“Did you perhaps find out any clue to what Damien is shipping there?” Dad asked Sharon and Fred.
“No,” Fred answered, with a shake of his head. “We didn’t even ask after the guard mentioned that all the business dealings were kept confidential. We felt he might get suspicious about it.”
“No worries,” Dad said as he flipped his cell phone open. “We’ll find out somehow.”
“Hi, Mom,” he said when Grandma answered her phone. “You can send the other drivers home now, but I need you to go check out a different location.” He gave her the address. “It’s located in the Las Conchas housing area. I just want you to find out where the property is, though. Please don’t slow down or try to observe anything other than the obvious. After you find the place, go ahead and come on back to the hotel.”
We waited around for about thirty minutes after Dad talked with Grandma, before everyone made it back to the condo and came to report their findings to the rest of us.
“So I found the address without any problem,” Grandma said, looking around at each of us. “It’s easily the largest beachside home in the vicinity, though I didn’t notice any activity whatsoever on the property as I passed.”
“How about you two?” Dad asked turning to look at Babs and Alice. “Did you have any success?”
“We were able to speak with Juan,” Babs said. “He seemed to be willing enough to help out however he could, but he’s a little nervous about everything, especially since Damien threatened him and his family if he tried to get other people involved in this situation.”
“That’s understandable,” my dad replied, as he thought about it for second. “If he wishes, we can conduct our business there during the evening hours, after the shop is closed. He wouldn’t even need to be there at all, if it was to be his preference and, of course, if he feels he can trust the place to us.”
“That might help,” Babs said, nodding her head in agreement. “We’ll talk to him again and see what his feelings are about it.”
“Good,” Dad replied. “We just need to decide now which is the best way to do some surveillance on this property located out in Las Conchas. If it’s indeed Damien’s personal residence, you can be sure it’ll have powerful protection charms all over it. We need to try and find the weakest spot and attack things from that vantage point.”
“That would be from the ocean,” Vance spoke up. “All of those homes are loaded with glass windows that face out from every room to maximize the view. It would be easy to sit out on the water with binoculars or even a telescope. We’d be able to see virtually everything happening in the house, without ever setting foot on the property, eliminating the need to worry about activating magical charms or wards that he may’ve placed around the area.”
“That’s true,” Dad replied, pondering on what Vance had suggested. “This is a very good idea. We’d need to come up with a boat of some sort that we could use, though.”
“No problem,” Vance said with a slight shrug. “I’ve seen a lot of those fishermen stay out on the water well after dark. I think we should offer to pay one of them to use their boat for the whole day. It wouldn’t seem suspicious to anyone who was watching to see a regular local craft out on the water. In fact, keep the crew on and let them fish. Tell them we’ll pay them all double their draw for the day.”
“That could cost a pretty penny, though,” Dad reminded him.
“I’m not worried about the money.” Vance said, dismissing the comment with a shake of his head. “I do have one stipulation, though.”
“What?” Dad asked, looking at him in question.
“If I’m paying for it, then I’m on the boat, and Portia comes with me. She has seen images of my dad through our mental link. We’re the only two here who can positively identify him besides you. I will not leave her behind.” He stared at my dad seriously, driving his point home, and I knew he wasn’t going to budge or negotiate on the subject. He was tired of sitting on the sidelines.
Dad mulled things over for a minute before he spoke again, and I could tell that he wasn’t too thrilled with the suggestion, but he knew Vance’s idea was sound in its logic.
“Fine,” he finally agreed. “We should be far enough away to keep you safe from being seen by anyone.”
“It’s too late for us to get on the boat today, though. We’ll have to shoot for tomorrow,” Vance said, and I could see he was feeling frustrated by having to wait even longer to get going on this plan.
Bruce, who owned the restaurant in Sedona, volunteered to go down to the docks and wait for the fishing boats to come in, to see if he could make the arrangement we needed to acquire.
“I can inquire about fresh shrimp for the restaurant while I’m down there looking around for a suitable boat. It’ll be a good cover,” he said.
Hal also volunteered to go to the marina with him, too.
“Awesome,” Dad said, and I could tell he was enjoying the thrill of the hunt we were finding ourselves drawn into. “Now we need to figure out some surveillance plans on this warehouse for this evening.”
Everyone was soon surrounding my dad as he knelt down on the large tile floor, where he had spread out documents detailing his previous searches for Vance’s father, along with the schematics for all the warehouses Damien had previously used in other locations.
While I was surprised by all the detail these documents contained, I was most caught off guard when he rolled out an entire blueprint of the warehouse here in Rocky Point, along with all the surrounding property and businesses, clear up to Juan’s store on Benito Juarez.
“Dad?” I asked him, in front of everybody, as he was busy circling areas of the blueprints in red marker. “Where did you get all this stuff, and what is it exactly that you do? And I don’t want any more of this encyclopedia salesman bull that you’ve been feeding me my whole life.”
