Selfishness almost tempted Cat to ask Jenira to ignore the summons and find a different job. If Jenira considered Rennert a suspect in the attacks against the registered mages, though, she wouldn't stop until she found her answer. Meeting with Rennert was the best way to gauge the elusive billionaire's involvement, especially if he was grooming her for a similar job.
Her jaw set in determination, Cat outlined a plan of attack for the evening. Though unease nagged her, she needed to get Jenira to the rendezvous safely. Science willing, they would be able to stay in Brenville long enough for Cat to finish her invention. The culmination of her research would improve life for both of them. The proceeds would pay for necessities and give Jenira a break from killing and fighting.
Chapter Three
Jenira
Jenira scouted the Rialto from the terrace of a hotel down the block, her long legs pacing the narrow balcony. Less than an hour remained before her meeting with Rennert. Plans cycled through her mind. She and Cat had discussed their options for hours, and they both realized the danger they faced. Cat had bypassed the hotel's security to place her in this vacant room, and she monitored the hallway to prevent anyone from entering.
Jenira’s nerves jangled. She wasn't tailing a thief across the wharves or sneaking into a killer's bedroom. Years of training and experience caused a constant chorus of warning bells in her head; she never met with her bosses. Thoughts of Cat's disappointment at having to leave her research behind also haunted her. Hopefully, her sister would forgive her if they had to flee Brenville.
Jenira couldn't shake the idea Rennert might have orchestrated the mage murders. The knowledge that a secret organization was targeting registered mages filled her with dread. Centuries' worth of history could repeat itself. Although mages were second-rate citizens in the East, techies and mages coexisted peacefully. The last war happened over two hundred years ago, and both factions remained relatively comfortable within their separate spheres. These new, senseless hate crimes could erase every step of progress the two territories had made. She’d heard stories of the war, and she didn't want a repeat. False peace was a better alternative to millions of deaths and the destruction of the natural world which fueled a mage’s power.
Recalling Cat's debrief, she refocused her thoughts and eyes on the nearby rooftop. The presence of nature, although potted and separated from the earth fifty stories below, would strengthen her magic. She studied the sheer walls of the Rialto, wondering if she should attempt the climb. The idea of scaling a building in the middle of the financial district made her shudder. Any camera could film her unless she cloaked herself using her talent. If she required her abilities anyway, she might as well appear the easy way. Phasing onto the roof might be the most sensible, but it was also the most dangerous.
Earlier that afternoon, she’d scouted the perimeter of the building disguised as a jogger. She'd sensed a vague use of talent which meant Rennert employed mages, but no mage sensors. Sniffers possessed a unique brand of magic visible to any mid-level mage. Unfortunately, the top of the Rialto stretched beyond her range. If Rennert placed a Sniffer in his penthouse, its presence would remain hidden until she stepped onto the roof. The strategy was clever if Rennert intended to trap her. No one expected a mage to have an affinity with tech though. Cat was her ace in the hole; she monitored everything from their bungalow. She wouldn’t be able to watch, but she could scout for electronic devices and listen to their interaction.
Jenira relaxed into a meditative state. The practice prepped her body, her mind, and her magic. To the people on the street below, she was a random person on a balcony. Cat ensured camera images of her were erased immediately.
Tendrils of light blonde hair escaped her tightly braided bun and danced in the breeze while the warm evening air kissed her skin. Brenville's weather was another point in its favor; the southern half of the Eastern Territory never got terribly cold. Jenira preferred the warmth for selfish reasons. She could dress in casual clothing without freezing to death. Her signature outfit of skimpy leather shorts, knee-high boots, and black tank top didn't hamper her movements. The clothes were familiar, and the view of muscular legs and generous curves distracted almost every male long enough to bash their head in.
She stood and stretched, preparing her body for a possible fight. A crisscross holster restrained her short sword and her ever-present thigh holsters accommodated her cherished daggers. She didn’t always carry the sword, but the daggers accompanied her everywhere except the shower.
