A Little Street Magic

by Gayla Drummond

  “They will be high now, because one of my teams will collect from the shelter daily.”

  “You are fantastic.”

  “It’s gratifying to have such a worthy task.” In a brisker tone, Kethyrdryll said, “You must come by when you’re able. I think you’ll be pleased.”

  “I will, first chance I get.” After making that promise, we said good-bye. I put my phone away. “He’s having fun.”

  Logan was smiling. “It’s the perfect job for a guy who was content to spend eight years of his life alone with his hound and horse. He loves animals.”

  “Yeah.” I glanced at the empty back seat. Dane had begged off work today. He wasn’t getting to sit and brood though. Terra had tagged him to help take inventory of the clan store rooms.

  “I’m confused.”

  Logan had my full attention. “About what?”

  “The Feds. How exactly do they plan to capture these guys?”

  “Good question.” The agents were human. “And I don’t know. Maybe that’s why they haven’t completely shut us out.”

  He glanced at me, waiting for a car to clear the entrance to the station’s parking lot. “How do you feel about going up against the killers?”

  “The idea scares the holy hell out of me. But if Stone and Derrick are involved, and have any say in the planning, I’ll feel a lot better.”

  “I would, too. You’re not a killer. They are.”

  Did he mean the vamps, or the bad guys? “I’ve killed vampires, that cultist with the fake elf ears, and Rhaetha.”

  Busy guiding his car into a parking spot, Logan shook his head. “I didn’t say you weren’t capable of killing. But how many of those did you plan to kill?”

  “Just one.” Ginger. I bit my lip and looked out the side window.

  He shut off the engine, putting his hand on my thigh a half-second later. “You’ll mercy kill, or kill for survival. You don’t plan to kill, or kill for kicks.”

  “No.” I hadn’t even planned to kill Merriven, had in fact expected him to kill me, backup plan or not.

  “They’ll have nothing to lose.” Logan patted my leg. “Cornered animals often fight the hardest.”

  “Right.” I turned my head and managed a smile. “I’ll be careful, if I’m part of the plan.”

  “I’m not going to lie: I’d rather you weren’t. But I know you well enough now. You’ll be there if at all possible, for Mr. Pettigrew, for Ernie, for Jeharin, and for their other victims.” Logan tucked my hair behind my ear. “I don’t know how I love that about you, when it’s scaring the hell out of me right now.”

  “My do-gooder nature does throw me into danger on a regular basis.”

  He nodded. “But it’s who you are. You’ve got the heart of a guardian, always wanting to help and protect.”

  “Guess so. We’d better go in, see if they’ve come up with anything.”

  “Okay.” Logan leaned toward me. “May I have a kiss first, my queen?”

  Of course he could.

  “Why is everyone staring at us?” Because everyone had been, from the moment we had entered the station. I could feel their eyes following us up the stairs.

  “Don’t know.” Logan’s shoulders were slightly hunched, and he’d shoved his hands into his jacket pockets. “Not enjoying it.”

  “Me neither.” I looked over the railing, and some people remembered they had jobs to do. Others continued staring. “It’s creeping me out.”

  An explanation came at the landing, where Stannett stood brandishing a copy of the Santo Trueno Daily. “My condolences. You’re famous.”

  “Oh, no.” I grabbed the paper, unfolding it to reveal “Psychic Discord Jones: Santo Trueno PD’s secret weapon in the fight against crime”, and a full-color photo of me jogging with my dogs. A smaller photo of me on Thorandryll’s arm was halfway down the front page.

  I began cussing a blue streak. Stannett stepped back, his tired blue eyes growing wider with each new word. Damian came out into the hallway, followed by Schumacher and Dodson. By the time I ran out of steam, and let fly a final F-bomb the hall was full of more staring people.

  Schumacher began clapping. I blushed as others joined in. “Damn, Jones. Didn’t know you had that in you.”

  “Now you do.” I needed to read the article, see how bad the damage was. No telling who the slimy son of a bitch had named, or what the results would be for them. “I need to call my family.”

