Night Magic

by Susan Squires

  What did they see? Jane had to know. She veered toward them. She heard the murmur of the crowds from a distance now. She could smell the wine in the champagne glasses and feel the heat of the dim lights, faint as they were. Everything was heightened, yet seemed far away. The crowds, so thick everywhere, had somehow left a circle of emptiness right in front of the display that captivated Drew and Michael so. The circle slowly filled with Tremaines. They stood, transfixed. Slowly, as she worked her way around behind them, the display case came into view.

  It held a chalice. Light flickered off the chased gold. Huge cabochon jewels, as big as her thumb in red and green and blue, glowed. It was probably twelve inches high. The placard at the front of the case read, “The Chalice of Aachen, said to belong to Charlemagne, circa 800.” It looked like the cup of a giant.

  Cup!

  Jane knew it was true, deep in her belly. This chalice was the Cup. It practically shouted that it was not like the other exhibits in the room. Was that why the Tremaines were the only ones within twenty feet of it, even though the rest of the gallery was crowded? Even ordinary people, without magic, like Jane could feel its power. A thousand thoughts crowded Jane’s head. What was a Talisman doing in the middle of an exhibition traveling the world? Did the Clan know it was here? Were they even now lurking somewhere close? She couldn’t help but scan the crowd behind her.

  Drew tore her eyes away from the display. “The shape is right, and the lumpy silhouette because of the jewels. I saw it at night, though, in red light.”

  Brian muttered, “The exhibit is protected by lasers after hours. Red lasers.”

  “That’s it, then,” Michael breathed.

  Brian nodded. “Looks like the Chalice of Charlemagne came down to him from a wizard we know. And its origins are earlier than 800 A.D.”

  “It’s like he’s calling to us,” Drew whispered. “I can feel it.”

  “Yeah,” Tristram muttered. “We would. Because he lives in our blood and our bones.”

  Well, Jane thought, not in all of them. Standing there, as the overwhelming power of the Cup sloshed over her, she’d never felt more like an outsider.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Kemble watched as his family cut through the swirling crowd like a Roman phalanx. Their expressions were a little stunned, all except for his father. Jane had Tamsen in tow.

  “We’re going,” his father barked. “Call Edwards and have him bring the cars around.” He turned. “Michael, go collect Lanyon.” He frowned. “Let him get the phone numbers of his, uh, female associates, but I want him outside in five minutes.”

  Kemble already had his phone out and pressed the “frequently dialed” code for Edwards.

  “It’s here,” Senior said to Kemble’s mother, who was staring up at him like he was out of his mind. “Keelan and Devin were right.” He turned as the governor came up and put a hand on his shoulder.

  “Everything all right?” the politician asked, concern etching his expression.

  Senior adjusted his face carefully, forcing his muscles to relax. “Oh, of course, Jim. Brina’s just got some kind of bug and it looks like Keelan might have it too. Time to circle the wagons. Not a popular decision with some members of the family.” He glanced over to where Michael was in forceful, if not heated, conversation with Lanyon, who had on his stubborn face.

  As the governor looked around, Keelan’s face was green enough to lend credence to Brian’s diagnosis.

  Edwards picked up on the second ring. “Bring the cars around. We’re leaving,” Kemble said, sotto voce. “No, nothing’s wrong. I’ll fill you in when you get here.”

  The governor turned his attention to Kemble’s mother. “My dear, I hope you feel better.”

  His mother held up a hand and smiled ruefully. “Don’t get too close. I wouldn’t want to infect the world here. I’m just trying not to embarrass myself at the moment.”

  “Well, tell this guy to get you home then. Anything I can do, Brian?”

  Senior shook his head then thought better of it. “Make my apologies to Christian, will you? He worked so hard on the exhibit. I hate to cut out on him in his moment of triumph.”

  “Now, now. Christian’s triumph will be all over the Internet tomorrow, and he’ll get headlines in the Arts section of the Times.” The governor grinned. “Still, I’ll soothe his ego. Such a big family draws attention when you leave en masse.”