A pink satin mask edged with white lace covered most of her face. Its beauty helped mold the Desert Rose persona, and the rosy fabric hid her most distinguishing characteristic. The mask lay smoothly against her skin due to Cat's modifications, not impeding her vision or constricting her movement. Her eyes sparkled through the eye slits like brightly cut sapphires.
The rectangle solar panels on the Rialto’s roof reflected the dim light of the city while the rest of the rooftop remained cloaked in darkness. Stars blinked into existence, but the moon only blossomed halfway.
“Are you clear?” Her sister's voice buzzed in her ear. Jenira extended her senses to search for Sniffers. None appeared on her magical radar, and she smiled with satisfaction.
“Clear.” A small microphone concealed in the collar of her top allowed easy communication with Cat.
“Jen, are you sure you want to do this?”
Jenira exhaled, releasing the tension in her chest. She didn't take unnecessary risks, and she understood her sister's hesitation, but they had discussed everything at length earlier this afternoon. Her mind was decided. “I'm sure.”
Cat sighed in soft acceptance. “Ok. Be careful.”
“I will, sis.”
“Right then. The feed will remain live. Phasing in will require twenty seconds, and I'll connect with you after thirty seconds. If you don't hear from me, that means there's a jammer nearby. If you can’t reconnect with me or you sense a Sniffer, phase back to the house. I'm ready to go.” Cat's voice was resigned, and Jenira's chest contracted again with uncharacteristic anxiety.
She reminded herself why she was doing this. Kids and adults were being killed in their sleep, just because they were mages. Squaring her shoulders in determination, she set her jaw. The duffle bag filled with climbing equipment presented a necessary ruse. Rennert might suspect magic if she didn't have a ready excuse. With a final readying breath, she retreated into the dark hotel room to prevent any cameras or bystanders documenting her disappearance into thin air. Cat counted down in her ear.
Jenira pictured the rooftop garden and called her magic. It responded quickly, curling about her in soft cobalt tendrils. She took a second to enjoy the heady rush of its arrival before containing its soft touch. Like a kitten rubbing up against her legs, her power caressed her with comfort and familiarity, eager to do her bidding. She fed her internal well of power with intention and concentrated on where she wanted to materialize. Her goal was the shadowed corner beneath the solar panels because she assumed Rennert would wait in the other corner where there was a bar and small seating area. The usual sucking sensation and slight dizziness accompanied her phase. A pleasant tingle brushed every inch of exposed flesh before the breeze replaced it, signaling she had completed her journey.
When she opened her eyes, she was pleased to see her intended destination. Phasing to a place she had never physically visited always posed a risk. There were no Sniffers nearby, and the discovery unraveled a measure of the tension filling her chest. Power glinted nearby, but Jenira couldn’t identify the nature. Some mages could distinguish an elemental mage from a spirit mage or an empath, but Jenira couldn’t. The subtle glow was not the searching, invasive imprint of a Sniffer, and that was all that mattered at the moment.
The immediate threat neutralized, Jenira examined her surroundings with rapidly adjusting night vision. The thick foliage could be the source of magic. The beautiful garden drowned in earthly power, more than Jenira thought possible co
nsidering its distance from the ground. Her magic ached to join with the force filling the trees, flowers, and plants. She drew on years of practice to compress her power back into her core.
“We're online,” Cat whispered through the earpiece. Jenira tapped the microphone twice, their agreed upon signal when responding audibly was dangerous. The sound told Cat she copied and the situation was secure. Cat's sigh of relief echoed across the connection before she muted herself so as not to present a distraction.
Jenira hefted the duffle in one hand. The equipment was for show, but it could prove useful if she sensed a Sniffer. She would rappel down the building instead of using magic again. The more she used, the stronger her signature.
Picturing the rooftop layout in her mind, she maneuvered through the green maze. Her boots were silent on the absorbent surface. The balcony of the hotel hadn't revealed the soft lights dotted among the foliage. Shadows writhed and coiled around her, but the leaves and blooms comforted her. A large, yellow orchid's silky petals tempted her, but she resisted. She worried the plant's power would draw out her magic.
