“That was interesting,” I stated.
“You suspect something?” Jade asked. She then rolled her eyes and asked, “What am I saying? You always suspect something.”
Chuckling, I shrugged. “It isn’t a bad thing. I seem to remember a few times it kept us from being ambushed.” Glancing at the card, I furrowed my brow. “Isn’t he supposedly an outcast demon?” Jade nodded, and I continued, “Then I can’t help wondering what sort of ‘deal’ he was making with the ‘lovely couple.’”
“Dante is an outcast, so he has no resources in Hell. He can’t collect souls, at least in the traditional sense,” Jade replied. “Mundane beings certainly wouldn’t know that, though. He could easily make a deal and say he’s claiming their souls or someone else’s. It’s likely he summoned another demon—he can do it as easily as you—and has that one claim possession. Perhaps he gets favors for doing that?”
“I’m more inclined to believe he has partnered with one,” I said slowly, figuring it out as I talked. “If it’s a business partnership, the one still in Hell’s good graces can easily collect souls while Dante collects everything else, money, business contracts—whatever he wants. If that’s the situation, he probably partnered with a lower demon, one who needs the souls to escalate its position. If it tried to back out of the partnership, tried to claim it didn’t do anything to help, Dante would have the contract as proof. Even demons honor contracts, especially if blood is involved. Dante doesn’t strike me as stupid or foolish, and I’ll bet he knows all the rules, laws, and loopholes.”
“Indeed. I’d wager a few were made because of him,” observed Jade. “So, what next, my Lady?”
“Next, I take what you gave me back to my office and try to figure out what Nick was doing,” I said. “Then I start trying to find the grimoire that lists all the bloody spells associated with that damned amulet. Whoever has that book won’t need the fae for information. If I’m really lucky, I’ll find out Xantos stole the bloody thing.” I paused and looked at her with resignation. “I highly doubt I’ll be that lucky.”
“How would having to deal with the most notorious elf, the one who practically taught the Mafia how to be the Mafia, be lucky?” Jade asked. Her exasperation was visible, from the tension in her body to the tired expression on her face.
“Because that would mean whoever has the amulet doesn’t have the book.” I paused before elaborating. “Xantos doesn’t have the amulet.”
“Are you certain you’ve retired from the lifestyle that caused others to speak your name in fear?” Jade inquired. “Your logic is sound, milady, but your speaking so casually of dealing with Xantos and fraternizing with the Court Consigliere calls to the old days.”
Damn! She was right.
“I guess I’m coming out of retirement,” I announced. “At least these days, I don’t have to keep looking over my shoulder, fearing the Court will place me on trial for all the chaos and mayhem I caused. Besides, I’m actually enjoying myself and feel more alive than I have in decades.”
“That may or may not be a good thing,” said Jade. “But I shall be at your side, if you wish it.”
“For the moment, I’m going to consider it a good thing,” I replied. Tucking the card into my purse, I smiled warmly at my old friend. “If the amulet is used, I don’t want you anywhere around. It’ll end up being a duel by spell, and I don’t want you getting caught in the crossfire. If it were anything other than a deity, I would welcome your help with open arms, but I don’t know how I’ll fare against a god. With luck, I’ll have Sterling to help, but…” I trailed off knowing Jade would be able to follow my train of thought.
“If that is your wish,” she replied, though I could tell she was disappointed.
“I’ve seen too many people I love and care about die. I don’t want your death to come anytime soon or from something like this,” I said. I placed a hand on her forearm. “I know I’ll need your help with other things, especially when I visit my mother’s realm again.”
Jade’s smile was wide and brilliant.
“Until later,” she said.
We shared another hug before I departed. Reconnecting with Jade had been a blessing and delight. It was probably the best part of recent events, aside from the relationship I’d developed with Sterling. I’m not sure much could top our steamy nights together.
* * * * *
Chapter Fifteen
The Masonic building looked the same as always, despite the murder. I ignored the crime scene and went up to my office. After spending a short time replacing my wards, I went to my filing cabinet and unlocked it. From the top drawer I removed oil, a mini shot glass, and a bottle of bourbon needed for my next task.