  “Thanks.” Senior was already motioning to Lanyon to give up the fight. Kemble saw his little brother’s face fall as he turned to his female admirers. The governor drifted away. Senior helped Kemble’s mother rise from her bench. “Kemble?” Brian jerked his head to Lanyon. Kemble knew when he’d been given an order. He pushed his way over to where Michael was looking like he’d blow a gasket. Lanyon’s good-byes were becoming extended.

  He was kissing a blond girl’s hand as Kemble came up. “Time to go, little brother.”

  “Shove off,” Lanyon gritted out. “I saw the signal. I’m going.” He let his attention sweep over his three companions. “You must all come out to the house this weekend.”

  “Oooh, I’ve heard about your house,” the blond cooed. “It’s called the Breakers, isn’t it?”

  “None other,” Lanyon said, doing his best imitation of suave sophisticate.

  At that point, Michael took one of his arms and Kemble the other. “Ta-ta, girls,” Kemble called over his shoulder as they dragged a sputtering Lanyon away. Kemble leaned down and whispered, “Man up, kid. There’s a Talisman in the next room. We’re regrouping at home.”

  Lanyon looked, up, shocked, and glanced to Michael. Their expressions must have told the story. Michael was looking grim enough anyway. Lanyon shook off their hold. “Okay. I get it. Not the time to party.” Then he looked around. “Can I see it?”

  Kemble shook his head. “No time.” What he didn’t say was that if the Talisman was here, the Clan might be here too, whoever wasn’t in Athens. That meant their ranks could number more than twelve. This was getting bad.

  Lanyon strode on his own power over to where the family was making their way to the doors, Michael and Kemble right behind him. No one said a word as they waited under the portico for Edwards and crew. Kemble wasn’t the only one examining every shadow for signs of the Clan. Michael, Tristram, and Devin all held their women close and glanced around with wary eyes. Senior had one arm around his wife and one around Tamsen.

  Kemble started. What was he thinking? Where was Jane? Her hand slipped into the crook of his arm just as panic rolled up from his belly. “Jane,” he sighed in relief. He put his hand over hers where she held to his biceps. “I thought you’d gotten away from me.”

  She shook her head, obviously worried.

  “Did you see it?” he asked quietly. He could still hardly believe there was a Talisman in an exhibit hall at a very public museum.

  She nodded. “There’s no question that’s what it is. No one but the family got within twenty feet of it. I think even people without magic were affected by it.”

  “Drew’s vision said it was shaped like a flower, wider brim, about a foot tall. Covered with rather big jewels by the silhouette.”

  Jane looked up at him with big eyes. “That would be it.”

  The cavalcade of limos and SUVs pulled into view. Ernie and Rory jumped out of the limos and opened doors.

  “Kemble, you’re with us,” his father snapped. He glanced over to where Jane held firmly to Kemble’s arm. “Jane, you too.”

  Kemble escorted Jane over to the far side and helped her into forward seat of the limo, beside Drew and Michael, tucking the train of her dress in around her feet. He got into the far side of the back seat himself, beside his mother.

  Senior didn’t get in until all the others had been secured and the various car doors had slammed shut. Then he jumped into the back seat, saying, “Go,” and pulled the door shut behind him. The first thing he did as they pulled around the circle and out onto Wilshire Boulevard was to take his wife
’s hand. “Are you feeling better?”

  Kemble’s mother nodded. “Much. What was it?

  Senior shook his head. “The Cup. It’s the Chalice of Aachen, belonged to Charlemagne. But in its presence, there could be no question but that it’s also a Talisman.”

  “A Talisman, here?” Edwards exclaimed. He’d been brought in on the family’s secrets after he’d helped defeat the slithery things when they’d lost the Wand, at the cost of a savage burn. When Kemble’s mother had Healed him . . . well, that had raised even more questions and Edwards deserved answers. Knowing they weren’t a “normal” family hadn’t shaken the man’s loyalty. Nor had the danger. He was a good guy. Now his eyes never ceased roving from the road to the rearview mirror, the side mirror and back again. “In the middle of an art exhibit?”