A slight chuckle made its way through the rest of the group as Dad looked up at me with a grin.
“Pumpkin,” he replied, “it may not be in your best interest to know that I may, or may not, be an agent of the United States federal government.”
“What? Are you like a … a spy or something?”
“No. Nothing that glorious.” He bent back over the map of the building. “All you need to know is that I have my resources, but I’m not going to get into any more detail than that.”
I threw my hands up in the air and turned to walk away as I began to mutter quietly to myself.
“Pumpkin, I’m an encyclopedia salesman,” I mimicked him. “But really I’m a warlock. Oh and did I mention I’m a federal agent also?” I paused. “Is there anything else that I need to know about you?” I added loudly, calling to him over my shoulder, as I cast a glare back at him.
His only response was laughter.
“I’m such an idiot!” I said to myself.
“You really are,” Vance added with a grin, coming up behind me.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked, looking at him in surprise over his agreement with my self-assessment.
“Encyclopedia ‘salesman’?” he said with a smile. “Ever heard of the modern convenience called the Internet? Who in their right mind would purchase a set of encyclopedias when all the information they need is right at their finger tips with a touch of a button?”
I had been played, and I knew it.
“You’ve known all along, haven’t you?” I asked, staring at him with an incredulous look on my face.
“Well, he was the reason Marsha and I came specifically to this coven,” he offered as an explanation.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I felt like a complete idiot for not even knowing my own father.
He shrugged nonchalantly.
“I figured if Sean wanted you to know what was going on, then he’d tell you,” he explained as he watched me.
I felt betrayed.
“Don’t take it personally,” Vance said, coming closer to rub his hand down my arm. “It was a means to p
rotect you and your family from anyone who might want to harm you.”
“Yeah, well I feel like Lois Lane must have when she took off Clark Kent’s glasses and found out he was Superman.”
Vance just laughed at my comment and reached out to pull me closer to him.
“Come on, silly girl. Let’s go see what your dad is planning,” he replied, after placing a chaste kiss against my forehead, before leading me back over to the group, even though I was still scowling at him.
Dad began by pointing out the locations of the security cameras on each of the walls. Each of them had a small point where they didn’t quite cover the area over to where the next camera picked up.
“Even though these are weak points, we can count on them being reinforced,” Dad explained. “I’m positive Damien has looked for these kinds of flaws himself and has placed magical charms all over the area.”
“What about this building?” Vance said, leaning over and pointing out a two-story building on the left of the compound.
“That was what I was thinking,” Dad replied, nodding his head. “We won’t be able to breach the perimeter of the warehouse, but we can observe it from the roof of this building. Now Damien may have anticipated this also, so we’ll need to proceed with caution and check it for any type of alert system.”
“How will you know if they’re there?” I asked, curious.
“Magic has a strong energy field,” Grandma explained to me. “It looks different than regular energy, and there are ways to see it with certain spells. I imagine Damien may even be using the same sort of thing to search out some of the powers of his victims.”
“Makes sense,” I agreed, pondering this new information.
“There’s so much I don’t know,” I added with a sigh, speaking directly into Vance’s head.
“You’re doing fine,” Vance said, back into my mind, and he gave my hand a little squeeze. “Be patient. Things will come to you in time.”
I turned my attention back to Dad and what he was saying.
“I think we should move a surveillance team into the room at Juan’s place. We can send another team to the roof of the building next to the warehouse to check things out. If they can get on the roof without being detected, we’ll have them set up a camera. We’ll rig things up so we can send the feedback to Juan’s store.
“I want Vance, Portia, and myself stationed at the store,” he continued. “Once the camera is in place, I want everyone out of there to avoid any detection. The three of us will monitor things and call in any additional support if it is needed.”
Dad looked up at each of the people surrounding him.
“Any questions?” he asked.
Everyone shook their heads.
“All right, then I want my mom to lead the group that’s going to attempt the roof. She’ll check for any magical barriers. If all is clear, then Brad and Shelly can go to the top to place the camera. Once we verify the feed is coming through okay, I want all of you to leave the area as quickly as possible,” he said, looking seriously at each one of them.
“Understood,” Brad said, as Shelly nodded her head, and I could see what looked like anticipation on their faces at the idea of their role in this.
“And my job will be to have delicious food ready for all of you people,” my mom piped up with a laugh, breaking the serious mood.
Dad stood and went over to give her a hug.
“Which, of course, will be our favorite part,” he said with a smile. “I appreciate everything you do for us, Stacey,” he added quietly.
“Like I’ve always said, I leave the magic to the experts.” She smiled brightly. “Besides, I like cooking for everyone.”
“Speaking of food, let’s all pitch in and get some lunch together,” I said. “I think we’ve had a pretty productive morning.”
“Sounds good,” Dad agreed turning to Mom. “What can we help you with, honey?”
“Well, we’re in Mexico.” She smiled. “I got stuff for burritos, enchilada style. The tortillas were made fresh this morning. They’re still warm.”
