by Dora Blume
“Hey Sloane, Magnus is over here.” Erik pointed over to the men standing in one area holding various white signs. Most of the men were in black, tailored suits. Magnus stood out like a sore thumb.
“Oh good, we’re going in style. Which one is Magnus?”
Erik smiled, knowing she hadn’t looked at the men. “Follow the line to the right until you find the one guy that looks out of place.”
“Out of place? What do you mean, out of place?” She glanced down the line of men until she stopped on the one guy not wearing a suit. “Oh perfect, just perfect, is this Bryant’s idea of a joke or something? Couldn’t we have a decent guide? He had to find the wackiest person he could to show us around the city. Just perfect.” Sloane slammed her phone into her pocket and grabbed the handle of her suitcase. She trudged toward Magnus.
Erik laughed, “I thought you weren’t the prima donna type, Sloane?”
“Shut up; I like to travel in style.” She dropped the handle of her suitcase, huffed, then picked it up again.
“Can you see anyone more stylish than him?” he motioned his open hand toward Magnus.
“Whatever, that wasn’t the style I had in mind.”
“Be nice; you don’t even know him.” Erik reached out his hand, stepping in front of Magnus.
“Hi, I’m Erik, and this is Sloane.” He motioned to his sister standing next to him. He looked over, and she had put on an award-winning smile just in time.
“Well hello, nice to finally meet you. I think I got the time wrong. I’ve been here a little while. Oh well, let’s get you two kids on home, shall we?” Magus headed to the parking lot.
“Wait, home what do you mean home? I thought we were staying in a nice hotel or something?”
“Oh no, my wife wouldn’t hear of it. You will be staying with us. We have plenty of room. There’s something like, seven bedrooms in our house. I’m just doing what I’m told. I’ll let you know; she’s the one calling the shots here. It’s certainly not me.” Then under his breath, he said, “it’s never me.”
Erik couldn’t help but laugh. “Lead the way, Magnus. Don’t mind my sister; sometimes she forgets how to be nice, or to thank others for their generous hospitality.”
Sloane rolled her eyes at him. “Yes, of course, lead the way.” She glared at Erik.
Magnus walked them to a plum PT Cruiser, and Erik smiled again. “This your car, Magnus?”
“Yeah, my wife picked it out for me.” He opened the back to put their bags in.
“Stylish,” he responded and swung his bag into the back. He grabbed Sloane’s and did the same. Magnus shut the door and moved to get into the driver's seat. Sloane got in the back, slamming the door. Erik looked through the window. Sloane had crossed her arms over her chest with a pout. Erik shook his head and got in the passenger seat.
Magnus looked in all of his mirrors, he double checked the height of the steering wheel and moved it down slightly. He checked all the mirrors again and adjusted the rear-view mirror no more than a quarter of an inch. He seemed like he was nervous and overly thorough in his check. Erik had never seen anyone check to make sure all their blinkers were working before even leaving the parking space. When he was done with his inspection, he looked to both Erik and Sloane “Okay I think we’re ready to go.”
“Are you sure?” Sloane asked, her tone biting.
“Yes, I believe we’re ready,” he boasted.
Erik shot a glance back to Sloane, waiting to catch her eye before turning back around.
Magnus put the car in reverse and very slowly began to back out of the space, suddenly he hit the break. Then he eased on the gas slightly, then suddenly the break again. He went to the gas, then the break again. Erik couldn’t believe it. They hadn’t even gotten out of the space yet. Sloane had moved quickly to buckle her seat belt. The same thing happened a few more times before Magnus put it into drive. He then eased on the gas pedal, but as soon as he did, he hit the break. He did it again, the same thing a little on the gas, then on the break.
“My God, are you driving with both feet?” Sloane said from the backseat. She already had her hand on the handle above her head and was shaking her head. “At this rate, I will have a severe case of whiplash before we even get out of the parking lot.”
“Oh, I’m sorry this is how I drive.” Magnus put on the break again.
