by Gina LaManna
“I have some work to do,” Ainsley said with a frown. “Lily, do you want to come hang out with me for a bit? I’ll get you home after the prison guard releases our brooms.”
“Mrs. Flutterbing is not a prison guard,” Millie said, pulling us both into hugs as she murmured goodbye. “I have to get back to tidying up the library. Let me know if there’s anything I can do for either of you. It was a pleasure to meet you, Mixologist.”
“Lily,” I corrected, hugging Millie back. “Thanks for everything. Oh, and Ainsley, there’s something I need to take care of this afternoon. Do you mind if we meet up later?”
“Sure.” Ainsley looked surprised. She waited until Millie returned to work and left us alone. “Is it something you’d like help with?”
Ainsley stared intently at the small little bag I’d received from the front desk. The librarians had brilliantly charmed the parcel to carry all manner of books and old tomes—while weighing less than a pound. I briefly wondered where such a charm had been during my college years.
“Actually, no. Just some personal errands,” I said, waving her off. “It’s been so long since I’ve been on the mainland, and—”
“I’ll come with you. My work isn’t that urgent.”
“If you don’t mind, I’d prefer to handle it alone. Go ahead and do whatever you need to do. We can meet back here later?”
“Better idea,” she said with a wink. “Do you have to be returned home tonight? I know my parents would love to meet you. Will you come by and have dinner with us? We have a spare bedroom. I’ll get you back before your day starts at the bungalow tomorrow. Gus will never even know you’re gone.”
“Actually,” I said, quite pleased at the development. “That sounds wonderful. Thank you.”
“Oh, wait until I ring my mom! She’ll faint again with excitement. And my dad! I’ve told him I’m friends with the Mixologist, but I don’t think he believes me. Thank you, Lily!” She pulled me into a tight squeeze. “Apologies in advance if my grandmother stops by. She’s a character.”
I was laughing by the time Ainsley pulled away. “I’m so ready for a normal night. That sounds perfect.”
Ainsley winced. “I wouldn’t call my family normal. But,” she said, raising a finger, “if you’re looking for a distraction, look no further. Plus, my dad might have some information on the Master of Magic.”
“Really?”
“He worked as a Guardian for MAGIC, Inc. for years. One of the best in the business,” she boasted proudly. “He had to retire because, ah...well, you’ll see soon enough for yourself. Anyhow, good luck on your errands. Comm me if you need anything?”
I raised my wrist to indicate the device and nodded. “Thanks, Ainsley—for everything.”
After she gave me her address and promised to take care of the broomsticks for me, we parted ways, and as I maneuvered to my next destination, I gave Ranger X a quick Comm, updating him on my itinerary. He seemed happy I had a safe place to stay for the night. To my additional surprise, he admitted he was familiar with Frank Shaw’s work. Apparently, Ainsley’s father was quite a legend in the business.
“He’s a very talented wizard,” Ranger X said. “It’s so unfortunate about...well, never mind. I hope you have a nice time. Come back to me in one piece—please?”
“I love you, and I promise. Oh, one more thing,” I said, before he could hang up. “How are you doing with your investigation? Did you find out anything about the Soul Suck from the conference—who generated it and how?”
Silence extended for a moment. It lasted for so long that I suspected our Comm had been severed somehow. And then he sighed.
“I don’t know, Lily, it’s so bizarre. The protective charms were all in place—absolutely solid. No patches, nothing. Our defenses were untouched. Whoever set off that Soul Suck was very, very skilled to evade detection. I’m just afraid...”
“What, X? What are you afraid of?”
“I’m afraid of what they are. There’s no wizard registered on The Isle who could set off that Soul Suck without detection. Unless they had help from someone—or something—else.”
We hung up minutes later, the Comm ending on a decidedly somber note.
I took a moment or two to gather myself, to sort through my upcoming task, to put Ranger X’s concerned tone into the back of my mind. I was still shaky when I set off on my errand.
