by TR Cameron
After a few days of rest, she’d sent her people out to expand their territory. The minnows that had nibbled at the gang before were given three options—become a vassal of the organization, leave town immediately, or die. About an equal number selected the first two and sadly, some forced them to apply the third. The overall situation became more stable by the day.
The Zarcanum supply had been restored and despite feeling unwell in the recent past, most of the clientele were eager to start using again. She’d banished the spell that activated the magic in the drugs so no ill effects would occur. Shine continued to sell, but its purpose now was merely cash flow and dependency. She didn’t envision a situation where she’d have to create a mob again. Still, it was good to know that she had the option if it was needed.
That left only the council and Leblanc. She imagined that Shenni would tell her to focus on the former because the Malniets might deal with the latter, based on everything she heard. But she had no interest in doing so. She wanted that fight and even craved it. And if victory didn’t come, her options would be substantially narrowed. Either she’d be dead—which she neither preferred nor feared—or she’d be unable to target the girl any longer and would be free to turn her attention elsewhere.
Accordingly, she sat at the bar of the Shark Nightclub at nine in the morning on a Saturday, waiting for her second in command to arrive. A single worker was present, setting up for the day, and kept her supplied with a continuous flow of hot coffee. She imagined there was work she could do while she waited but none of it seemed to matter at the moment. The battle ahead was one she couldn’t see past. Or, maybe, didn’t want to see past.
Either way, I’ll take it.
She’d found a purity of purpose again, if only for a short time, and liked the feeling. When the front door opened and spilled light into the room, she squinted against it and smiled at the silhouette framed in the aperture. The door closed to reveal the woman dressed uncharacteristically in jeans and a man’s button-down shirt. It was suspicious and she grinned.
“That’s not your shirt, is it? This is a walk of shame moment.”
Danna shook her head as she sat on the stool beside her and accepted a steaming cup of coffee gratefully. She drank deeply, then grinned. “I will neither confirm nor deny. How about you. What makes you drag me in here this early and with only an hour’s notice, no less?”
Usha laughed. “Maybe I simply wanted to see what you were like on a Saturday morning when you didn’t have time to prepare.” She shook her head. “No, it’s that I’ve come to a decision and I need to talk to you about it.”
The woman nodded. “Shoot.”
“We’ll end it with the girl. Now—well, a week from now. That’s about the earliest we can legitimately make it.”
“Okay. You know I’m in. What’s the plan?”
“We’ll need the best people we can find. Who’s left?”
Her companion sighed. “After last Sunday, we’re not at our best. I don’t suppose you’d want to delay it?” She raised an eyebrow, and Danna laughed. “Yeah, I didn’t think so. Okay. We are up to six by the rules and need a minimum of four to match what she brought last time. One of the Empress’s enforcers is still here and he’s worth including. Other than that, we have a shit-ton of average people who are dependable, plus Bear.”
She grinned at the mention of the Shark’s main bouncer, a burly man who spent his free time—all of it—lifting weights and participating in underground fights. He had powerful magic but most of the time, he was so excited to fight with his fists that he didn’t think to use it. All that meant he was an absolute wildcard and perfect for the bout. “You can stop there,” she said. “We’ll do four on four. You, me, the enforcer, and Bear.”
Her second straightened. “Now that’s what I like to hear. It’s about time you let me take a crack at her.”
“I couldn’t risk you before the final fight as I needed you too much. I still do, but we’ll be together so whatever happens will happen to both of us. We’ll decide where we go from there depending on the result.”
“Excellent.”
Usha smiled. “So, do you want to tell me more about last night?”
The woman laughed and shook her head. “Let’s get the battle behind us. Then, all my secrets will be revealed.”
“Fair enough.”
Tanyith packed the last bag from his apartment and gave it one final check. He chuckled and said, “She’s right. This place is a hole.” He wouldn’t miss it. In the back of his mind, he wondered if maybe he’d deliberately avoided putting roots down in the hopes that things would turn out this way with Kendra. It was fast, sure, but his feelings for her were seriously intense.
She was at work today, exactly like every day lately. The events of the previous weekend and the Atlantean organization’s activities since then had everyone in the gang task force on deck twelve hours a day or more, weekends apparently included. On the one hand, it allowed him enough time for his responsibilities and to get moved in. But on the other, he had hoped cohabitating would result in more time together than they were getting.
Extra work can’t last forever, right?
He opened a portal from his old living room into his new one and stepped across. Kendra’s apartment was about two and a half times the size of his, half of a duplex in the Garden District that had once been a much fancier home. They had a main floor, a top floor, and shared a basement. She’d separated the second bedroom to use as part-office and part-exercise space and had offered him the closet in there for his belongings. It had made him laugh. They were living together, but not completely together. It was a reasonable decision and kept things slow, steady, and easily escapable.
Although he had no interest in escaping. He hung the items that needed to hang, piled the rest of his clothes on the top shelf, and used a convenient hook to store the new daggers Cali had given him. He was trying to find a way to carry them concealed but they were a little big to do so easily. A practice session had revealed that he could channel magic through them, which would be a huge bonus in the inevitable next battle.