Erik couldn’t take it; they couldn’t drive through Denver like this. They wouldn’t get anywhere. “Do you mind terribly if I drive?” Erik asked trying to be as nice as possible.
“Well I don’t know, I usually don’t let just anyone drive my car,” he hesitated.
“Oh, you don’t have to worry about Erik, he’s a great driver.”
Erik couldn’t believe his ears, “Oh yeah, I am a good driver. I promise I will take good care of your car. How about we switch spots?”
“I’m not sure about that; you don’t even know where we’re going.” He gripped the wheel tighter turning his hands in a circle.
“You can give him directions from the passenger seat.” Sloane sat forward in her seat.
Magnus looked over to Erik and shrugged. “Well, I guess it’ll be okay.” He moved to go back in the spot but hit the break as he hit the gas pedal.
“It’s fine, let’s switch here. We’ll be quick,” Erik said. He couldn’t imagine continuing to watch Magnus try to park again. Plus, he wasn’t sure his neck could take much more of the whiplash.
“Are you sure? I don’t think we should just switch here.” Magnus turned his head looking out both windows, then in the rear-view mirror.
“It’ll be fine, let’s make it quick. Throw it in park and let’s switch.” Erik opened his door hoping that would make it final.
“Okay, okay.” Magnus put it in park and got out of the car. By the time he opened the door, Erik was standing next to his door, waiting.
Magnus got out of the car and sluggishly moved to the other side.
Before he could open the car door, Sloane sat forward. “Do you think he moves quickly at anything?”
“Doubt it,” Erik said, as Magnus opened the door. He sat to buckle his seat belt, pulling it out as far as his arm would reach, before pulling it well across his body and finally clicking it into place.
“So, you need to head out onto Highway seventy.” Magnus pointed toward the signs showing the way to the highway.
Erik decided to read Magnus’ thoughts to get the directions instead of waiting for Magnus to actually give them to him. When he did, he caught a glimpse of the house Magnus was talking about. He wasn’t kidding; it’s a big house. Shikari members always had money. He received a monthly payment for his service in Minneapolis. He knew he would get more depending on the job and his age. He knew his father was making more than him because he was the liaison for Minneapolis.
After some light traffic, they made it to Magnus’ house. Erik parked in front and got out to grab their bags. “You have a nice place here, Magnus.”
“Thanks, it’s all my wife’s doing. She picked it out and designed everything in it.” Magnus grunted a minute and glanced over hoping they hadn’t heard him.
Sloane took in the house, “Your wife has good taste, I can’t wait to meet her.”
“She’s inside. She’ll be waiting for us, I’m sure,” Magnus grumbled.
Magnus walked up the steps, hunched forward and opened the door. He shouted, “Honey, I’m home,” His tone was acidic.
“A classic,” Erik looked sideways at Magnus as he set his bag down in the entryway.
“Hmph,” Sloane said as she set her bag next to where Erik left his.
A very boisterous woman glided down the stairs. Her auburn hair was in tight ringlets that framed her face. She wore a cream-colored pantsuit with a gold necklace around her neck. When she reached the landing, she moved in to greet her guests. “Oh, how wonderful, you’ve arrived. I’m Jolene. I trust you had a comfortable flight. Magnus showed you the best hospitality I’m certain. Oh, how wonderf
ul to meet you.” She reached out to hold both of Erik’s hands and then went to kiss him on both cheeks. Erik was surprised but reciprocated the kisses.
“Oh well, aren’t you just the sweetest thing ever, and so handsome.” She looked over to Sloane and dropped Erik’s hands. “Oh, and look at you, aren’t you just the most beautiful little darling I’ve ever seen.” She grasped both of Sloane’s hands and moved to kiss her on both cheeks.
She dropped Sloane’s hands and stepped back. “Why Magnus, have you ever seen someone quite so beautiful. I can tell you both have good genes, yes, very good genes indeed. But of course, you do, Bryant’s your father and aren’t you just the spitting image of him.” She looked in Erik’s direction. Sloane baulked, but she closed her mouth quickly.
