Dark Glass: A Montague and Strong Detective Agency Novel

by Sanchez, Orlando A.

  THE END

  Author Notes

  Thank you for reading this story and jumping back into the Monty & Strong World.

  It wasn’t intentional.

  No, really. It wasn’t. Even with an outline (which I had) and a clear trajectory (which I could see), the story pulled a left when I wanted to go right. I knew Monty had to ‘dark’ from the onset of this book (and series). It’s been simmering for a few stories now. His use of blood magic, various circumstances providing an opening for its use, and even way back, when he cast a void vortex (not one, but two) in the city. We knew this was coming at some point. Does it make it easier? No, no it doesn’t.

  It was bound to happen, but it needed to happen the way it happened in this book. It needed to happen first by Monty saving Roxanne, by protecting Simon, and then by facing his past in Evers. I’d like to say I saw it coming in this book, except I didn’t. Yes, I had the idea, but around chapter 20 I could see where things were going, and I pulled an authorial VETO on the whole idea.

  It went pretty much like this:

  “Not like this,” I said. “It has to happen another way. Plus, it’s going to leave too much story untold. This is going to cause some waves…tsunami type waves.”

  “I know,” the story said. “Means you better get started on the next story NOW.”

  “This is NOT the ending I had in mind…this isn’t even an ending!”

  “All endings are just beginnings, this is the ending for this PART of the story. Now get writing. This is getting weird.”

  That is how DARK GLASS ended up where it did. I did try to wrangle it back to where I wanted it to go (several times), but it was unruly and didn’t flow. This meant I needed to go where the story dictated I go. It wasn’t pleasant, or easy, but it was necessary.

  This circumstance doesn’t happen often (Michiko’s stories were intentional cliffs) especially not with Monty & Simon. The last time I had an ending like this, was back in BLOOD IS THICKER. The original version of that ending nearly caused me bodily harm. This ending, while not as severe, is one of those endings that make you want to lob curses (and kindles) in my direction. I understand, I truly do, but it needed to happen. My apologies.

  All of that being said, it’s getting exciting. Monty’s past is coming back to look for some vengeance. If you read WAR MAGE, you will have some background on what happened during the war. The next book goes in depth as Monty wrestles with what it means to be ‘dark’. We also get to meet a member of the new Black Orchid—Jessikah Onuris. She will be a pivotal figure in this story before spinning off into her own series later on.

  Simon will have to make some hard choices. There are forces out there that would prefer a dark Monty and a dead Simon. These forces are actively working towards that outcome. The choices Simon makes will have repercussions going forward. You will see him evolve in his ability, and increase in fear, as he realizes the world he inhabits is becoming even more lethal.

  The events of DARK GLASS are happening simultaneously with the events of Rule of the Council-Michiko’s story. Shortly after this book goes live, BLOOD RULE the third part of Rule of the Council, will be completed adding an interesting dimension to the next M&S book-WALKING THE RAZOR.

  In each story I have the privilege of writing, I try to reveal more about the character backgrounds and lives. Sometimes this creates more questions than answers. I promise I will get to all of the questions…eventually.

  Things are going to ramp up fairly fast in the next few M&S books with the pace being fast & furious. Strap in. If we were on a rollercoaster, DARK GLASS is us reaching the top of the first crest. The slow climb, the anticipation, and the dread of the drop are all there.

  Hold on tight, the drop is just ahead. I feel the butterflies in the pit of my stomach. It’s going to be amazing, scary, and exciting all at once. I hope you continue joining me on this wild ride.

  Thank you again for taking the time to read this story and your incredible patience. I wrote it for you and I hope you enjoyed spending some time getting in trouble with Trio of Terror.

  If you enjoyed this story—please leave a review. It’s really important and helps the book (and me).

  If you’ve read this far (and I hope you have), I’ve included the first chapter of the next M&S book-WALKING THE RAZOR.

  Read on to see what happens next.

  Thank you again for jumping into this adventure with me.

  WALKING THE RAZOR-ONE

  I stepped out of the conference room and into a green flash.

  Grim Whisper was in my hand a split second later.

  “Put that thing away, boy, before you hurt someone. Starting with you.”

  It was Dex. An angry sounding Dex.

  I holstered my weapon and realized Dex wasn’t alone, which would’ve been bad enough. Two figures stood next to him. I squinted as my eyes adjusted to the aftereffects of the teleportation circle Dex used.

  TK and LD stood next to Dex. LD gave me a quick look of sympathy that said ‘brace yourself’, while TK glared at me as if I had broken into Fordey and stolen an artifact of value. It wasn’t a good look. On the glare-o-meter, not even a Clint Glint could withstand TK’s withering gaze.

  “You didn’t think to call us?” TK said, her voice slicing through the air like a scalpel through skin. “You actually thought it best to tackle this on your own?”

  I looked at LD who shook his head.

  “Monty said not to call you?” I answered knowing it was the wrong answer. “It was his idea. He said it would protect you.”

  “Protect us?” TK replied and I took a step back. Her two words expressed anger, disappointment, and more anger. She was pissed. “He can barely protect himself.”