  “Yes. I don’t know how it got here, or who else knows it’s here. But we’ve got to get it. It’s imperative that we keep it from the Clan.”

  “How do you suggest we do that?” Kemble asked.

  Senior took a breath, let it out. “We’re going to steal it.”

  *****

  Jane hovered in the background, helping Mr. Nakamura serve coffee as the family gathered round the huge dining room table. Mr. Edwards had also pulled up a chair. He was practically part of the family these days. Even Tamsen and Lanyon were solemn for once. The others didn’t yet know Brian’s plan, but they would shortly. Would it strike as much fear into their hearts as it did into hers?

  “I don’t think we need the children here,” Brian began.

  Oh, dear. Not auspicious. Brian could be a little tone deaf.

  Tamsen gasped.

  “We’re as much a part of this family as anyone,” Lanyon growled, in a voice as deep as any of the men at the table. “Just because we don’t have magic yet. . . .”

  “Kemble and Jane don’t have magic and they get to stay,” Tamsen complained.

  “Tammy,” Kee protested. “That’s not nice.”

  “I say let them stay,” Drew said. Jane thought her best friend was looking even more peaked than she had going into the museum tonight. And very, very worried. “Whatever happens here, it’s going to change things for all of us.”

  That was ominous, coming from someone who could see the future.

  “Have you seen something, dear?” Brina asked, into the stunned silence.

  Michael quietly rubbed her back, saying nothing. Jane knew how much the strong and constant presence of her gentle giant of a husband steadied Drew. “Nothing specific,” Drew choked. She gathered herself. “But it’s bound to affect us, isn’t it, having a Talisman, or going to jail trying to get it?”

  Jane didn’t believe her friend knew nothing. And from the look on her face, what she knew wasn’t good. But the others seemed to be mollified. She glanced to Mr. Nakamura as she took two coffees from him. He was looking at Drew narrowly. The man must really not be getting enough sleep lately. He looked worse than Drew did, with red-rimmed eyes and hollowed cheeks. It occurred to her that no one questioned the fact that Mr. Nakamura would be witness to the planning. He was so much a part of their lives. He’d been with Brian and Brina since his wife died. His daughter had grown up playing with Tamsen. In some ways, he was another orphan the Tremaines had adopted. But he was a pillar of quiet strength for them too.

  “Very well,” Senior said. The intensity of his expression kept Tamsen and Lanyon from any celebration of their victory. “But this is a job for those with magic. You’ll not be going with us on our little expedition, and if you’re going to argue about it. . . .” He held up a hand against Tamsen’s incipient protest. “You can leave now.”

  Tamsen shut her mouth with what was almost a snap. Jane glanced to Kemble as she set a cup of coffee in front of Brina. He was trying not to show how crushed he was that he would not be with the family in their moment of need.

  “Sir…” Mr. Edwards began.

  “No dice, Edwards. We’re not letting you do anything illegal for us.”

  Mr. Edwards shut his mouth, but Jane could see his jaw working.

  Everyone else looked at Brian. “Well, what’s the plan?” Michael asked.

  Brian sighed. “You act as though I have all the answers. The plan is what we’re here to figure out.”

  Jane glanced around and saw that most of the family was appalled. Brian always had all the answers. Brina looked concerned. It occurred to Jane that being an Adapter might actually be a burden sometimes.

  Kemble cleared his throat. “Well, we have to find a way around security. You probably know as much as anybody the arrangements that Knight, Inc. put in place for the exhibition.”

  Jane was so proud of him. He had so much more courage than he gave himself credit for.

  Brian looked relieved. “I do.” Then his brows creased. “It’s first-rate stuff. I made sure of that before I signed the contract with them.”

  “And if . . . I mean when we get past that, then there are the guards inside,” Michael muttered. “I could take them out, but. . . .”

  “We aren’t hurting anybody,” Brina said in a tone that said she would brook no contradiction. Brina looked at Michael’s expression, which Jane couldn’t see from where she was pouring coffee for Keelan and Devin. “I didn’t mean you wanted to hurt anyone, Michael,” Brina hastened to add. “But with all that Delta Force in your background—well, I just wouldn’t want there to be any accidents.”