I dipped and dodged as I moved, circled back and overlapped across my own path to avoid detection. I even smashed a hat onto my head to ensure I wasn’t easily recognized or followed. My next errand was decidedly private and somewhat risky. I was determined to go at it alone.
Once I could be sure I hadn’t been followed, I wound my way to end at the police station. I took a deep breath, reached down, and unclasped my Comm. I slipped it into my bag, wincing as I did so. I should have told X about my plan, but he would’ve instructed me not to follow through with it, and I didn’t feel like being told what to do.
Today, I needed to do something for me, for Trinket.
I needed closure.
Chapter 12
I MADE IT INTO THE building easily enough. Surprisingly easy.
When I’d been living the human portion of my life, I’d been so by-the-rules that I’d never seen the inside of a police station. Frankly, I had no clue if my little mission would be helpful in uncovering the information I needed, but I had to try something.
Slipping into the bathroom, I glanced behind me before I shut the door. I was alone in the room which was exactly what I needed for phase two.
Phase two of my plan began by summoning the clearest image to mind of the lady cop I’d just witnessed strolling through the corridors. I focused on the blues of her uniform, the flash of metal around her waist, the badge on her chest, and I held the image there, wishing with all my heart.
I focused so intently that, as I pulled out a small vial of the Long Isle Iced Tea potion I’d recently brewed—the portion that hadn’t gotten dumped into the sand—I felt a bubble of excitement that this transformation would work.
I gulped it back and the potion began to work instantaneously. As I swallowed the pink liquid quickly, I relished the tingle that spread throughout my body. A part of me had expected to turn into my mother once again, but I’d hoped that my desire to find closure for her would outweigh my desire to see her. And in order to find closure, I needed to look like a human cop during this leg of my journey.
The spell worked just a little too well.
I gasped, glancing in the mirror, realizing I hadn’t merely turned into a policewoman like I’d hoped, but I’d turned into the very one I’d seen strolling the halls minutes before. I could have been her twin.
While this was a sign the potion had worked perfectly, it was also potentially dangerous. I absolutely couldn’t run into this woman while disguised as her, or there’d be one magical mess I had no hopes of cleaning up on my own. If that happened, MAGIC, Inc. would be called, and this wouldn’t be the last time I saw the inside of a police station. Exposing magic to the human population was most certainly a crime that came with severe consequences.
I’d have to be careful on all fronts. It’d also not look good if I was caught and reported to be using Long Isle Iced Tea not one day after Ranger X issued the decree stating I shouldn’t sell it. Technically, I hadn’t sold anything, and I’d brewed this prior to the decree—so theoretically, I hadn’t crossed the line.
However, the meaning had been clear: Until further notice, Long Isle Iced Tea was a banned substance on The Isle, and it wouldn’t look like a very “united front” if the Head Ranger’s significant other was caught breaking his rules.
I tossed the vial back in the magicked book bag and slung it over my shoulder. I hadn’t brought much of the potion, and time was ticking, so I had to get a move on before it ran out. I had no time to re-think my plan now. Instead, I slipped out of the bathroom and prayed for the best.
I eased into the light flow of traffic in the
corridor, turning down a less populated hallway in an effort to think. I needed to find files. Technically, since I looked like I belonged, I should know where they were, which meant I couldn’t just ask someone for help without looking suspicious.
I jumped in line behind a pair of burly men, also in uniform, strolling easily down the hallway and having a rowdy conversation about the weekend. They each had a mug of coffee in one hand and looked to be going nowhere fast.
“—my kids had a soccer game, and...” The shorter of the two trailed off, turning to look at me. “Diane? Did you need something?”
I glanced down, taking a beat longer to respond than I should’ve. “Er, yeah, actually. I had someone asking a question about an old case. It’ll have been nearly twenty-six years ago by now, I guess, and it was a mugging gone wrong. You know where I’d find it?”
The second officer looked mildly miffed. “Over in archives. He thumbed past his shoulder in the opposite direction from where they were headed. You looking for the primary on the case, or...what case did you say it was?”
“Thanks,” I gasped. “I, ah, I’m in a rush now. Gotta run.”