  “Are you daft, boy? Dex said, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. “We should have been the first on the scene. Now you have to deal with”—Dex glanced at Jessikah—“the Black Orchid.”

  He said the sect name like a curse.

  “Whoa,” I said, raising my hands. “I didn’t call her either. She just showed up.”

  “They usually do,” TK said. “Like mold or an unwanted growth.”

  Dex stepped around me and looked at Jessikah closely.

  “Farsight Division?” he asked, pointing at the large black cat. “Daughter of Bast. Well, at least they’re taking this seriously.”

  Jessikah stood frozen in place, her expression one of shock. The cool, collected, Black Orchid agent had left the building. In her place, stood an awestruck mage rookie. To her credit, she regained her composure almost immediately.

  “Yes sir,” Jessikah said. For second I thought she was going to salute. “Farsight Division and a Daughter of Bast.”

  “Good for you,” Dex answered. “You can leave now. This is a family matter, and you are not family. We’ll take it from here.”

  “I’m afraid I can’t do that, sir,” Jessikah answered, demonstrating how much she enjoyed living dangerously. “My superiors…”

  “Can go suck an egg,” Dex finished. “Who was it? Which Elder from the Orchid sent you?”

  “All of them, sir.”

  “Ach, they must still be upset,” Dex said, shaking his head. “Mages with their fragile egos and petty grudges. The war is a distant memory.”

  “Not to them,” Jessikah answered. “They still remember.”

  “Of course they do,” TK said. “It’s difficult to forget, much less forgive, a humiliation.”

  “No matter,” Dex answered gruffly, with a wave of his hand. “Your services are no longer required. Miss…?”

  “Jessikah, sir. Jessikah Onuris.”

  “Onuris?” TK said, with a slight look of surprise. “You’re Gregor’s child?”

  “He’s my father, yes,” Jessikah said. “You are TK and LD from Fordey Boutique. The Orchid speaks highly of you.”

  “Only those that don’t know us,” LD said with a smile. “I’m sure your Elders say otherwise.”

  “They do,” Jessikah said,
looking away. “They call you dangerous rogue mages. A threat to every sect, and...worse things.”

  LD smiled and nodded.

  “That sounds about right,” LD said. “They’re breathing today to insult us because of how dangerous we are, and the things we did…for them.”

  “Gregor was a formidable mage,” TK said, examining Jessikah. “Not overly skilled, but a diligent student. He excelled by outworking his peers.”

  “You…you taught my father?”

  “Of course not,” TK replied with a slight smile. “I taught the person who taught your father.”

  “Doesn’t matter who she is,” Dex said with a growl. “Her services are no longer needed. Go back and tell them Dexter Montague said so.”

  Jessikah reached into her pocket and pulled out a black envelope. She handed it to a wary Dex, who took it with one eyebrow raised.

  “They told me to give this to you when you ‘made your appearance’ to stop me.”

  Dex grumbled something under his breath and opened the envelope. Standing beside him, I managed to get a look at the letter. The paper was a light grey color and the flowing script was in blood red ink. The top of the letter was adorned by the same image of a black orchid that I noticed on the rear Jessikah’s card. They took their branding seriously it seemed.

  To the esteemed Dexter Montague,

  If you are reading this letter, you have no doubt attempted to dissuade our mage from performing her duties as an agent of the Black Orchid.

  This is a formal missive to notify you that we are operating within our jurisdiction. Your nephew, Tristan Montague, has been under observation for some time now. The casting of void vortices inside a populated city, not to mention the devastation he and his partner visited upon London has not gone unnoticed.

  The Penumbra Consortium is actively using back channels to have him erased, declaring him to be a menace to humanity and all historical structures of import. Understanding your propensity for the disregard of rules, regulations, or any semblance of order, we are certain the Penumbra Consortium and their petition cause you little to no concern.

  With this understanding we are prepared to take the following steps and inform you:

  If our agent, Jessikah Onuris of the Farsight Division is hindered in her investigation of one Tristan Montague by you or any of the rogue mages that comprise the group known as ‘The Ten’ we will consider it a violation of sect law.

  To that end, we will enforce dissolution of the Golden Circle sect, as is our right, if we feel this violation has occurred. To convey this is plain speech, keep your nose out of this one or it will be broken and bloodied. We will do what must be done, and if you interfere in any way, shape, or form, we will remove the Golden Circle from existence with extreme prejudice and overwhelming force.

  With the utmost sincerity and resolve,

  The Black Orchid Elders

  I saw Dex get angrier by the second as he read the letter again, before handing it to TK.

  “Those bloody shits!” Dex yelled as Peaches whined and moved closer to my leg. He stared at the now startled and scared Jessikah. “They dare to threaten me? My nephew? The Golden Circle?”

  To be fair, Dex was scary even when he was happy. He always had an undercurrent of danger and insanity mixed into a package of magexuberance. In his current state, he stepped way beyond scary, and planted both feet firmly in petrifyingly frightening territory. I could see why the Morrigan would be attracted. The power coming off of him was palpable as his energy signature rose.

  “This will be a problem,” TK said looking at LD. “It would be a good idea if Dex got some air while we explore the details.”

