“I’m awake. I think,” I mumbled.
“Good. The wizard has been calling you for five minutes. I was about to take drastic measures.”
“Sunrise is in about five minutes. I suspect we’ll be called shortly thereafter. I suggest you make your morning ablutions quick.”
I sat up, dislodging Fudge from his perch on my chest. Untangling myself from the sheet, I realized I was just in a t-shirt and my underwear. “Look out the window or something,” I implored.
Gregory duly turned his back while I grabbed my overnight bag and took the whole thing into the bathroom with me. Five minutes be damned. I needed a shower. As advertised, pulling the chain let out a stream of water that was only tepid. Not my favorite temperature but it would have to do. I hurriedly washed everything, including my hair, dressed, pulled the wet hair into a ponytail and exited the bathroom.
“I am informed that breakfast will be in the conference room we were in yesterday,” Gregory told me, then started chuckling. When I asked him what was so funny, he told me that Arl had been reluctant to wake Ev, fearing some sort of retribution from the ogre, so had asked Gregory to do so. Gregory was amused that a supposed guard didn’t even want to knock on a door.
“Come on. We don’t want to keep the elves waiting.”
Gregory opened the door, nodded at Arl, knocked on Ev’s door, then went in. Arl, Fudge, and I waited outside. And waited. I heard voices coming from Ev’s room and it sounded like an argument. Finally, Gregory and Ev came out, neither looking happy. When I looked at Gregory, he shook his head and mouthed, “Later.”
Breakfast was just the three of us and of the continental sort, with coffee, juice, fresh fruit, and mouth-watering fresh-baked bread with marmalade. Ev grumbled about not getting bacon and eggs.
“They are feeding us, so be grateful,” Gregory admonished. Ev continued to grumble while demolishing an entire loaf of bread.
We were finished eating, drinking more coffee from the magically-refilling carafe when Nelion entered.
“Good morning. I trust you slept well?” he asked.
“We did, thank you,” Gregory replied. “May I ask what the plans are for today?”
“Althea has already called with news and has suggested a meeting at her office. I know you are anxious to get home so unless you have other plans, we will take our jet back to Minneapolis. You should be receiving a text or call from Howard shortly, requesting your presence at the meeting. It seems your Mr. Bartz has some ideas.”
“Waldo has communicated with me,” Fudge told me. “Our presence is requested as well.”
Gregory nodded at Nelion. “Of course. And thank you for the offer of a ride. It will be much quicker than a commercial flight.”
“Excellent. The plane will be ready to leave in about thirty minutes. Arl will help you collect your things then convey you to the airstrip. I will meet you there.”
As soon as Nelion had left, I let Gregory know about Waldo’s communication with Fudge.
“It seems we are all in the middle of another train wreck,” he said. “Ev, I will drop you at the house on our way downtown.”
“No way. After being turned into a bat, I want to know what’s happening. I’m going with you.”
Gregory looked at his phone. “It’s only shortly before eight. Too early to call people but we can send texts now, before we’re airborne. I’ll text Omar. Amy, please text Sally. Have them meet at the house at, say, ten, and Omar can let her in. As well, he can keep an eye on things until this mess is solved, one way or another.”
So, I sent a text to Sally, asking her to get to the house by ten so Omar could let her in and telling her we’d be airborne shortly, arriving in Minneapolis before noon but we had a meeting downtown immediately thereafter. Also to remind her that furniture was getting delivered that morning and the telephone people were supposed to be out to install a second line in the afternoon. I’d try to call her once we were in the car.
“Hey,” Ev said as we trotted behind Arl back to the rooms. “What happened to my phone?”
Gregory shrugged his shoulders. “No telling. I don’t know if, on a normal basis, electronics transform along with the body, but given Alberon’s reaction to you not having clothing, I’m guessing Obrist couldn’t change your phone. Perhaps it’s in the ether; perhaps it landed on Frenchman Street and someone picked it up.
