by J. A. Areces
***
Chief Semisecret sat at his desk. His office was small and tight. Shelves displayed a few trophies, and brightly colored frames with pictures of his family; seemingly random books were scattered in no particular order. Diplomas and certificates were hung on one wall. The Chief took a file in his hand and threw it across his desk at Beifar.
“That’s a lawsuit against you, me, and the entire Department. Lord Alex wants you fired, and I don’t blame him. Just what do you think you were doing going after him?” The shouting could be heard outside his office. Other special agent wizards and witches peeked from behind their cubicles as they tried to listen.
Beifar didn’t reach out for the folder. He shifted around in his chair, trying to find a comfortable position. His staff leaned against the shut door, and his hat hung from the coat rack. “Chief, this man is dangerous.”
“No, you are dangerous!”
“Chief, I have proof that he has been dealing in…”
“You’re off the case!” Chief Semisecret took the file back and dropped it on top of a huge pile of papers and folders. “You’re not to take another step into Alivan’s Wizards and Witches Corner Store or have anything to do with Raven Fidgewidge.”
“But I’m very close!”
Chief Semisecret grabbed another folder and handed it to Beifar. “Here, take a look inside, it’s your court date for the review. Lord Alex is pressing charges.”
Beifar opened the folder and read the notice. He shook his head in disbelief.
The chief leaned back in his chair rubbing his face. “Mahgo, I can’t protect you from this guy any longer. He’s after you. Be smart; go home to your wife and kids and take a couple of weeks off. I’ve got a couple of guys from the Bureau stepping in on this case. Stay out of it and lay low.”
The wizard didn’t respond. He rose from his chair and stretched out his hand. Chief Semisecret stared up at Beifar before finally shaking his hand as he simultaneously shook his head impatiently. After a firm handshake, the wizard turned, grabbed his hat and staff, and left the office. Everyone at the office watched as he marched out without saying a word.
The wizard Beifar exited the Alexander Hamilton US Custom House in New York City. The Department headquarters was secretly located inside. The beautifully lit skyscrapers against the night sky were always spectacular, but not tonight. Not for Beifar. His thoughts were far from New York. They kept alternating between, Claw, Lord Alex and being suspended from the case. Beifar wasn’t just going to sit back and take it. He wasn’t the type to lay low and was definitely not going to let Lord Alex or Claw beat him so easily.
Beifar reached into his pant pocket and pulled out his cell phone. No calls. He searched for Jesse’s number on his cell phone and dialed. No answer. The wizard dialed the store directly. No answer, only the store answering machine.