Extending her non-magical senses, she heard the faint breathing of only one person. Rennert's solitude reassured her it wasn't a trap. She crept upon the dimly lit bar area, staying in the shadows and careful not to brush against any of the greenery.
A large form stood at the bar, staring away from her into the night. His manner projected ease and confidence. Jenira’s eyes trailed from short, dark hair to broad shoulders and a tapered waist. Something deep within the man prodded her awareness and caused her magic to stir inside her. She tamped it down with a frown. She couldn't examine his energy further without unleashing her own power.
Soft lighting surrounded the area, but Cat had assured her it wasn’t enough to reveal images on the satellite feed. The sky beyond the rooftop lay dark by comparison, and the city sounds seemed removed because of the distance to the street. The space was peaceful, a sanctuary in the middle of a techie paradise.
Jenira hesitated at the edge of the foliage, considering her next move. Tailored trousers and a dark shirt didn't appear to conceal any weapons, but his massive body generated its own threat. Jenira was stronger than most women, but she couldn’t counter his size without using magic.
“You don't disappoint.” His voice rumbled, settling inside her chest. When she didn't respond, he turned. Chiseled cheekbones and a strong jaw accompanied uniquely compelling eyes. He met her gaze unflinchingly, easily locating her in the darkness. Jenira’s breath caught soundlessly. Davin Rennert possessed magic. The soft glow of the lights remained separate from the golden glow of his aura, matching the glint of power within his amber eyes. She sensed his magic even without the aid of her ability, suggesting he was powerful. Shaking herself mentally, she pushed it aside. Now was not the time to become distracted by the potential problems of her discovery.
She stepped from the shadows and placed the bag at her feet so her hands were free. Rennert’s eyes skimmed her form, acknowledging her weapons and mask. No surprise showed on his face; he either expected her or excelled at schooling his expression. While his eyes held appreciation as they scanned her body, she suspected a few inches of exposed thigh wouldn't distract him.
She returned his examination, forcing patience. The absence of weapons didn't offer an illusion of safety, especially since the undercurrent of magic distracted her. She prided herself on knowing how to interact with her prey in any circumstance. She wasn't a stranger to fear; she welcomed it when her life was in danger because it sharpened her senses. This emotion wasn't fear though; he held an advantage, and it unnerved her.
“I am pleased my star employee didn't walk through the front door.” He spoke into the silence and stepped towards her. Despite her training, Jenira twitched. The minute movement curled his full lips. “Relax. I'm not here to hurt you. My message was straightforward. I have a job for you, but I needed to decide whether to trust you first.” He stepped closer once more; the deliberation of his movements similar to a trainer approaching a wild stallion. Jenira balanced her body in preparation for action, her hands hovering near her daggers.
“How did you get up here?” His amber eyes darted toward her bag.
“Trade secret,” she replied. She was surprised and pleased her voice didn't betray her inner turmoil. This time, Rennert’s lips formed a genuine smile which transformed him into a handsome man. She had met and fucked many attractive men, though. She no longer reacted to a pretty face the way other women did.
“Do I need to ramp up my security?”
“It wasn't easy.” Her vague words lent credence to the truth. He nodded in satisfaction, still studying her as if he was intent on peeling away her secrets one by one.
“They call you the Desert Rose, do they not? I suspected as much, but I wasn't certain until now. You have a unique profile in the underworld.”
Jenira didn't respond. Words revealed hints and the faster she finished this meeting, the sooner they could return to their anonymous dealings. She needed to determine if he was involved in the murders, but his magic changed things. She wanted to release her abilities to confirm her suspicion that one of the most famous and successful tech moguls in history was a mage. The prospect was exciting and controversial. Tech and magic didn't mix; they often caused madness if practiced in tandem. Some mages could use modified tech, and some techies could be around magic, but many believed creating tech inventions with innate magical power was impossible.