With the oil, I drew a circle on the desk. I filled the shot glass with the bourbon and placed it in the center. I opened my desk drawer and pulled out a chocolate candy bar, unwrapped it, broke off a piece, and put it in the circle.
It was an odd combination, but it would work for what I wanted. I didn’t really need it, but I tried to be a proper hostess to the creatures I liked, and I had a soft spot for pests and vermin.
Oh, who was I kidding? I had a soft spot for almost any creature, Magickal or mundane. I blame my dad.
Settling my forearms on the desk, palms up, I curled my fingers inward and sent my will into the circle, allowing it to power the summoning circle. If I hadn’t been short on time, I wouldn’t have bothered with the circle, not for a gremlin. But circles were powerful, and they provided a quicker summoning that couldn’t be ignored or refused.
In a soft, melodic chant, I said the words to the spell.
“Viriato the Gremlin, I beseech thee,
Find favor with mine call and summons.
On the seven winds I beg thee travel,
And greet me in mine presence,
For a speaking of things that need bespoke.
From this moment hence,
Thy powers do I wish to invoke,
For things that need be done.”
The smell of burnt electrical wires filled the room as small sparks flickered in the circle. After a few crackling pops, a small gremlin popped into existence.
Everyone saw gremlins differently. For me, they always appeared as little gnomish beings with sharp features. Viriato had a very Portuguese face and build, but he wore the standard blue jeans, t-shirt, and Converse shoes commonly worn by the humans in the area. It wasn’t very gremlin-like, but considering he resided at Nick’s place and had followed him around for as long as I’d known Nick, it wasn’t surprising.
His eyes widened in shock, and dread filled his face when he recognized me. He eyed the shot glass and candy suspiciously before looking away from the goodies. Crossing his arms, he glowered at me.
“You could have called,” he snapped.
“I’m short on time. Enjoy the bourbon and candy,” I said, leaning back in my chair. “If I break the circle, will you stick around and answer a few questions?”
“You aren’t going to try and keep me, are you?”
“Nah. You’re Nick’s problem,” I retorted with a grin. “I imagine you and your friends are having a field day now that he can’t see any of you.”
“Hell, yeah, we’re having fun!” he replied, grabbing the shot glass and tossing back the bourbon. He smacked his lips and held it out. “I’ll stick around as long as you want, if you keep refilling this. I’ll answer anything you want, too.”
“Deal,” I said. I took a finger and wiped away the oil, breaking the circle. I then refilled his glass. “What have you guys been doing to Nick?”
“We’ve been pissing in his coffee ever since he came back from trying to pick up the package he ordered from the Copper Wyvern. My mates there say you have it now,” he said. I nodded, and he grinned toothily. “He keeps adding more sugar, flavors, and even salt to make his coffee taste good. Then he gets frustrated and dumps it, yelling that he knows what we’re doing. It’s been fun watching him try to smash us when he can’t see
us. He doesn’t know we’ve pissed in every open container in his fridge, either.”
“That’s just nasty. Funny, but nasty,” I said with a laugh. “You’re awful. I heartily approve!”
“We’ve got lots of fun shit planned,” he assured me cheerfully. “Some of us are going to teabag him when he’s sleeping! It’s going to be great!”
That was an image I really did not need. So, to keep from hearing any other gross antics from the gremlin, I changed the topic.
“Back to why I summoned you.” The gremlin nodded and tossed back the shot. I refilled his glass. “It’s about the package. I’ve got the invoice. I need some info about who he ordered from, what else he’s ordered from them, and, if possible, how long he’s been ordering from them.”
“Do you want all that now, or should I email the information to you?” Viriato asked, his tone serious. “It’ll take a while to get details, but I can get them to you in two days, tops. I’ll make sure to send you solid proof, in case you want to burn that guy’s ass, too.”
“That would be great. What about Nick?” I asked, giving the gremlin more of the candy bar.
