“You don’t drink that, do you?” I asked.
“I don’t,” Gray said, “but some vampires throw a coin in and then take a drink for good luck.”
“That seems…unhygienic,” I said.
He grinned and I caught a glimpse of his fangs. “Vampires aren’t overly concerned with germs.”
I thought it best not to remind him of the recent vampire deaths thanks to the spread of germs. Biological warfare, Declan had called it.
“Which way to Mockingbird Alley?” I asked.
Gray inclined his head to the right. I tried not to gawk at the oddities we passed in the market. Baskets of wailing babies—changelings for sale, Gray informed me. More eyes of newt than I’d ever seen in one place, including the academy.
“Jewels and other trinkets,” a wrinkled woman said. She thrust a tray under my nose. “Charmed or cursed, your choice.”
“No, thank you,” I said, and kept walking. I had my offering for Ashara.
“It’s best to ignore them and not say thank you,” Gray said. “I know it’s contrary to your upbringing, but politeness here is like a flashing sign that says you’re vulnerable or don’t belong here.”
We turned down a tight alleyway and I spotted the sign for the Painted Veil. “There it is,” I said. “At the end of the row.”
“Do you remember any Vulgar Tongue from the academy?” Gray asked.
“I didn’t pay close attention to those assignments,” I admitted. It was foolish of me, really. I knew I wanted to be a Keeper of the North, Class A. Naturally, I’d end up in the Obscura from time to time. Stolen artifacts were often smuggled here to be sold on the black market.
“Just do your best,” Gray said. “I’ll jump in if I need to, but you lead the conversation.”
We entered the shop and a lithe woman greeted us with a winning smile. Her golden hair was pulled up in a messy bun and she wore a flowing green dress with a braided belt.
“Good day. We’re looking for Ashara,” I said. I mentally scolded myself for immediately forgetting to use the language of the market. Obscura - 1. Mia - 0.
The woman didn’t seem to mind. “I’m Ashara.” She eyed us curiously. “How can I help you? As you can see, we have many fine fabrics to choose from.” The Painted Veil was stocked with sumptuous materials.
“Peter Zilla sent us,” I said. I reached into my pocket and removed the object I’d brought as an offering. “He said I should bring you a gift.”
Ashara’s face lit up and she swiped the hair comb from my hand. “Ooh, it’s lovely. I absolutely adore it.” She slid the decorative comb into her hair, securing some of the loose tendrils. “Peter knows me so well.”
“He said you might be able to help us with information,” I said.
Ashara glanced at Gray. “Mind if I ask who you work for?”
Gray silently retrieved his badge from an interior pocket and showed it to her. I noticed that he didn’t say the words aloud.
“I see,” Ashara said. She observed me closely. “You seem young for it.”
“She’s a rising star,” Gray said.
Ashara tilted her head and smiled at me. “I like that. Young women taking the world by storm. I used to think if I had more magic, I would’ve done things differently.”
I had no sense of her species. “Are you a siren?”
“No, no,” Ashara said, “though I can see why you’d say that.” She ran a hand down her long, golden locks. “I’ve certainly lured my share of men, but not to the depths of the ocean. I’m a terrible swimmer.”
“She’s a shifter,” Gray said.
Ashara beamed at him. “Very good, vampire.”
I didn’t sense a particular animal. “Which kind?”
“All kinds,” Ashara said simply. “I can take the shape of any living creature.”
I balked. “Any? Even me?”
Ashara winked before transforming. The process wasn’t the same as for werewolves and other animal shifters. She simply melted into a new form—in this case, mine.
I gaped at her. “That’s amazing.” She even wore identical clothes. “I would think your skill would be sought after by a lot of groups.”
“Why do you think I’m here?” Ashara said, and morphed back to her original form. “It’s a singular skill. I discovered my talents at a young age, but, unfortunately, so did my stepfather. He attempted to exploit me.” A ripple of anger passed over her pretty features. “I left home when my mother sided with him. They were desperate for money, even at my expense.”
