choice about training. Whether it helps or not, you have to do it. You might as well get the most out of it and hone your skills. Just be careful,” added Sterling.
“What about your news?” I asked, hoping to steer the conversation and attention away from me.
My admission about training was harder than I thought. I hadn’t really thought through how their reactions would affect me. Being knocked out to stop my magic was humiliating and alarming. I also didn’t want to think too long about my magic because it made me miss it.
“I’ll go first,” said Sterling. “I met with Reginald. He won’t let us have the Agency back. In fact, he sold the property and wants nothing more to do with us.”
“So we lost everything because of me?”
“It wasn’t your fault,” said Callie. She still looked scared, but she’d come close enough to pat my hand awkwardly before ducking out of my reach.
“It is,” I insisted.
“Marty, what’s happened can’t be changed. We already knew that getting Reginald to agree to return was a long shot. I’ll start searching out new locations tomorrow. We can’t stay here long and we need a place to work out of. Clients can’t easily reach us here in the Fae Realm,” said Sterling.
“I may have a solution to that,” said Lochlan. “There is space at the Wolf Agency’s office. We recently expanded it to bring in more investigators. You can rent the extra rooms there.”
“You’d have us relying on your charity even more. What do you get out of it?” I asked.
“Who said I got anything out of it?” said Lochlan.
“So you made this offer out of good will?” I asked.
“Why couldn’t that be true?”
“Because that’s not how things work and you darn well know it. So, I repeat, what are you getting out of it?”
“Marty, that’s enough,” interrupted Sterling.
“No, let me address this. I’m not putting you under my control or offering you charity. You’ll pay for the space and can pay for rent at one of my residences until you find a place. Unless you’d rather live on the streets and peddle your services there. I doubt many people will hire an investigator off the street,” said Lochlan.
“Why –”
“The choice isn’t yours, it’s mine. We’ll accept if the terms are agreeable. I’ll chat with you separately about this,” said Sterling.
“But –”
“Enough, Marty. We have more things to worry about than whatever petty grievance you have against Lochlan,” said Sterling.
Lochlan’s eyes bored into mine, pleading for understanding. I didn’t give my trust away freely, it had to be earned. Lochlan managed to weasel his way into my life, first with forcing me to partner with him on the missing necklace and grimoire cases. Now, he was offering us the chance to co-locate at his work in addition to staying at his home.
I seethed and waited to see if Lochlan told us what his news was. Lochlan broke away from the staring contest we were in.
“I do have news, but I wish it was better news. King Kazar and his council agreed to hear my petition, but they won’t convene until the next full moon,” said Lochlan.
“That’s almost a month away!” I shouted. “Anything can happen to Zander in that time. He’s defenseless.”
“This isn’t good news. Is there anything we can do to get into their realm sooner?” asked Sterling.
“Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do. We can pursue more about the Shadow Realm. Someone still needs to have a chat with the Sisterhood,” said Lochlan.
“I suggest we retire for what’s left of the day. It’s been a trying couple of days. In the morning, we can discuss who visits the Sisterhood,” said Sterling. “Lochlan, let’s chat outside.”
They left us and I trudged down to the basement unsure how to handle my competing emotions.
12
The following morning, I met Miles at the Enforcers Training Academy, once again without my canine companion. When we got to the training area, a half a dozen mages were scattered around it. I felt their magic charged and ready for use.
“I see you’re taking precautions,” I said.
“Now that I know what I’m dealing with and your unique challenges, I’m taking a different approach to your training,” said Miles.
“I feel all warm and fuzzy when you say those things. Do you really think I’m special?”
Miles’ face flushed and he clenched his fists, but he kept his temper in check. Must be part of the enforcer training – learning to be stoic in the face of anything.
Training wasn’t any better than the first time. When it came time to use my magic in training, I felt the addictive pull of it. A small and dark side of me, didn’t want to stop. Even the littlest opening of my magic created an uncontrollable and unstoppable rush. Only this time, I wasn’t immobilized and in need of a healer.
Once training wrapped up, I set out to finally make some progress on my cases. We needed the money, but finding out how my father was connected to the ripple in the realm, the weird deal with the shadows and how to protect against him was still a top priority.
I made my way to the Vertical Horizons Community Center. The Center was tucked in between a laundry mat and a park. The park was really more of a playground than anything and it was connected to the Center by a fence. There was a semi-rusted playground set and some mulch scattered around it.
Once inside the center, I approached the receptionist. She was a motherly type with hair lightly sprinkled with silver and warm brown eyes. She looked at me and smiled.
“Do you need some assistance, Miss?” she asked.
I didn’t want to lead with being a PI. Not everyone was fond of us and revealing my job tended to close more doors than it opened.
“One of my friends told me about the art lessons here. She said that they were amazing and it’s something I always wanted to try.”