Rennert stepped back to the bar, his body lithe and graceful despite his size. “Would you like a drink?” He held up a bottle, the contents shining in the low light. She shook her head and he shrugged. After he’d poured the golden liquid, he swirled his glass and studied her over the rim.
“I've researched your exploits in other Eastern Territory cities.” Jenira's muscles tensed. The man talked too much, and she was tired of trying to guess his intentions. Racing down a dark alley or battling five men was infinitely preferable to this veiled interrogation. “I didn’t uncover much about you. This is either a testament to your abilities or a hint of the brilliant technical mind which erases your existence from the web.”
Jenira portrayed complete indifference. Even a twitch of her little finger could betray her sister or herself. She was glad Cat muted herself; her sister's probable hysteria at his observation would be another needless distraction.
Rennert's gaze never left her, but his emotions and actions betrayed nothing. “What impresses me more,” he continued, “is that I've found no instances of you acting against the Eastern magical community.”
Stone, Jenira repeated to herself, she was stone. Her muscles poised to flee and magic coiled within her core, ready to be summoned. To her dismay, Rennert changed the subject.
“Have you enjoyed working for me these past six months?”
“You pay well,” she replied with a casual shrug. Greedy mercenaries dominated her profession. She could play the part, even in the face of this daunting adversary.
“I have the resources. Your efficiency over the time we've worked together and your mysterious arrival tonight satisfy me. I am also pleased to confirm your identity as the Desert Rose.” He looked away from her and focused on the brightening stars. Jenira forced patience and silence, regardless of the many questions floating through her mind.
“I mentioned a job. I will pay half a million dollars if this assignment is performed to my satisfaction.” Jenira's breath left in a rush before she could stop it. The amount of money Rennert offered would buy their passage across the northern border or across the ocean to a country where mages and techies enjoyed peaceful Integration. She and her sister could be free to be themselves.
She pushed the hope aside, concentrating on Rennert again. What job was worth that amount? He prowled closer, stopping a mere two steps away, and she had to resist the desire to retreat. His nearness confused her senses and put her on even higher alert.
“The task will not be easy. In fact
, I'm uncertain a single person could succeed so I will assist you. I will provide equipment and access should you need either.”
“What would be required of me?” Her voice tightened with impatience and nerves.
“There have been recent attacks against registered mages.” Jenira tensed, every muscle coiled tight. Her magic writhed inside her, anger forcing her power to the surface. This was what she feared - the moment he asked her to join the cause. “I want you to hunt down the murdering bastards and kill them.”
She released a small sigh of relief, and a sadistic smile curved her full lips after the shock of his words wore off. Rennert might be dangerous, but it appeared he wasn't the enemy.
“This job gives you pleasure.”
Jenira forced her features back to indifference. “They murder children in their sleep. I may be a killer, but I am not a monster.” The flash of his amber eyes conveyed satisfaction.
“I had hoped this might be the case. Can you relax now?” His voice rang with amusement.
They might be on the same side, but she wouldn’t trust him. He was a techie with considerable government influence. After several seconds of internal debate, she uncoiled a wisp of power from her core. It scented the air between them and purred with pleasure when it encountered his magic. The stroke of his talent against hers, unleashed and exposed, almost stole her composure. She recalled her power, utilizing years of practiced control, and rocked onto the balls of her feet, preparing to run. He sensed her abilities in the shared second; that simultaneous acknowledgment indicated similar levels of power, impossible for a techie. He wouldn't have detected her magic if he was weaker.
His hand wrapped around her wrist in a movement too fast to follow, but she pressed the steel of her dagger to his throat in the same heartbeat. His skin pulsed with golden power. Now that she’d glimpsed it, it couldn’t be unseen. His magic caressed her skin, possibly without his permission. Magic could be temperamental. How someone like him hid in the Eastern Territory puzzled her.
Worlds Collide (Magitech Book 1) Page 2