“Delicious!” Dad said, rubbing his hands together. “Let’s get to it. I’m starving after all this planning.”
I was soon grating some cheese, while Vance stood at my side shredding lettuce. Brad and Shelly were across the counter from us, dicing tomatoes and onions, and Grandma was getting some serving dishes out of the cupboard.
Mom mixed up the meat to go into the tortillas, while Dad stirred the enchilada sauce in a saucepan.
Soon we were ready to serve the main dishes, along with a large pile of chips and salsa. After a quick blessing on the food, everyone formed a line down the edge of the counter buffet style and started dishing up their plates.
“Oh! I’m getting a call,” Babs said as her phone started loudly vibrating in her pocket.
She reached her hand into her clothing and pulled it out, answering it quickly. We could all hear someone speaking loudly and excitedly on the other end. Babs listened intently on this end, occasionally speaking a couple of words in Spanish during the conversation.
“Okay. Thank you,” she finally said, in English this time, and hung up, turning to the rest of us. “That was Juan. He says he just saw a truck which hauls for Cummings Enterprises pass by outside his store. It turned at the corner and is headed down the street toward the warehouse. He believes that Damien is receiving a new shipment.”
Chapter 11
“Dang it!” my dad said, pounding his fist down on the counter. “We need the camera up there on that building now!”
“It’s too risky to do it in the daylight, son,” Grandma said, shaking her head to discourage him. “We would be like sitting ducks.”
“I know, I know,” he replied, before beginning to tap his fingers against his head repeatedly. “Think, Sean! Think!” he said, mostly to himself.
“I know how we can get in,” Vance suddenly piped up, looking at Dad seriously. “But you aren’t going to like it.”
“Tell me,” my dad demanded. “We can’t afford to waste any more time with this.”
“Send Stacey,” he replied, motioning over toward my mom. “She isn’t magical, so she won’t set off any type of detection. She can call the realtor and tell her she’s interested in seeing the property, but it has to be this afternoon. She could also talk to some of the people from Cummings.”
A look of horror passed over my dad’s face.
“Absolutely not!” he responded firmly, shaking his head.
“I told you that you wouldn’t like it,” Vance said.
“I think it’s a great idea!” my mom popped up, walking into the middle of us. “Let’s do it!”
“No, Stacey! It’s too dangerous!” my dad said, putting a hand onto her shoulder and turning her back to face him.
“Dangerous to you maybe,” my mom replied, completely unfazed by his concern over the situation. “But not to me. I’m no one as far as Damien Cummings is concerned. He would rather swat at a fly than look at me. I’d be able to move in right under the radar.”
“It actually makes sense, Sean,” Grandma spoke up, seeing the possibilities in using Mom for this task.
“I don’t like it,” Dad replied, frowning around at the rest of us. “Not one little bit!”
“Look, Sean, we’ll send everyone else to take turns driving up and down the road outside the property. The regular security guards are on during this time of day. Cummings Enterprises isn’t going to try anything with the whole place watching them. They’re trying to keep up appearances, not blow their cover,” Vance said matter-of-factly.
Dad paced the floor letting Vance’s words sink in.
“Make the call,” he said finally, handing the realtor’s business card to my mom, before turning to face Vance. “But if anything happens to her, I’ll hold you personally responsible for it.”
“As well you should,” Vance agreed. “But I think we have her covered. I wouldn’t have suggested it otherwise.”
She paused for a moment to allow the person on the other end of the line to respond.
“Well, here’s my problem. I’m only in town on business for the afternoon before I go back to the States. I wouldn’t be able to come back and see the property for several months. Is there any chance you could squeeze me in this afternoon before I have to leave? I would really like to be able to tell my boss I found a place for him here in the area.”
She waited again before she started speaking.
“In an hour? Perfect! Thanks so much! I’ll meet you at the gate,” she said before hanging up the phone and turning to my dad. “We’re meeting in one hour. I need to go get changed, and you’ll need to come up with a convincing story for me to tell.”
She gave him a peck on the cheek before she sauntered out of the condo to head next door to the one she, Dad, and Grandma were staying in.
“Story, people! Now!” Dad said snapping his fingers consecutively at the rest of us who were left standing there.
“Her boss is a supplier for all the tourist trap shops around here. He needs to move from his current location because the building is located on the wharf and has some mold damage which needs serious repairs. Her boss has sent her here to appraise the damage, make sure everything is legit and that the guy running the warehouse here isn’t just trying to take him for a ride,” Vance offered up.
“Did you just come up with that off the top of your head?” I asked looking at him in wonder.
“Yep.” He smiled. “You might as well know I happen to be a great liar.” He shrugged at my look. “It happens after spending years on the run.”
“I think I’m going to have to watch you a little more carefully,” I said, with a worried gaze.
He just grinned at me.
“You don’t have anything to worry about,” he replied softly. “I always do my best to be honest with you.”
Of Witches and Warlocks: The Demon Kiss Page 11