Or when I deal with the meddling Malniets.
He had contacted Zeb and asked him for non-critical information about the council and encouraged him to spice it up with falsehoods. He could delay incinerating the nightclub. Since the man had said a week, he planned to wait all seven days. He could avoid the other requirement until Cali arranged the next challenge against the family.
Still, he wanted to seem like he was compelled and firmly on their hook, right up until the moment when he dealt with them both. He and Kendra had indulged in a couple of conversations on the matter and she was fairly sure there was a place for them in one of the magical jails nearby based on the evidence he’d be able to present. Extradition could be a complication but not if Malniet fell.
Tanyith considered whether he wanted to potter around the apartment and try to do useful things. When he realized that the potential to annoy Kendra was greater than the potential to accomplish anything significant, he decided to head out for a walk instead. As he turned to lock the front door, a chill ran from the top of his spine to the bottom. On the white surface was a black envelope with his name on it. He opened it and found another envelope inside addressed to Cali.
There go my plans for the day.
He checked the tavern first, but Zeb said she was in New Atlantis. The dwarf looked more stressed than Tanyith had ever seen him, but from the way his gaze tracked Janice’s movements, it was probably fear for his glassware. He retrieved the information he’d requested about the council and portaled to the docks of the undersea city.
His first stop was the Privateer Pub since it was fairly near his arrival point. He’d been told he could leave stuff with the bartender, so he gave the burly man the envelope and a tip. “Keep it safe until my friends come for it.” He cut his gaze to the back of the room and the other man nodded.
Thereafter, he began the long walk from the les
s affluent parts of town—but still fairly moneyed—to the ring of noble houses. Halfway there, his attention was caught by the sunlight flashing off metallic scales and Fyre touched down beside him. He greeted him and held up the envelope he’d brought.
“So, another challenge,” the Draksa said.
“I presume so. I’m not sure who from but I found it on Kendra’s door.” He didn’t bother to try to hide his anger. To threaten him was one thing but now that he lived with the detective, a danger to one was more or less a danger to both. “My door, that is.”
Frye nodded. “You made a good choice. Her, not so much.”
He laughed. “Ah, it’s always nice to be back in the warm embrace of your true friends.”
The Draksa echoed his amusement and they walked the rest of the way to the house together. When they arrived, Invel opened the door and let them in. “Are you the butler now?” Tanyith asked.
The Dark Elf drew himself up haughtily. “I most certainly am not, Master Tanyith. I am the second butler after Jenkins.”
The disembodied voice laughed at the comment and added, “Well, I do have a certain lack of corporeality for things like doors. Perhaps this could be a beneficial arrangement.”
Cali came down the stairs and looked happy. “What has you so cheerful?” he asked.
“Oh, nothing big,” she replied airily. “I only found the last piece of the sword.”
His mouth dropped in surprise and she shared the story with him. When she finished, he couldn’t stop grinning. “So, we’re most of the way there.”
“Yep.” She tilted her head to the side. “Did you stop by for a reason? Not that you’re not always welcome.”
“Oh, yeah. This.” He handed her the envelope.
She opened it and nodded. “We’re on for the Atlanteans and they say it’s the last battle. Apparently, they’ve reached the same place I’m at with the Malniets.”
“When?”
“A week.”
“I guess it’s time to start training.”
“Soon.” She grinned. “First, though, I have a matriarch to apologize to and a sword to have repaired.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Cali hadn’t expected another dinner invitation from Wymarc Jehenel after the post-meal activities of the last one and had assumed he’d be too smart to be seen with her until after the current unpleasantness was over. When it arrived in the hands of one of the younger members of his family, she grinned at the smiley face someone had drawn on the missive. She looked sternly at the girl, who must have been all of eleven, and asked, “Did you do this?”
She nodded with a tentative smile. “Yes, Matriarch Leblanc.”
“Very well done.” She nodded. “Tell the patriarch I’m happy to have a meal with him but I will choose the restaurant.” The messenger bounded off happily, and she spent the rest of her day alternately napping and communing with the memories of her parents. It was a melancholy experience all around, and by the time the moment arrived to dress for dinner, she looked forward to the distraction.
Her interest didn’t lie in fancy, though, so she dragged jeans and a t-shirt on with boots and her reinforced leather jacket that Nylotte had given her. She put the metal vials containing her energy and health potions into an inside pocket because the part of her life when she felt comfortable being without them in public was now very firmly in the past.
The sound of her guest being admitted to the house reached her, and she descended from her dressing room with Fyre at her heels. She’d made a promise not to leave him behind and that included dinners, dates, or whatever this was. While he wouldn’t join them in the restaurant, he’d keep an eye on things from close by and she’d be sure to bring him takeout.
She grinned and gave Wymarc a hug. “You’re a glutton for punishment, huh?” He was dressed in an informal suit in navy over a heavy t-shirt, with polished brown shoes. Somehow, he managed to look both casual and elegant in a way she had never once accomplished.
He chuckled. “I guess so. I thought maybe you could use a stress reliever, given all that’s going on.”