“That’s awful,” I said. “I’m sorry.”
She waved a dismissive hand. “I have an interesting life. A family of my own. If I’d had different abilities, maybe magic like yours…Who knows?” She shrugged. “You said you’re here for information, though, not to give me a job.”
“We’d like to know about the black market for body parts,” I said.
“Organs?” she asked.
“Not just organs,” I replied. “We have a case involving missing kidneys, a liver, a brain, bone marrow, and a heart.”
Ashara recoiled. “My, my. That sounds horrendous.”
“Have you heard of any requests for those specific parts?” Gray asked. “Or offers for sale?”
“Seems like I’d remember a thing like that.” Ashara adjusted the hair comb while she contemplated the question. “To be honest, I haven’t seen much of that crowd lately. I used to play cards with a group that included one of the main organ traffickers, Xavier, but the host got upset with me when I impersonated his wife at the card table.”
“It wasn’t a flattering portrayal, I take it?” Gray said.
“She’s not a nice woman,” Ashara said. “And she became even less nice when she found out what I’d done. I tried to apologize—it was only meant as a joke—but we decided it was best if I avoided the games for a few weeks.”
“Did you ever hear Xavier talk in any detail about his business?” Gray asked.
“Oh, sure,” Ashara said. “He loved to talk shop during games. I think it’s part of his strategy, that if he discusses reprehensible things, we’ll get distracted and lose focus on the cards.” She winked. “I’ve had two children. He underestimates how much steel is in my stomach.”
“Any mention of bone marrow or a brain?” I asked. They seemed like the two most unusual parts.
“Never,” Ashara said. “The way Xavier tells it, his donors skip out of the clinic afterward, feeling as though they’ve been blessed by the gods.”
“What about requests, though?” I asked. “If a wealthy client hired him to acquire a brain, wouldn’t they find one?” Xavier wouldn’t want to lose his reputation as the go-to trafficker.
“Maybe he’d have his goons stalk healers’ clinics,” Ashara said. “Although that’s pretty creepy.”
“The whole thing is pretty creepy,” I agreed. “Did he ever mention the use of a ceremonial blade or a power circle?”
She burst into laughter. “No way. His place is run like a Terrene hospital. He doesn’t want to risk losing any organs to infection. That’s a waste of time and money and he’s all about both.”
“Where can we find Xavier?” Gray asked.
“Normally, I’d say here, but I have it on good authority that he’s stuck in Molten Springs for a few days, dealing with a shipment issue. One of his buddies was in here yesterday, running his mouth to a girlfriend he was trying to impress.” She rolled her eyes. “If you pinpoint the hottest place in Molten Springs for cards, you’ll likely find him there.”
“You’ve been really helpful, Ashara,” I said. “Thank you. I’m sorry I didn’t follow protocol and speak in the Vulgar Tongue.”
She gave me a knowing wink. “I promise not to tell if you won’t. Between you and me, it’s an antiquated practice that was started by men who wanted to keep out certain types, women included.”
Gray inclined his head. “We appreciate your willingness to talk to us.”
“You can thank Peter for my cando
r,” she said. “He’s come through for me a few times with items that were hard to get. I owe him.”
“One more thing,” I said. “Would you mind describing Xavier?” It would be helpful to be able to identify him without making inquiries.
“I can do better than that,” Ashara said. I barely managed to blink before a stout man with a white mustache and a bushy beard stood in the blond woman’s place. His appearance suggested a friendly grandfather rather than a vicious organ trafficker.
“Really?” I said.
“I know, right?” Ashara said, stroking the white beard. “Not the look you’d expect.”
Gray scrutinized her. “Are you sure you aren’t interested in working for…any official organizations? That’s quite a talent you have.”
Ashara’s cheeks puffed as she smiled, still in her Xavier form. “I prefer to treat it as a side hustle. Nothing too dangerous.” She hesitated. “I have my children to consider.”
“I guess I’d better brush up on my card playing,” I said. Right now my knowledge was as limited as my knowledge of the Vulgar Tongue.