“I know it hasn’t been used because it doesn’t appear on my locator application. We will have to get you another one. There is a phone store just off the interstate exit for home, so we will stop there.”
Ev pouted. “But what am I supposed to do until then? I’m certain I have all sorts of missed calls, texts, emails, all that. Two weeks’ worth. I need to catch up!”
“Ev, calm down,” I told him. “I forwarded your cell phone to the office, and that’s been forwarded to my phone. I’ve also been monitoring your email, answering where I could and telling everyone else you were out of touch and would get back to them as soon as you were able.
“Thankfully, there have been no real emergencies while you were…gone. Your female friends are a little miffed at you, though. They didn’t like getting a reply from me. You’ll have to deal with that on your own.”
Ev sighed. “This is disastrous. Even when I get a new phone, it won’t have all the missed calls and texts. And I’ll have to re-enter all my contacts.”
“No, you won’t. I had your phone set to back up everything to the cloud. Your contacts will download during the process of setting up the new phone,” Gregory told him. It was a good thing Ev had Gregory. He’d flounder his way through life, otherwise.
We grabbed our bags (Ev, of course, didn’t have one) and walked over to the SUV that had driven into the clearing a moment before.
Gregory looked down at Fudge. “I know you don’t want to fly and I doubt very much the elves want you on their plane. Ready for a boost?”
Fudge nodded at him. “I will be with Waldo when you arrive at their office,” I heard just before he dematerialized.
While being driven to the airstrip, I asked Arl about the lack of other elves around. It seemed to me there ought to be more people inhabiting what was, in theory, a city.
He chuckled. “The area you saw is just one part of our enclave – the part that belongs to the Head of the enclave. They live near what to you would be all the administrative offices for convenience.
“There are other such clearings in our forest, which include housing and workshops. Anyone who was not associated with what happened yesterday was told to stay out of that clearing, to avoid being seen by humans – or your familiar.”
I guess that made sense. They still preferred their privacy.
The plane ride was quiet. Nelion was absorbed in something on his phone. Alberon looked like he was meditating. Gregory and I read books on our phones. Ev started snoring.
When we landed at Flying Cloud, a black SUV, identical to the ones in Louisiana, was waiting outside the terminal. “This is our ride,” Nelion said. “We will meet you at Althea’s office in one hour’s time.”
“Our car is in the car park,” Gregory said. “Come on.”
The Hummer had been sitting in the hot sun for almost a week and was stifling. Add to that Ev’s aroma (which I really hadn’t missed) and I had to have the window open, even with the air conditioning going full blast. Ev complained about the noise but I didn’t say anything. My comfort, at this point, was more important.
We were on the outskirts of downtown when I hollered at Gregory over the sound of the wind. “Hey, aren’t we supposed to be blindfolded or something? Last time, we weren’t to know the location of the office.”
“I have no instructions to that effect,” he answered. “My guess is that they deem you, even Ev, trustworthy enough not to divulge the location.”
Ev snorted. “As if I care. It’s another damned office.”
We drove into a parking garage, went down to the lowest level and parked. Gregory herded us
to a different elevator than the bank used by the general public. A guard stood next to it. No uniform, no visible weapon, but he was a guard nonetheless. I could tell by his bearing.
“We have an appointment with Althea, Ed, and I think Howard is there, too,” Gregory told him.
Eyeing Ev, the guard nodded. “You are expected.” He hit a button on the remote in his hand, and a moment later, I could hear the elevator whooshing its way downward. When the doors slid open, there was no corresponding ‘ding’ as one usually hears.
There was only one button in the elevator, too. The doors slid closed. I remembered it being an express and was grateful because I’d only have to hold my breath against Ev’s smell in that enclosed space for a few moments.
The door opened to a familiar sight – plush carpeting, wood paneling, and Ed Bartz, the Head of Security waiting for us. “I’m to take you directly to the conference room. You’re the last to arrive,” he said.