  LD escorted Dex outside.

  TK turned and focused all of her attention on Jessikah.

  Special Mentions

  Larry & Tammy—The WOUF: because even when you aren’t there…you’re there.

  Larry : because Simon has PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress of Dentistry.

  Orlandtastic: because Sunny is determined and stubborn and said so. That’s why.

  Jim Ball: because of Barkour, Peaches’ favorite pastime.

  Diane Kassmann: for introducing me to the concept of paraprosdokians, specifically this one: “I don’t want to hurt you, but it’s still on my list.”

  Dawn McQueen Mortimer: Psst it’s spelled MacLeod. Thank you, lol!

  Jo Dungey: for the Duesenberg Coupé Simone Midnight Ghost. Do I need to say anything else? No, I do not.

  Orlando A. Sanchez

  www.orlandoasanchez.com

  Orlando has been writing ever since his teens when he was immersed in creating scenarios for playing Dungeons and Dragons with his friends every weekend.

  The worlds of his books are urban settings with a twist of the paranormal lurking just behind the scenes and with generous doses of magic, martial arts, and mayhem.

  He currently resides in Queens, NY with his wife and children.

  Bitten Peaches Publishing

  Thanks for Reading

  If you enjoyed this book, would you please leave a review at the site you purchased it from? It doesn’t have to be long… just a line or two would be fantastic and it would really help me out.

  Bitten Peaches Publishing offers more books by this author. From science fiction & fantasy to adventure & mystery, we bring the best stories for adults and kids alike.

  www.BittenPeachesPublishing.com

  More books by Orlando A. Sanchez

  The Warriors of the Way

  The Karashihan*•The Spiritual Warriors•The Ascendants•The Fallen Warrior•The Warrior Ascendant•The Master Warrior

  John Kane

  The Deepest Cut*•Blur

  Sepia Blue

  The Last Dance*•Rise of the Night•Sisters•Nightmare

  Chronicles of the Modern Mystics

  The Dark Flame•A Dream of Ashes

  Montague & Strong Detective Agency Novels

  Tombyards & Butterflies•Full Moon Howl•Blood is Thicker•Silver Clouds Dirty Sky•Homecoming•Dragons & Demigods•Bullets & Blades•Hell Hath No Fury•Reaping Wind•The Golem•Dark Glass

  Montague & Strong Detective Agency Stories

  No God is Safe•The Date•The War Mage•A Proper Hellhound•The Perfect Cup•Saving Mr. K

  Brew & Chew Adventures

  Hellhound Blues

  Night Warden Novels

  Wander•ShadowStrut

  Division 13

  The Operative•The Magekiller

  Blackjack Chronicles

  The Dread Warlock

  The Assassin’s Apprentice

  The Birth of Death

  Gideon Shepherd Thrillers

  Sheepdog

  DAMNED

  Aftermath

  RULE OF THE COUNCIL

  Blood Ascension•Blood Betrayal•Blood Rule

  *Books denoted with an asterisk are FREE via my website—www.orlandoasanchez.com

  Acknowledegements

  With each book, I realize that every time I learn something about this craft, it highlights so many things I still have to learn. Each book, each creative expression, has a large group of people behind it.

  This book is no different.

  Even though you see one name on the cover, it is with the knowledge that I am standing on the shoulders of the literary giants that informed my youth, and am supported by my generous readers who give of their time to jump into the adventures of my overactive imagination.

  I would like to take a moment to express my most sincere thanks:

  To Dolly: my wife and greatest support. You make all this possible each and every day. You keep me grounded when I get lost in the forest of ideas. Thank you for asking the right questions when needed, and listening intently when I go off on tangents. Thank you for who you are and the space you create—I love you.

  To my Tribe: You are the reason I have stories to tell. You cannot possibly fathom how much and how deeply I love you all.

  To Lee: Because you we
re the first audience I ever had. I love you, sis.

  To the Logsdon Family: The words, thank you are insufficient to describe the gratitude in my heart for each of you. JL your support always demands I bring my best, my A-game, and produce the best story I can. Both you and Lorelei (my Uber Jeditor) and now, Audrey, are the reason I am where I am today. My thank you for the notes, challenges, corrections, advice, and laughter. Your patience is truly infinite. Arigatogozaimasu.

  To The Montague & Strong Case Files Group-AKA The MoB (Mages of Badassery): When I wrote T&B there were fifty-five members in The MoB. As of this release, there are over one thousand three hundred members in the MoB. I am honored to be able to call you my MoB Family. Thank you for being part of this group and M&S.

  You make this possible. THANK YOU.

  To the ever-vigilant PACK: You help make the MoB…the MoB. Keeping it a safe place for us to share and just…be. Thank you for your selfless vigilance. You truly are the Sentries of Sanity.

  Chris Christman II: A real life technomancer who makes the MoBTV LIVEvents +Kaffeeklatsch on YouTube amazing. Thank you for your tireless work and wisdom. Everything is connected…you totally rock!

  To the WTA-The Incorrigibles: JL, Ben Z. Eric QK., S.S., and Noah.