As I looked up in the direction I needed to go, I was horrified to find myself staring at the very woman I’d impersonated. The real Diane had just turned the corner at the other end of the hallway and looked to be meandering straight toward me.
I ducked into the nearest office, waiting, listening, as the two men mumbled about inept new officers. They continued down the hallway moving none too quickly. I held my breath as the real Diane neared them, coming from the opposite direction.
“Er, Diane?” the skeptical one said. “Didn’t we just talk to you?”
“Nope,” she said, smiling. “Have a good night, guys.”
“I could’ve sworn...” the shorter one put a finger on his lip as Diane continued down the hallway. “That’s so weird. I could’ve sworn she was just here.”
Diane kept moving, completely oblivious that she’d left the two officers staring behind her as if they’d seen a ghost. I suddenly liked Diane quite a lot.
Once the hallway was cleared from the close call, I slipped back out and made my way purposefully down the corridor. I surveyed each sign on the wall, trying to keep my ineptness discreet, studying for any sign I was headed in the right direction.
Finally, I found what I was looking for: Archives, a small sign tucked between a derelict coffee machine and the ladies’ room. I popped in the women’s restroom first, checked to make sure I was still solidly in Diane disguise, and then returned to the Archives doorway where I slipped through with a handy little Lock Lifter spell.
I’d vowed to use as little magic as possible while out in the human world. While it wasn’t illegal to use magic on the mainland, it was frowned upon to bewitch, charm, or otherwise hex humans without their knowledge. But an unlocking charm hardly hurt anyone, I thought, scanning the rows upon rows of filing cabinets that reached to the ceilings as I stepped foot through the door.
A few desks sat pushed against the far wall, the weak outside light filtering through and giving the space an odd, bluish tinge. One desk was empty, the other was covered by a lanky man whose nameplate read Andy Dinker.
“Well, howdy, Diane,” Andy said, leaning back in a creaky old chair. “How are you doing?”
I froze, ready to retreat and call it a day when a burst of determination planted my feet to the ground. I offered a bright smile that just barely hid the terror brimming behind it, reminding myself this might be the only chance I’d get to uncover my mother’s files. What if I didn’t look exactly like Diane? What if my voice came out sounding nothing like hers?
With a sigh of relief, I realized I had heard Diane speak. I focused on the brief words she’d exchanged with the duo of cops in the hallway and concentrated on returning Andy’s greeting.
“Hey,” I said cheerfully. “How’s it going?”
“After last night,” he said with a wink, “pretty spiffy, if I say so myself.”
Oh, Diane, I thought to myself as I realized what was happening. You can do so much better, honey.
Nothing against Andy Dinker’s personality, but he wasn’t exactly a looker or a charmer. As he stood, he exposed pants hiked up to his belly button. Every inch of his uniform was positively slathered in animal hair. A slight odor hovered around his desk, and I prayed to every one of the mythical gods that Andy Dinker wouldn’t try to kiss me. Er, Diane.
“Yeah,” I said, channeling Diane’s raspy, firm voice. “I know what you mean. Last night was...great.”
“Say, Duke’s out to lunch.” Andy gestured to the other desk. “I was thinking we could take advantage.” He raised and lowered his eyebrows a few times. “What do you say, sugarbun?”
“Oh, I wasn’t thinking that, sorry.” I must have sounded sharp because the poor guy looked crestfallen. I reminded myself that I was Diane. Not wanting to ruin a budding relationship that wasn’t mine to ruin, I gave him what I hoped was a sweet smile. “I mean, the thought is...er, you know, there. But I have some urgent business I have to take care of, and we all know you’re the best. I was hoping for a little help before...ah, playtime?”
I added a slight purr to the compliment, and that did the trick. Andy melted under my gaze, sinking back into his seat like Play-Doh, all gooey and malleable. He moved like a slinky, one arm and then the other, then his torso, then his legs.
“What can I help you with, darling?” He preened under my stare. “Anything for my sugarbottom.”