The woman looked me up and down probably taking note of the leather I wore and the sword and gun strapped to me. She wasn’t buying my story, but good manners dictated that she couldn’t call me out on it.
“I know that I totally don’t seem the type. My mom was an artist, God rest her soul. She always wanted me to paint. I refused and now it’s too late.”
The woman’s expression softened and her eyes got glossy with unshed tears.
“I can’t leave the desk, but I’ll call someone who can show you to the art room.”
“I’d appreciate that. This means a lot to me.”
“I’m sure it does, dearie.”
She spoke softly into the phone and several minutes later a young man appeared.
“Adam, can you please show this young lady to the art room and tell her about our program.”
“I certainly can, Miss Dee. I’m always happy to help out a prospective student.”
I followed him to a clean and organized art room. There were clay vases drying on a set of shelves, water colored canvases filled the walls, there were even a few marble statues. Easels were arranged around the room. The quality of the work and the variety of art formats was surprising. It looked like something I’d expect to find in a prestigious art school, not a community center for the less fortunate in Germanna.
“This is where the magic happens,” he said. “What brings you here?”
“My mom pa
ssed away. She was an artist, but I refused to learn from her when she was still around. I miss her and I want to see the world through her eyes, so here I am.”
“We all have a calling to see the truth hidden behind misconceptions, falsehoods, and tailored realities. You’ll learn to open yourself up to the truth here.”
“Are you the only teacher?”
“Now, I am.”
“My friend recommended this place, but I thought she said her teacher was a girl.”
“That would have been Emma Lynn. She’s no longer with us.”
“That’s too bad. My friend said the nicest things about her and how talented she is. Will she be returning?”
“No, I don’t think so. Emma Lynn found a higher calling.”
“Mr. Adam,” said a boy who skipped through the door. Several other children and adults entered the room, their eager faces flashed smiles at Adam.
“I didn’t realize you had a class,” I said.
“It’s okay. You can stay and see what it’s like.”
“I wish I could, but I have a previous commitment. Thank you so much for speaking with me.”
“I look forward to opening your mind to new possibilities.”
That sounded a bit creepy, but I hadn’t spent much time around artistic folks, so maybe they were all a bit spacey. He hadn’t said anything bad, but I felt weird being around him.
Outside of the community center, I ran into two teenage girls who were carrying canvases and bags overflowing with art supplies.
“Hello, are you taking the art classes here?” I asked.
They stopped at my words and eyed me with distrust. The girls clutched their possessions tighter and darting their eyes about as if looking for an easy escape. Crap. Way to put them at ease, Marty. I’m sure they would spill their guts now that I scared them.
“What’s it to you?” asked the taller, brown-haired girl.
“I’m a private investigator and was hired by the Jamisons to find their daughter.”
“Show us your badge,” said the same girl.
I pulled out my badge and held it out for their inspection. This was ridiculous and these two were rude and disrespectful. Each of the girls took their time looking it over. I halfway expected them to scratch at it to check if the gold was fake or bite it like people do to check if a gold coin is fake. Fake coins bent, but real ones didn’t.
“Do you know Emma Lynn Jamison? If so, I’d like to ask you a few questions,” I said.
“We have to get to class and we don’t have to tell you anything,” said the blond-haired girl.
“You aren’t even a real investigator and can’t do anything to us,” said the other girl, whose face was twisted into a sneer.
“But I can and will if you don’t answer this lady’s questions.” I stiffened, recognizing Miles’ voice.
“Fine. No need to be nasty about it,” said the brown-haired girl.
Miles came out of nowhere. I hadn’t taken him for the stealthy type. He was more of the stomp around like a rampaging ogre and waving his badge kind of guy. For him to be here at the same time that I was meant that he was following me. The last thing I needed was him shadowing me. I wasn’t going on some magical rampage. I pushed my magic down and it was cooperating – for now.
“So, did you know the young lady you were asked about?” he said.
“Everyone knew and loved her. She was soft spoken and shy, but once she spoke about art, it was like she just came alive. Until I met her, I considered quitting. Emma Lynn gave me a new perspective. I love art again,” said the brown-haired girl.
“She sounds very nice. Did everyone like her then?” I asked.
“No one has any reason not to. She is as nice as can be,” said blondie.
“So, no one had any reason to dislike her or hurt her?” I asked.
“Oh my God! Is she okay? Did someone hurt her? I thought she was being transferred to the Institute?” asked the brown-haired girl.
“Sorry for alarming you. This is part of a standard background investigation I’ve been hired to do by the Rare Herbs and Medicinals Company. What can you tell me about her transfer?” I asked.
“Oh, she was so happy. I’ve never seen her like that. She said getting to work for a place like this was a higher calling. That it was an elite position that she’d somehow been selected for,” said the brown haired girl.