Cali nodded. “Let’s hope that’s how it turns out, huh?” She didn’t comment on the flicker of worry that crossed his features. “Allow me to whisk you away.” She summoned a portal that revealed an abandoned alley on the far side and he made a face.
“That does not look like a trendy dining spot.”
She laughed. “Go. You too, Fyre.” They complied and she followed them through. Their destination was around the corner, and she led Wymarc to it while the Draksa leapt skyward, probably to take a watchful position on the roof like some kind of gargoyle.
Maybe I should get some for the house, ones that look exactly like him. He’d be so annoyed. She made a mental note to look into it at her first opportunity.
The Rum House was a Caribbean restaurant with great food and a casual atmosphere. All the furnishings were wood and the tables were filled with happy couples and groups. The walls held metal signs and lacquered fish of unusual size. She led him in, claimed a seat at the bar, and patted the one beside her. He slid onto it and a bartender approached immediately. She ordered a Coke and he did the same. For some reason, she enjoyed sitting at bars—probably because of all the time she’d spent doing so across from Zeb—even though she didn’t drink much alcohol at the moment.
“What’s good?” he asked.
Cali shook her head. “Don’t worry your pretty little mind about it. I’ll take care of this.” When the bartender returned, she ordered one of each of the seventeen unique taco options on the menu. She grinned at Wymarc’s shocked expression. “They’re not all for us. We’ll eat the ones that look most interesting and have the rest packed to go. Emalia loves this restaurant and I’m sure Fyre will enjoy whatever’s left when she’s done.”
“Okay, it makes sense. Have you been here much?”
She shook her head. “It’s a little out of my price range, usually. But tonight, I felt like splurging.”
“Is there a particular reason?” he asked,
While she liked the patriarch of House Jehenel, she didn’t trust him. With a shrug, she replied, “Things are looking up, that’s all.”
“I assumed you’d take me to the bar where you work.”
“I considered it but then I’d have to hear about it from Zeb every single time I went to work.” She imitated his low voice. “What’s up with that boy from New Atlantis? Are you going to get married soon?”
They both laughed and talked about random subjects until the food arrived. She chose brisket, pulled pork, and fried fish for her three tacos, and he selected duck, chicken, and cauliflower for his.
“So, what do you see for the future of House Jehenel?” she asked.
Wymarc finished chewing, swallowed, and dabbed sauce from his lips with his napkin. “Oh, you know—the usual. Try to increase our wealth, try to increase the size of the family, and try not to be killed by an upstart house with an unexpected vendetta.”
Cali shook her head. “If you haven’t done anything to earn one, I can’t see why that would be a concern for you. Unlike, say, Malniet.”
“You never know what kind of secrets might be buried in the past. It could be that an ancestor did someone wrong and they’re watching for an opportunity. It’s not worth being paranoid about but a smart person wouldn’t discount it, either.”
“Fair enough.” She sighed. “I hope that once this is all over, the Leblanc House can have the same priorities. It would be nice to think there’s a normal life of some kind waiting at the end of this long-ass tunnel.”
He laughed. “Very poetic.”
“No question. Seriously, though, I could do without more drama for a while, I won’t lie.”
“You could simply step away.”
“I can’t. Not until Atreo is free and can make that decision with me. But in any case, leaving behind all my parents worked so hard for isn’t in the cards.”
“I’m glad to hear that. It’s
always good to have more allies.”
She tilted her head to regard him curiously and a little challengingly. “Is that what we are?”
“At least that, I hope.” He shrugged. “Ideally, also friends. If not now, then eventually. I’m much less annoying over time.”
Cali nodded absently and stared out the window. The foot and vehicle traffic had been fairly consistent while they’d been in the restaurant but suddenly, the pattern had changed and no one was visible.
“Fyre, what’s going on?” she sent.
His reply was full of concern. “I can’t tell but definitely something. There are no cars coming down the street, and people are moving away from this block like they’re worried.”
“Magic?”
“Who knows?”
She called the bartender and threw a few bills on the counter. “Bag this, will you? I need to step outside and check something but I’ll be right back.” She rose and strode to the exit and her companion followed hastily. “You don’t have to come,” she said.
“Allies, remember? What’s going on?”
“I’m not sure yet but Fyre says something definitely is.” She stepped out the door and looked in both directions. The block was devoid of other people and the only cars present were those parked on either side. “This is bad. Fyre, get down here. We’re leaving.”
“What about the tacos?” Wymarc asked.
“Forget them.” She circled her arms to create a portal and wasn’t completely surprised when it failed to form. “Damn it. Someone’s blocking me.” He tried as well as Fyre landed beside them.
His failed too. “You were right. This is bad.”
She turned to face the patriarch. “Is it you this time too?”
He gaped in shock. “What?”
Cali shook her head. “Cut the act. I know you were behind the last ambush and I know you were working for the Empress. In fact, I also know she told you to put the moves on me so that I’d be emotionally compromised when you betrayed me. So I’ll ask again, is this you?” Emalia’s listening device had given her all kinds of information about Shenni’s efforts to undermine her. She’d been a little hurt but was well aware that the games in Atlantis were never-ending and she needed all the allies she could get.