  Also, get away from everyone, because I could feel the burn of building tears. Outing me now, while citizens were scared of psychics—damn Brock to hell.

  “Use my office,” Stannett said.

  “Thanks.” I hurried to it, keeping my eyes down. Logan followed. He shut the doors and turned, catching me when I threw myself at him. “My life is ruined.”

  He didn’t offer empty platitudes, just held me while I wept. Which I didn’t for long because I had an article to read and calls to make.

  Twenty minutes later, I flung the paper down, glaring at it. “He freaking named everyone.”

  “Call your family. I’ll start calling the others.” Logan rubbed my back. “We’ll concentrate on damage control. Okay?”

  “Yeah.” I swiped at my eyes, a few more angry tears having fallen. “Damage control. I don’t know who to call first, Mom or Dad.”

  “Call Ben.” Logan began scrolling through his contact list.

  “Because he’s the man?”

  “No, because he’s in advertising.” Logan selected a number, hesitating before making his call. “Don’t think I didn’t catch that jab.”

  “I’m sorry, that wasn’t called for. I’m mad. Shouldn’t take it out on you.”

  “You can, but I’ll call you on it. I expect you to do the same for me. Deal?”

  “Deal.” We both busied ourselves with our phones.

  “Hi, honey. Have you seen today’s paper?” Dad didn’t sound too worried.

  “That’s why I’ve called. I...”

  “Don’t worry about anyone but yourself. The prince called me this morning. He’s sent bodyguards.” How had Thorandryll gotten my dad’s number? Dad kept talking. “So we’re fine. Didn’t even have to keep the boys home from school. Betty is awestruck.”

  “She is?”

  My dad laughed. “She’s the envy of her friends right now.”

  “Oh.” That was unexpected. “The boys?”

  “Two elves each. I think archery lessons will be happening after school.” Dad’s smile came through his voice. “So we’re fine, honey. You make sure you are too. Okay?”

  “Okay. Love you.”

  “Love you too. And honey, don’t worry about that article. It wasn’t bad, considering who wrote it. Good press is invaluable. Bye.”

  I disconnected and looked at Logan. His call had ended too. “We seem to be late to the party.”

  “Looks that way. Stone told me ‘everything’s under control’ and to worry about us.”

  “Thorandryll sent my family bodyguards.”

  “Nice of him.” Logan smiled. “Office or the shop?”

  “Office.” We made those calls, too, only to be told not to worry, everything was under control.

  “The prince advised me he’d see to your family’s safety. Has he done so?” Mr. Whitehaven asked.

  “Yes, he has.”

  “Good. Have there been any breakthroughs on the case?”

  “Not that I know of.” I nodded when Logan gave me a thumbs up. He made another call.

  “Don’t allow the media attention to distress you. I realize this isn’t the best time for it, but aside from the timing and the list of names mentioned, the article’s quite complimentary, Discordia.”

  “Afraid my rose-colored glasses are out of order right now, boss.” All I could see were bull’s eye targets on my family and friends.

  “Would a raise put them in working order?”

  Did he just say... “What?”

  “We’re receiving an alarming number of call
s. I believe we’re going to be very busy this year.”

  “Oh.” Well, hello bright side. Guess Dad was right. “That’s great. I guess.”

  “We’ll discuss it in depth at a later time. Do be careful, my dear.”

  “You too. Bye.” I put my phone away, and caught the tail end of Logan’s conversation.

  “That’ll work. Yes, she’s upset.” He glanced at me. “But she’s doing okay. I’ll tell her. Yes, my Queen. Love you too. Bye.”

  He ended the call. “Terra said don’t worry and to remember we have your back. She’s sending a few people over to your place, to keep an eye on things.”

  “That’s,” my phone rang. Nick’s ringtone. I looked at Logan. “Should I answer it?”

  “Up to you.”

  I bit my lip. “Maybe I’d better see what he wants.”

  Nick had begun talking before I even had the phone to my ear. “... saw the paper. Dad says you and your family are welcome to stay here for as long as necessary. Even your dogs. I really think you should, Cordi.”