“Selected for what?” asked Miles.
“I can ask my own questions,” I told him. “Well, actually, that was the question I was going to ask. Can you tell us what she was selected for?” I asked.
“She got selected to attend the Institute of Reawakening,” said the same girl.
“It was my understating that she was going to work at the Rare Herbs and Medicinals Company.”
I nearly winced at my own stupidity. Now, I’ve given Miles insight into this case. I needed him checking into the Institute and the Company even less than I needed him shadowing. If something was going on, him snooping around could tip those places off and kill my leads.
“Well, some things are even better than a company job. And why are you even bothering to do an investigation if she’s not taking the job?”
She had a smart mouth and I doubted that this Institute was a better job if it led to her running away. But, maybe the Institute was the exception and would be a lucrative career.
“It’s policy to complete the background investigations until the prospective employee rescinds the offer. Now with that out of the way, what can you tell me about the Institute of Reawakening?”
“It’s in Ashton, but super exclusive. Look lady, we really need to go. Class is gonna start soon. You should check it out. They give tours since they don’t let many people attend.”
“Thank you for your time. If you think of anything else, can you leave a message for me at Wolf Agency?”
“Okay, but we don’t know anything else.”
“Just in case. That’s where you can reach me.”
Once the girls left, I rounded on Miles.
“Am I under surveillance now? I don’t need you babysitting me. I’ve got a handle on my magic. Tell the Guild Master that I don’t need you shadowing me?
“Are you done?”
“Yes,” and turned my back on the infuriating man.
“You’re just mad because I helped you.”
That gave me pause. “I’d have gotten the answers out of them even without you here.”
“The Guild Master didn’t ask me to babysit. I’m doing it for myself. I personally think you are a risk and could be lethal. I won’t have that on my conscience. And, you don’t have control. You’re deluded if you think you do. It’s not a matter of if you lose control Marty, but when.”
I didn’t need this. Miles breathing down my neck would only scare away witnesses and to think I refused getting Roc’s assistance for the same reason. And, I didn’t trust Miles. First training and now stalking, Miles certainly was a multi-skilled enforcer.
“Well, unless you need to follow me home, I’m leaving.”
“I’ll be watching you.” He gave me a salute and I barely resisted the urge to give him the finger. “See you tomorrow, trainee.”
“Yeah, can hardly wait.”
I needed to return to Lochlan’s house. In my rush this morning, I forgot to get the address for Mr. Hamm, so I could set up surveillance for his supposedly unfaithful spouse. And, a visit to the Institute of Reawakening was definitely a must. Having to backtrack just wasted time I didn’t have. If Sterling was pushing for us to close cases it meant our financial situation was even more dire than I thought.
Back at Lochlan’s house, I found Callie and Jennica curled up on the couch munching on something.
“You look worse than us,” said Callie.
“The training is harder than I imagined. What are you eating?”
“Biscuits. They are surprisingly good,” said Callie.
“Since when do we have biscuits?”
“Since someone left them as a gift on our door,” said Callie.
I froze.
“You are eating food that was left at the door and don’t know who it came from?”
“Yeah,” said Callie.
I smacked the biscuit out of Callie’s hand. Then snacked the remaining ones from the table and threw them on the floor. Muffin tried to eat them, but I quickly stomped on them until they were crumbs.
“Why did you do that?” asked Callie.
Jennica looked like I kicked a kitten and even Muffin looked upset. “What is your deal?”
“Why would you eat random food anywhere in the fae lands?” I asked.
“We didn’t think it was that big of a deal, Marty,” said Jennica.
“You two have the survival instincts of a lemming. Did it not occur to either of you that it might not be safe to eat these?”
“Are you throwing a party with all of the noise going on down here?” asked Sterling, who came down the stairs.
I knew he heard our entire conversation and his question was meant to defuse the situation. With his shifter hearing, he knew exactly what we were talking about and it wasn’t anything like a party.
“Marty, you and I are going to the Earthly Realm,” he said.
“Fine. And you two, stay away from biscuits and other mystery food,” I said.
Muffin and I followed Sterling out. We made small talk on the way to the portal, but I was on alert, scanning for signs of my father. Those lousy biscuits, such an innocent item, but packed with so much meaning.
“Since we have no idea when we’ll get time together, tell me about your case.”
I caught him up to date on my case and he told me about his cases. Why isn’t he asking about my biscuit freak out? He was being uncharacteristically patient.
Once back on the Earthly Realm, Sterling directed me towards the Mid Line.
“Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise,” he said.
“Okay.”
People made considerable effort to move around Muffin. One man went to the drastic measure of throwing himself into a pond to get away from the devil dog. It was melodramatic, but funny at the same time. Muffin didn’t mind. He continued walking next to us — his tongue dangling out of his mouth in a dog-like manner.