  “I think Michael stays here with Drew,” Brian said. Jane saw Michael’s face fall. “I want to know that your skills are available to those not on our little expedition.”

  “Nobody counts my power for anything,” Maggie announced in a disgusted tone. “Or don’t you all remember that I can Calm people into a stupor without hardly even breakin’ a sweat? I can take care of the guards.”

  “Baby,” Tristram protested, “You aren’t going anywhere near that museum when we’re trying to play cat burglars at someplace locked up tighter than Fort Knox.”

  “Don’t you go protective man all over me, Tris Tremaine. We’re in this together.” Maggie might be all of five feet tall, but she was a force to be reckoned with and Tristram knew it.

  Jane moved around the table. Mr. Nakamura brought in a tray of cream and sugar with some shortbread cookies and some that looked like chocolate chip. Jane saw Tristram press his lips together. He was worried. Who wouldn’t be? He was about to say something more when Brian spoke up.

  “She’s right. She held those shadow things up at Pendragon’s at bay. Maggie, you’re in. Tristram, we’ll need you to make any weapons they have unusable, just as backup.”

  Tristram looked relieved that he had a part to play. “Too hot to handle, coming up.” He looked down at his spitfire little wife with love in his eyes. “Always been my specialty.”

  Maggie rolled her eyes, but a half smile hovered around her lips.

  “I don’t think I’ll be much help,” Devin said quietly. “If I draw the water, I risk ruining some pretty priceless art.”

  “Those Russian triptychs,” Keelan breathed in horror.

  “And the Book of Lindisfarne,” Brina added, sighing. “And the Codex Aureus of St. Emmeram.”

  “No. We can’t have that.” Brian had the last word, of course. “Sorry, Devin. You’re out. We’ll be taking only those that we absolutely need.” Devin’s face fell. “If something happens and we’re caught, you help Michael and Kemble hold the fort while Miles bails us out.”

  “I can just see us trying to explain this to Miles,” Kemble muttered. The thin line of his lips said he knew that he and Jane would also be relegated to staying behind. Without magic, what use were they? That would be hell for him. Jane, on the other hand, was glad Kemble wouldn’t be going, and felt guilty for that. She sat at the only empty seat and folded her hands in her lap. She was afraid they might shake if she didn’t.

  Brian looked up suddenly. “Kemble, you may be the answer to the security question. Can you hack the Knight, Inc. system? That may be
the only way we can get around it. We’re not David Niven.”

  “David who?” came a chorus from Tamsen, Lanyon, Devin, and Keelan.

  “He played a daring jewel thief,” Brina said, smiling at Brian’s disconcerted expression.

  “Must have been in the Dark Ages,” Tamsen muttered.

  “The point is,” Brian continued, frowning at them, “we’re not proficient thieves. We’ll need all the help we can get, and that means circumventing the security system.”

  “You’re proficient at everything, aren’t you?” Keelan asked. She wasn’t being sarcastic. The family was used to depending on Brian to do everything well, know everything, be everything they needed him to be.

  “Too much at stake here, darling, not to use our most skilled resources, magic or not,” Brian said softly. “Everything I hold dear is at risk.”

  “So we’d have to shut it down,” Kemble muttered. “But they’ll have precautions up, safeguards. And they can’t know anyone has compromised their software or they’ll do something unpredictable, like change versions, or reverse hack us.”

  Jane saw him thinking a mile a minute. Her heart swelled. She loved seeing him valued for his contributions. And he still wouldn’t have to go to the museum.

  Brian’s comment about risk sank in for everyone around the table at about the same time it dawned on Jane. Brian wasn’t just talking about some members of the family going to jail. Well, if no one would say it, she would. “You’re worried about the Clan.”

  Brian’s piercing blue eyes snapped over to her. “Yes,” he said after a moment. “They’ve been right behind us on the last two Talismans. They may be planning something similar now.”

  “I thought they were in Athens,” Brina protested, indignant. She probably thought she’d been misled about the safety of the outing.