We trooped into the conference room where nearly a dozen people sat at the table. I recognized Ms. Fitzsimmons; her familiar, Waldo (currently in the form of a rottweiler); Mr. Sharretts; Nelion and Alberon; but none of the others. I nodded my head at a lady sitting on a chair in a corner. She was the Witches’ Council secretary, one who could remember everything verbatim without taking notes.
Fudge came trotting over and jumped into my arms. “I missed you. This is an important meeting. These are all very important people.”
As we sat, Althea cleared her throat. “Most of us know each other well, but there are faces unfamiliar to others. I would ask, therefore, that we go around the table and introduce ourselves for the benefit of all. I am Althea Fitzsimmons, Head of the Midwest Witches’ Council. This is my familiar, Waldo, Head of the Familiars’ Council. On speakerphone is Maximillian Finck, Head of the Midwest Vampire Council.”
“Howard Sharretts, Head of the Midwest Wizards’ Council.”
“John Martin, Head of the Midwest Were Council.”
“[unintelligible] but you may call me Penelope, representing the non-elf fae on this continent.”
Gregory added “wizard” after his name, so I added “witch” after mine. Ev just said his name. His species was rather apparent.
When the circle was complete, Ms. Fitzsimmons asked Ed to give his report.
Ed stood. “Thanks to some quick work by Mr. Tremaine and Miss McCollum, we were able to get our hands on a were-weasel who, we have found, has been the instigator of several violent crimes here in the Twin Cities over the last several months, including the arson at Mr. Angelich’s office. Which, Amy, was supposed to upset you enough to join their cause.
“It took a while, but we finally broke him. There is a small group of young paranormals who are trying to take an upper hand in the wider world. Despite overwhelming numbers to the contrary, we believe they want to cow the humans into submission, with the elves ruling, the vampires having unlimited snacking ability, and such.
“Naturally, as all here agree, that is an insurmountable task. But it won’t be for lack of trying. There are activities planned all around the United States for Wednesday, and they aren’t peaceful demonstrations. There are plots to take over local and state government houses and if they kill a few lawmakers in the process, they don’t care.
“Thanks to all investigative arms working together, we have the names of more than three dozen perpetrators and they are being closely watched. While we would like to confine them, it is simply hearsay at the moment, so we have no grounds to do so.
“The reason for this meeting is to decide how to prevent these plots from coming to fruition, preferably without violence, and also to determine how to deal with the unrest going forward.”
I listened to what he had to say, then wondered why Gregory and I were wanted at this meeting. We weren’t on any council and really had no say-so in what they decided.
As if reading my mind, Ms. Fitzsimmons spoke to me. “Everyone at this table is at least a century or more older than you, Amy. As a young witch, your input would be most valuable.”
“I’m happy to help wherever I can,” I replied, still unsure of my role.
“Ahem,” came from the speakerphone. “May I ask why the ogre has been included in this conversation? They, as far as I know, are no part of the conspiracy.”
“I inserted myself into it,” Ev replied. “I was turned into a bat because of this shit and I never want that to happen again. To me, or anyone else for that matter. I’ll be happy to help break some heads.”
I winced. Profanity and the offer of violence. Just what was needed. Not.
“What?” the voice on the speakerphone exclaimed. “Nelion, it must have been one of your people. No other magic can touch an ogre as far as I know.”
Nelion sighed. “It was. Mr. Angelich apparently overheard something he should not have in regards to this matter. We have detained my son, three of his elven friends, and a werewolf. Although I suspect there are more involved, I am being thwarted somewhat by my own enclave council because some of them agree with what the younglings are thinking. They wish to return to the old days, as well.”
“I suggest you explain to them they are in error,” Mr. Martin said.
“I have tried. I am afraid it will take more than turning an ogre into a bat for them to come around to my way of thinking, no offense to you, Mr. Angelich.”
“Do they condone violence as well?” Mr. Sharretts asked.
“No. But I believe violence would have to actually be done for them to believe there is an issue.”
Gregory sat forward in his chair. “Is there a way to allow one of these incidents to happen in a controlled manner, simply to prove a point to the disbelievers, of which I am certain there are many among all species?”