Erik looked over to Sloane before mumbling, “Ah, thanks, I guess.” He wasn’t all that happy about being compared to his father. He didn’t look anything like him.
“So, can you show us where our rooms are? It would be nice to get settled and figure out our next move.” Sloane looked to the stairway.
“Oh yes, of course, of course. I’m sure you could use some decompression time. Dear, would you be so kind as to show Erik where his room is, and I’ll take our dear Sloane, here.”
“Wait, are we staying on different floors or something?” Sloane asked her tone sharp.
“Well, of course, dear, men are on the lower floors and ladies stay upstairs. Is there a problem with that?” Jolene asked.
Erik spoke up quickly before Sloane could be rude “No, there’s no problem.” He glanced in Sloane’s direction, meeting her eyes, hoping she would agree.
“I guess that will be fine.” She receded.
“Well, alright then, let’s head up the stairs. Don’t worry about your bag dear; I’ll have Magnus take it up to you later.” She nodded toward Magnus.
“Oh yes, I would love to take your bag up for you,” he said, sarcastically.
“Oh no, I’d rather take my own things. Besides, I’d like to get settled in right away.” She lifted her bag and turned toward Jolene.
“Okay dear, well then, we’ll be heading right up these stairs.” She turned back to the stairs. Sloane followed. They passed by three rooms, then Jolene went to open the third door on the left. She walked gracefully into the room and held out her arms.
“This is where you will be staying.” She walked over to a door on the left side of the room. She opened the door and stood against it, her hand still on the handle. “This is your private bathroom. I know how us girls need our own space in the bathroom.” She closed the door and moved over to another door on the other side of the gold four poster bed. “And here is your closet.” She stood again against the door with her hand still on the handle.
Sloane peeked her head around the bed to see in the closet; she couldn’t believe how large it was. She could easily fit ten different wardrobes in there. She couldn’t help but smile at the thought. Yes, she could get used to this.
“I can tell you like it, of course, we girls need plenty of space for our clothes. Well, now you’ve seen your room, would you like a tour of the house?” Jolene walked toward the door expecting Sloane to follow her out.
“Um, if you don’t mind, I could use a few minutes to relax after the flight. Can I come down in a little while to see the rest of the house?” Jolene had been so nice she didn’t want to hurt her feelings, but she wanted a few minutes to herself. She also wanted to text Mike to see how far they’d made it, and when they would be arriving in Colorado.
“Well, of course, dear, I can imagine how you must be feeling with everything that’s happened. You sure can have all the time you need, dear. Just head down the stairs and to the left. Dinner will be served at six sharp, and the dining room is just down the hall from the entryway.” She smiled one last time before she moved to the door and closed it behind her.
Sloane moved over and fell backward onto the gold, four post bed. “I always wanted to do that, in a bed exactly like this.” She grabbed her phone out to text Mike. She wanted to take a nap after the flight, but she knew she should try to get a vision while they were here. Maybe, she could figure out what the hell the demons wanted in Colorado besides good weed. She had to admit; she wouldn’t mind a little right now, get her in the right mood for all this. On the other hand, being high in the midst of who knows what would be a very bad idea. She tried to concentrate and moved into a sitting position. She closed her eyes and tried to listen to what the universe had to tell her.
✭✭✭
Magnus waited until his wife had reached the top of the stairs then turned to Erik. “Follow me, us men get the lower floors. Wouldn’t want us staying on the same floor as the ladies. Damn, traditional southern values.” Magnus continued to grumble as he walked.
Erik couldn’t help but laugh, “Yeah, women, right?”
“Tell me about it, that woman has me so tied up, I can’t even take a shit without asking her permission.” He shrugged and continued down the hall.
Erik followed shaking his head; he couldn’t believe that someone as powerful as Magnus was taking orders from a woman. Magnus showed him the stairs to the basement.
“Wow, you weren’t kidding. We get the basement, huh?” Erik smirked toward Magnus.