Ashara’s expression darkened. “Word to the wise. He likes to win.” She paused for a beat. “Probably best to let him.”
I was all set to meet Gray and Nick at the gateway for our trip to Molten Springs when they called to say they’d been summoned to headquarters for a confidential meeting. They both went apoplectic when I announced I’d talk to Xavier without them. I wasn’t sure which voice went more high-pitched.
“Absolutely not. It isn’t safe,” Gray said.
“We’ll go tomorrow,” Nick added.
“The longer we wait, the colder the trail gets,” I said. “Besides, it’s only a conversation. I’ll make it clear I’m not there to arrest him for his own business practices.”
Gray mulled it over. “She did handle herself well yesterday,” he told Nick. “And she’s right. She’s not questioning Xavier as a suspect, only for information.”
“Fine, but don’t reveal your identity,” Nick said. His werejaguar head squeezed Gray off the screen. “Gain his trust another way.”
“And don’t go alone,” Gray interjected.
“Relax, I won’t go alone,” I said. Declan would be more than happy to accompany me. Any chance to spend quality time together, even if it meant searching for a shady organ trafficker instead of dinner and a movie.
“Check in with us as soon as you’ve left,” Nick said.
I made fake buzzing noises. “What’s that? Bad…connection…Bye.” I tapped off the phone and immediately called my boyfriend.
True to form, Declan jumped at the opportunity to join me. It helped that he owned a fast car because Molten Springs was in the middle of nowhere. I couldn’t imagine Xavier was pleased to be stuck here because of a delayed shipment. The whole town was built on an extinct volcano. Despite the volcano’s inactivity, hot springs seemed to sprout from every corner and there was a lake with anti-aging properties that was popular with paranormals seeking to improve their complexions.
We poked our heads in the obvious places such as the seedy bar and the casino, but we didn’t find Xavier there. Instead, we spotted the stout man with the white mustache and beard at the upscale Molten Springs Resort & Spa and he wasn’t planning to play cards.
He was planning to play golf.
Xavier stood at the counter, expressing frustration with the clerk over an inability to arrange a tee time with other players. Thanks to the hideous outfit, I almost didn’t recognize him at first, despite Ashara’s impressive transformation. He wore colorful striped trousers and a mismatched top. His hat sported a fluffy pom-pom. In fact, all the golfers entering the resort seemed to wear bright clothes with busy patterns. I’d never seen anything quite like it.
“I’m going to go out on a limb and say that a card game is off the table,” Declan said quietly.
“Can you golf?” I whispered.
“No,” he said. “You?”
“I’ve never seen it played.”
Declan appeared unconcerned. “We’ll just have to fake it ’til we make it.”
“Or use magic,” I said, though it would help to know the rules in order to use magic effectively.
“Can you conjure us some appropriate attire?” Declan asked. “We don’t want to miss our chance.”
We had to act quickly before Xavier found other golfers to join. I nudged Declan to the nearest unisex restroom where I conjured two of the ugliest outfits in existence.
“What do you think?” Declan asked, puffing out his green and white polka dot chest.
“You don’t have to wear the hat if you don’t want to.” I reached up to remove the orange visor, but he playfully smacked my hand away.
“I’m wearing the hat,” Declan said. “I want the fully immersive golf experience.”
I laughed. “You remember this is official AMF business, right?”
He straightened his hat. “No reason I can’t look good doing it.”
I gazed up at him. “You actually do look good in that ridiculous outfit.” No one should look sexy in such horrible clothes, yet here he stood, appearing every bit the demigod of war that he was.
He patted the pom-pom on my hat. “I wouldn’t be opposed to kissing you right now.”
“Maybe after we talk to Xavier,” I said. “Priorities, Declan.”
We exited the restroom and hurried to the counter where Xavier still stood.
“Are you sure that’s the earliest?” Xavier was saying. “I’d rather not wait that long if it’s all the same to you.”
The clerk stared at the screen. “Unless someone walks in now…”
I flopped my arms onto the counter. “Please tell me there’s availability,” I interrupted. “Our time is limited and I promised my husband we’d squeeze in a game.”