I winced at the nickname. “There’s some new information coming in about an old case—it’s been nearly twenty-six years, though, and I’m not sure if you’ll be able to find what I’m looking for.”
“Sure thing,” he said, in action mode. “What’s the name of the primary?”
“I don’t know,” I admitted. “The victim was Millie Banks.”
Two Millies in one day, I thought. One a fake and the other real.
“Looks like I’ve got a hit. You want whatever I can find?”
“That would be great,” I gushed. Then, in a moment of goodwill toward Dinker, I added, “Sugarbottom.”
He gave me a salacious wink that ruined any moment of bonding we might’ve had, and I backed far, far away, pretending to examine the names on the files at the opposite end of the room.
While there, I chanced a glance out the window and stopped, ramrod straight in my tracks. Diane. The real Diane was en route to this very location. Crap!
The way she was looking over her shoulder had me thinking she didn’t want to be seen—or followed. Judging by the smug look on Andy’s face, there was one thing Diane was looking for, and it was more of Andy Dinker. If she walked in here while I was standing dumbly behind the door...
“Andy, babydoll, sugar-fairy,” I said, struggling. Ranger X wasn’t huge on endearments, and I had little to no practice with them. “You have anything? I’m sorry, I’ve got to run—stomachache, er...you know, so much fun last night.”
“Aw, I’m sorry, baby! Let me take care of you. Maybe if we both called in sick, we could—”
“No, I’m sorry, I’m really, really not feeling well. Could I just grab the file from you for now?”
“Dollface, you know I can’t give these things out.”
“Er, dollboy, this is really important. The boss is asking for updates, and...” I hesitated, wondering if policewomen had bosses. “I need to get a head start, but I’m also feeling terrible. I’ll return it once I’m through.”
“I don’t think I can do that,” he said, frowning. “Maybe I could make a quick copy for you, but you’d have to destroy it when you’re done. Seriously, Diane, we could both get fired if you don’t.”
“I promise! I’ll get rid of it just as soon as I scan through it. This is really important. Thank you, er, angel hair.”
“Angel hair?” he frowned, and I hoped he hadn’t realized I’d grabbed the name from a pasta box above his desk. “Huh, I like that one. My moth
er always did say I had beautiful hair.”
I winced at the thinning strands over a rather large bald patch and tried to arrange my face into a positive expression. I couldn’t be sure it worked, but luckily, Dinker finally received the picture and began making copies.
I peered out the window and saw Diane drawing nearer. I only had a few minutes left until disaster struck. I tapped my foot, waiting for Dinker, when another officer rounded the corner and stopped Diane. Judging by their stiff shoulders and official-looking stances, they were discussing business.
Good, I thought. Just a few more minutes, and I’d have everything I came for. I scooted nearer to Andy to supervise, but not too near that he’d grab me in some unwanted sort of kiss. I sincerely hoped Diane liked the guy. He seemed nice enough, and if he got me the pages I needed, I’d make him the love potion myself.
“Almost done,” he said. “Just a few more. Can I just say, I love the look of you from behind?”
I’d been peering out the window into the hallway once more, tapping my finger against the doorknob in anticipation as the older officer dismissed Diane, then gave a parting wave in her direction. The two separated, Diane returning on her trek to find Andy Dinker.
When I turned to find Andy staring, I couldn’t possibly mask the look of discomfort on my face, so I opted for impatience. “That’s great. I need to be going now. Hope you understand. Thanks, babyface. Er, whatever. Bye.”
I snatched up the papers and returned to the door. I sent a tiny little firebolt streaking from my finger as I silently muttered an incantation too soft for Dinker to hear.
“But, that’s not all of it!” Andy was busy looking down at the last few pages of the file, still being copied, so he didn’t notice anyway. “I’ve got the last ten pages here for you. Actually, there’s the last one now. Here you go, honey.”
Diane had her eyes glued to her feet, so she, too, didn’t notice the ball of flames hurtling through the air to land in a small trash can just behind her. With a Smoke Screen spell, I dragged a few streams of smoke up from the fire and danced it around underneath the fire alarm.