Everyone turned their eyes to Ed. He mused a moment. “Perhaps. Just like humans, most paranormals do not lead, but only follow. If we could actually detain our known perpetrators, whom I believe are the main instigators, chances are the rest of it would fall apart. However, that would be up to the individual councils. Laws on such differ and security forces must follow those.
“Nelion, for whatever reason, your son and his friends seem to be mostly involved here in the Upper Midwest rather than New Orleans.”
“New Orleans humans are accustomed to the out-of-the-ordinary. Perhaps that is why,” Nelion said.
“Yes. Of course. Anyway, if they could be released and somehow found their way back up here to act out their part. I have a good working relationship with the human security team at our state capitol and I’m sure we could come to some arrangement.”
He looked at me. “I believe you could be helpful in this regard.”
“Me? What could I do?”
“Lure them back. You told me Perchaladon had approached you about the discontent. Tell him the fire changed your mind and you want to be part of whatever it is they’re doing.”
I cringed. “I’m not a very good liar. On the phone, sure, I can handle it. But in person? That’s another matter altogether.”
Waldo barked. Once. In my direction. His deep voice made everyone jump.
“As long as I am with you, I can ensure you tell an untruth with a convincing facial expression.”
“You can what?”
“By controlling your emotions, just as I am able when you cast a spell. It is your emotions that give you away. If you feel guilty about lying, which you usually do, that shows on your face. I suppress the guilt and you lie convincingly.”
“I suppose you are getting the same information from Fudge that I received so many years ago from Waldo,” Ms. Fitzsimmons said to me. To the rest of the group, “For those unacquainted with familiars and their abilities, they can suppress our emotions for brief periods. It is useful when casting a delicate spell. The same skill can be used to ensure Miss McCollum’s facial expressions do not give her away.”
I made a face. “Well, okay. I suppose. I call Perchaladon and, in theory, join him. Then what?”
> “We know the state capitol building is the target. What we do not know is the time or how many others may be involved, and what their species are. Time is short, and we must have that information in order to have enough personnel of the right species on site. So, see if you can ferret out his plans, then let me know. I can handle the rest.”
“You are putting Amy in danger,” Ev said. “I do not like that my assistant is being put in harm’s way.”
“She is more than capable of protecting herself now,” Gregory answered. “In addition, I will be there with Ed’s people.”
“If she’s going to be involved with a mob, I will be there as her bodyguard,” Ev said emphatically. “Only elves can touch me with their magic, and that’s if I don’t get to them first. Any other species doesn’t bother me.”
He looked at me. “This Perchaladon fellow must understand I’d want to protect you and I’m the best man for the job.”
“But how are we going to explain me being pissed at society in general but not at them for turning you into a bat? And how do they know you won’t kill them on sight?”
“Hm. That is a problem. But I want to help!”
“You can help by going back to work and ensuring Amy’s presence is not missed,” Gregory told him. “In addition, there may be some stragglers who escape our net. It is known Amy is now working out of your house after the fire. Someone may come for her, or perhaps try to deliver a suspicious package, as they have already done. We need an ogre there as a deterrent and Omar has to leave the city tomorrow.”
“Then it’s settled,” Ed said. “As soon as the elves are released, we will let you know so you can call Perchaladon and get the ball rolling. Gregory can guard you and let me know what you are doing.”
That sounded like a dismissal and it was. Gregory touched my arm, indicating we were leaving. He did the same to Ev. There were noises along the lines of, ‘It was nice to meet you,’ and ‘Thank you for your help’ as we exited the room.
Once we were back in the car, I kept the window rolled up so I could hear, leaned over the front seat (right next to Ev, eeeww), and asked Gregory what else was happening in the conference room. Before answering, Gregory popped the sunroof and although I saw nothing, I felt the tingle of magic. He was doing his fan thing again. My nose – and I’m sure Fudge’s – was grateful.
Transformation! Page 22