Xavier faced me, seemingly delighted. “I’m looking to squeeze in a game, too. Would you mind a tagalong?”
“You don’t want to ask about their handicaps?” The clerk seemed amazed.
Xavier glowered at him. “At this point, I’ll be playing against my shadow. Been there. Done that. I’ll stick to real folks.” He glanced at us. “If you don’t mind, of course.”
Declan and I pretended to consider it. “It’s okay with me, but you’re the boss,” Declan said.
“The more, the merrier,” I said with a bright smile.
Xavier appeared so relieved that I had a hard time believing he was the same man described by Ashara. If he liked to win at golf as much as he liked to win at cards, he was in luck. Declan and I would be no match for him.
We were joined on the course by a young man called Joel, who was apparently a caddy and responsible for our clubs. I needed to do a stealthy spell and fast or Xavier would quickly figure out we had no business being on this golf course.
“What brings you to Molten Springs?” I asked, as we arrived at the first hole.
“Business,” Xavier replied. “I was supposed to be in and out in a day, but there’s been a delay, so I’m making the most of my time here.” The caddy handed him a club and Xavier approached the tee with his ball. “How about you two?”
“A little side trip to get away from everyday stress,” I said. “Friends of ours recommended this resort as a place to relax.”
Xavier hit the ball and I had no clue whether it was a good shot. “It sure is. You should try the lake. It’s magnificent.”
“Thanks for the tip,” Declan said, and stepped forward to take his turn.
I reached into my pocket and angled my wand at him. I whispered a performance spell and hoped for the best.
“Nice!” Xavier exclaimed. We watched the ball soar through the air and land near the designated hole. Phew.
I touched the tip of my wand against the inside of my pocket so that it pressed against my leg and repeated the spell. I must’ve performed adequately because no one expressed disappointment when I hit the ball.
We played a few holes, chatting amicably, a
nd it dawned on me that Xavier seemed incredibly relaxed. Despite Ashara’s warning, he didn’t seem like he was a cutthroat criminal kingpin. The longer we played, the more I liked him.
By the sixth hole, I was convinced that Xavier was either not the tough guy he pretended to be in the Obscura, or we were playing golf with an imposter. I decided to take the risk and find out which one it was.
“You’re not really stuck here on business, are you?” I asked.
Xavier shot me a quizzical look. “What makes you say that?
“Just a feeling,” I said.
Xavier heaved a sigh. “I guess you could say I stuck myself here.” He took a swing and the ball went sailing across the green. “I’m in a tough business and the pressure’s been getting to me lately. High stress and very competitive. There’s always somebody ready and willing to take my place, you know?”
“Are you worried about losing your market share?” I asked.
“I used to.” He lowered his voice. “Though I’ve had an epiphany as of late. It occurred to me that I’m not so young anymore. I’ve spent far too much time doing things I’m not proud of.” He looked at us askance. “You both look too young and wholesome to understand.”
“Sounds like you’ve had a bit of a revelation since you’ve been here,” I said.
Xavier closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. “Everyone says the lake and the hot springs are good for your skin, but I think they’re equally good for the soul. I feel rejuvenated.”
“And that’s why you’ve stayed?” Declan asked.
Xavier nodded. “Between you and me, I’m thinking about starting fresh in another quadrant. Somewhere no one knows me.”
“Doing what?” I asked.
“Haven’t decided,” he said. “I like to golf and I’ve always had a keen interest in gardening.”
I nearly choked. “Gardening?”
“Yeah,” Xavier said. “Bluebells are my favorite. Flowers bring me a lot of joy. You like flowers?” He waved a hand. “What am I saying? Of course you do. Everybody likes flowers.”
Declan took his turn and seemed relieved when his club actually connected with the ball. He didn’t seem to realize I’d done a spell.
“Nice swing,” Xavier said. “You’re a natural.”
Outgrow: Spellslingers Academy of Magic (Keeper of the North Book 2) Page 4