“Yep, we get the basement. Don’t worry; it’s as nice down here as it is upstairs. She wanted to make sure I had a nice man cave. She’d never let a guest stay in anything but luxury.” Magnus grumbled, “I, on the other hand, get to sleep on the couch when she decides. Tons of rooms in this house, and I get the couch.”
He showed Erik into the first room on the right. He wasn’t kidding about the man cave. He could see down the hall into a billiard room. “Is that a pool table down the hall?” Erik couldn’t help but ask.
“Yep,” Magnus responded quickly, then went back to showing him the room. He walked in and opened another door. “Here you have your bathroom.” He pointed to the other door, “and a closet if you need it.” He looked down at Erik’s bag. “Okay, that about covers it. I’ll be upstairs if you need me. We eat at six, sharp.” He moved out of the room quickly. Erik could tell he didn’t like having to be the host, especially with his wife around.
Erik grabbed up his bag and set it on the bed. He kicked his shoes in the corner and sat in the chair behind the large mahogany desk. He couldn’t believe the inlaid of the desk. It was beautiful; he knew there weren’t too many desks like this one. He pulled out his phone to message Jessie to see where they were, and when they would arrive. He finished and set the phone on the desk. He was relieved that Sloane asked for some alone time because he was beat. The flight wore him out, and he was going to catch a nap before they had to get back to work. He knew that once Bryant was here, they’d be on a mad dash to figure everything out. He wanted to rest before they were on the hunt again. He hoped Sloane was doing the same, so that they could find out about the missing teens.
Chapter 2
After a few hours, Erik woke to a start. He heard something crash in the adjacent room. He got out of bed quickly and opened his door. Magnus was bent over in front of a bookshelf. Books lay scattered and opened at his feet. He bent to retrieve two, closed them and placed them back on the shelf. He muttered to himself, “Damn, stupid, god-forsaken shelf.”
“Do you need any help?” Erik asked.
“Oh no, I’m just a little clumsy sometimes.” Magnus waved his hand and went back to picking up the books. His short, sausage-like fingers couldn’t hold more than two books at a time.
Erik bent next to Magnus and picked up a pile of books, stacking them on his knee. “It’s alright; I needed to get up anyway.”
“Did you sleep well?” Magnus asked after he stacked the last novel on the shelf.
“Yes, I did, thank you.” Erik took a step toward the office door. “If you’ll excuse me, a second.” He headed back into the room to check his phone. He wanted to know how far away Bryant and the rest were. Erik looked to his phone; there was a
message from Jessie. They, made it to Nebraska. Bryant is checking with a friend then they’ll be on the road again.
Erik knew that Bryant planned to talk with a few other members before getting to Colorado, but he couldn’t imagine who was living in Lincoln Nebraska.
Erik headed back to Magnus. He found him sitting at a desk with papers scattered across the top; some lay on the floor next to the desk. Magnus had one hand splayed over one stack while his other hand held another. He was frantically looking from one to the other. “So, it sounds like they’ve made it to Lincoln Nebraska where they’re stopping and talking to a few people, before continuing to us.”
“Ah yes, of course, they’re most likely stopping to talk with Alex before they head here. He’ll know anything going on in his area. It wouldn’t surprise me if some demons were hiding out in such an inconspicuous place. There’s also a lot of power hiding out in Lincoln.” Magnus nodded to himself “Very smart stop indeed,” he said again to himself as he grabbed another stack of papers and set it on top of the one directly in front of him.
These papers are a little chaotic, Erik thought.
“Yes, I work well with Chaos,” Magnus answered.
Erik's mouth dropped, and his eyes were wide. “What?”
“It can be annoying. I certainly didn’t want to know what my wife was thinking, but suddenly there it was.” He looked up to Erik. “I suppose I should explain; I can copy other powers from those who are near me. I can read minds right now because you can. I guess you could call it a sort of transference. I haven’t gotten anything from Sloane, but yours was pretty easy to pick up and copy.” He smiled.