  “I appreciate the offer. Really I do. Please tell your dad I said thank you. But everything is fine. We’re all safe. Thorandryll has some of his people watching over my family.”

  “What about you?”

  “I’m surrounded by cops right now. My dogs are safe on clan territory.” I didn’t get the chance to say anything else.

  “We have more people than the tigers. They’ll be protecting their Queen.” There was a petulant note in Nick’s voice. “Not you.”

  “I’m clan, and I can take care of myself anyway.”

  “Against other psychics who like blowing up people? I think...”

  “Nick.”

  “What?” he growled.

  “Thank you for the offer and for your concern. I’m not going to argue with you. I need to go.”

  “Are you seeing Thorandryll?”

  I sighed. “Good-bye, Nick.”

  “Cordi...”

  I ended the call and adjusted the settings for his contact listing, so his calls would go straight to voicemail. Then I looked at Logan. “He’s not going to leave me alone, is he?”

  “He loves you. But I will point out he hasn’t tried to contact you until now. Unless he has?”

  I shook my head. “Last time I talked to him was at Dreamland. He was at Thorandryll’s ball, but our paths didn’t cross there.”

  Logan put away his phone. “Then he’s been trying to respect your wishes. He’s worried about you. If he starts pushing, do what you need to do.”

  “Right.” I’d worry about it later. “Let’s go.”

  “That guy, and that girl.” The uniformed cop pointed at the monitor. “I saw both at the first scene.”

  “Thank you, Officer. That will be all.” Agent Pacelli minimized the window before I could sneak a look. He closed his laptop, too. “We’ll begin checking street cam footage.”

  “What do you want us to do?”

  “You’ve been quite helpful, Miss Jones, but I believe we can take it from here. We won’t require Mr. Sayer or Mr. Stone any longer either.”

  He was shutting us out. I didn’t move. Agent Pacelli’s smile dropped a watt. “Thank you for your aid in this matter. You’ll need to clear the room now.”

  “I’ll leave in a minute. Do you have any supes on your team? Because you’re going to need them when you find those two and their friends.”

  “That’s not your concern, Jones.”

  Boy, was he wrong. “Of course it is. I don’t want anyone else to die. Not you, not any of your men.”

  “Your concern is appreciated, but we are trained to handle a variety of situations.”

  “I know, but seriously, how many times have you guys had to deal with psychics? Believe me, it isn’t easy to take on someone who can slide into your head. I’ve been there, and came damn close to dying.”

  Agent Pacelli was quiet, studying my face. I tried a little harder. “Please, let us help.”

  “Your suggestion is appreciated. I’ll let you know if we require further assistance.” He nodded to someone behind me. “Now, if you’d clear the room, please?”

  “Okay.” I turned and looked at the agent reaching for my arm. He backed off. “Good luck, dude.”

  We cleared the room.

  TWENTY-SIX

  “Could you fake a vision? Pretend to see them dying?” Damian kept his voice low. We had congregated in Stannett’s office, which wasn’t exactly large enough for seven people.

  “Sure, but I wouldn’t be able to give particulars. Pacelli would know I had lied once he finds them.” I’d gotten a chair, having been right behind Stannett when we’d come in.

  “What if someone is able to get the suspect photos for you?” We all looked at Dodson, and he smiled. “We can ask Officer Fuentes what their names are, and look them up.”

  Stannett partially vetoed the idea. “We can’t use the computer system here. It’s the Feds’ baby now, and we don’t want proof we’re butting in.”

  “We don’t need to use computers. If Fuentes will let me, I can look at his memories of them.” I tapped my leg. “As long as he doesn’t tell them, I can say I had a retro-cog.”

  “I’ll go find Fuentes.” Schumacher squeezed out of the office.

  “The question is, how do we help without stepping on federal toes?” Logan’s hands were resting on my shoulders. “I don’t think any of us will do well in prison.”

  I patted his hand. “I wouldn’t let any of you guys rot in prison.”

  Stannett grunted. “No. I think it’s best to pass the buck.”

  He held up his hand when we began protesting. “They’re supes. Who better to catch supes than other supes?”

  “My master?” Stone asked, and received a grim smile in response.

  “If you decided to tell him, and he chooses to do something, well...” Stannett shrugged. “My hands are tied, and my people are out of it.”

  “Does that include us?” I asked.

  “You’re civilians. I’m not your boss.” He leaned forward. “Try not to get caught. I don’t give a damn who gets the credit. I just want these bastards stopped. Hear me?”

  I nodded. “Loud and clear.”

  I sat in the front seat of a patrol car, with Officer Fuentes in the driver’s seat.

  “All you have to do is relax, think only about the suspects, and let me touch your hand.”

  Fuentes, a handsome Hispanic with a quick smile, nodded. “I can do that. What if the Feds find out though?”

  “That’s why we’re doing it here, away from the station. Don’t talk; they’ll never know. I’m going to say I had a vision.”

  “You’re going to lie to the FBI to keep me clear.” He studied me, his tawny eyes narrowing. “You could end up in a lot of trouble.”

  “Maybe.” I hoped not, but stopping the killers was my top priority.

  “You’re all right, Jones. Okay.” Fuentes took a cleansing breath and closed his eyes. He held up his hand. “Ready.”

  I pressed my palm to his and opened a link. The memories were sharp and clear. “Thanks.”

  He lowered his hand. “You’re done? I didn’t feel anything.”

  “All done. Matthew Briar and Renee O’Neal.”

  He nodded. “That’s them.”

  “Gotta go. Thanks again.” I left the car, strolling back to Logan’s. Stone didn’t look comfy in the backseat. Once in, I twisted around. “Is Derrick awake?”

  “Yes, and I called. He’s waiting.” The dhamphyr touched his forehead. “He’s making arrangements as we speak. Our people will be out in force tonight.”

  “Good.” I held out my hand, and Stone took hold. “Here.”

  I could feel Derrick in his son’s mind, an icy shadow that collected the transferred memories. Master vamps were connected to those they’d turned. Derrick would see that all of them received the memories. More than that, he’d share them with the other council members. Apparently, the council working toget
her could broadcast a mental APB.

  Every vamp citizen in the Barrows would be on the lookout. Smiling, I turned and sighed in satisfaction. “We’re going to get them.”

  Night fell. We were cruising the streets, waiting for news from the vampires combing the city, or from the station, via messages by parrot. Kate had loaned Percy to Damian.

  “They’ll strike tonight. They have every night.” We’d been told they’d hit places Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. The body count was rising. I hoped someone would be in a position to keep them from killing again. Our combined efforts would result in zilch without luck playing a part. Someone still needed to be at the right place, at the right time, to spot the suspects.

  The Feds were combing through the traffic and security cam footage. Our “cams” were mobile, fast vampires, so we had something of an advantage.

  “Open your window. Percy’s behind us.” Logan dipped his chin at the rearview mirror. I rolled down the window.

  Percy landed in my lap, his wings half-folded. He bobbed his head in greeting. “Feds find hideout. Going there.”

  “Where?”

  “Is place in Palisades. Motel.” Percy hummed when I stroked his chest with the backs of my fingers. “On 900 block. Weston.”

  Stone was already calling Derrick. I scratched Percy’s neck. “Good job.”

  “Cordi give treat?”

  I gave him a couple of fries left over from our on-the-go dinner. The parrot gulped them down. “I go back.”

  “Be careful, and thanks.” I helped him to the window. With a squawk, Percy bailed out, the wind catching his wings.

  “My master is sending people to the motel,” Stone reported.

  “Do we go?” Logan asked. About to say yes, I hesitated when the dhampyr’s phone rang.

  “Yes? Where?” Stone listened to the answer. So did my sharp-eared boyfriend.

  “Someone’s spotted the woman and two unknown men,” Logan said. “They’re in a car.”

  “Let’s go there. Where ever ‘there’ is.”

  He nodded, and changed lanes before Stone was off the phone. “They’re under surveillance.”

  “We’re at four now, and have no idea which of them have which abilities.” I remembered the giggle I’d heard, after running into the invisible barrier on Thorandryll’s grounds. “Oh, crap.”