“Nick’s been getting shipments of various Magickal creatures for the past century or so. He’s kept some of them under his roof for the past fifty years. Usually the smaller ones. Regardless of what the creature is, he harvests what he can while keeping it alive, fur, hair, claws, skin, even blood. He heals the critter, so you’d never know it was harmed during his harvesting, then he sells it to the highest bidder. He’s currently got three creatures in a special part of his basement. He can’t get to them, because they’re behind Magickally-cloaked doors. The spell was laid by some nasty dwarves, so they remained when all his other spells were broken.”
“Son of a bitch,” I growled.
Nick had changed, after all. He’d gotten worse.
“Anything else you need, Cat?” Viriato asked solemnly. “If not, I’ll go dig up what I can on his shipper.”
“One more question. Why didn’t you tell me he’d been doing this sooner?” I asked, trying not to be angry at the gremlin, and failing.
Viriato looked at his feet as he shuffled them. “Nick forbade us. He found some spell that made us obey his demands. It was the only thing he could use it for, and we’ve been trying to fight it for as long as he’s been using it. If we could’ve broken the compulsion, we would’ve ratted him out. He knew that.”
“Damn. Now I really do feel guilty for hiding away from everyone and everything,” I said, no longer angry at the gremlin. “I’ll order you take-out, some time. Let me know what you and your crew want, okay?”
“Sure thing, Cat,” he said cheerfully. He tossed back a final shot before vanishing in a storm of sparks.
I leaned back in the chair and stared at the ceiling, allowing my anger to bubble up to the surface. I was beyond furious, but I knew how to properly channel it so nothing horrible happened around me, like the building blowing up. Or the entire block.
Closing my eyes, I counted to twenty. When that did absolutely nothing to assuage my anger, I stood and turned to the bookcase behind me. I removed an ancient samurai sword from one shelf. From another, I grabbed a short sword. Neither had Magickal properties, but they were valuable antiques.
I placed them on my desk, contemplating which one I should sully with Nick’s blood.
While I was still contemplating my options and gathering some necessities, Sterling walked through my door, dressed in a hand-tailored, pinstripe suit.
He looked at me and the state of my office before asking, “Are you planning an outing?”
“Yes, I am,” I replied, perhaps a bit too sweetly. I removed the dragon egg from my purse and gently put it on the desk before sliding it toward him. “Seems that Nick has been dealing in Magickal creatures. The buying and selling of them. Illegally. Right after he collects everything he can from them. I’m trying to figure out which blade to use on him, and I’m leaning toward the short sword. What do you think?”
“Whichever weapon you feel most adept with,” Sterling replied. “I don’t presume that suggesting we let the Court deal with him will change your plans?” I opened my mouth to reply, but he continued. “I really cannot condone this, Cat. As much as you or I may feel like he deserves it, doing so will soil your reputation in the worst way.”
“He has some creatures in his house, now,” I snapped. I clenched my jaw for a moment, trying to keep my voice level. Screaming at him wouldn’t get my anywhere. “His last shipment was a bloody dragon egg, Sterling.” I pointed to the bag. “I suppose you’re going to tell me I have to sit around and wait for someone to decide to do something? They’re just animals, right? No big deal if they die. Right?”
“You are letting your anger toward Nick cloud everything,” cautioned Sterling. “I have no objections to saving whatever animals he has illegally detained. I am saying that Nick cannot be handled with vigilantism, especially from you.”
“I suppose that means I can’t harm him in any way,” I grumbled. Clenching my jaw, I returned the swords to their proper places. “I would be this furious regardless of who was involved. The fact that it’s Nick only means I would take a little extra pleasure from anything I might do to the offender.”
“You can certainly harm him, but he may resist and attempt to harm you,” Sterling suggested. “Just don’t make it your goal to kill him.”
“In that case…” I trailed off and walked over to a large vase that held a variety of objects. I removed a hefty walking stick. It was black with a silver-tipped bottom, and it had a silver skull on the top, complete with emerald eyes. It wasn’t an antique, per se, but it was a favorite walking stick. “Can I use this?”
“Certainly.”
“Wonderful! Care to join me?” I asked. Leaning over, I took the leather pouch containing the egg and tucked it into my purse. “That way, you can ensure I don’t do anything I shouldn’t to him.”
“That would be delightful,” he said, before taking my arm.
* * * * *
Chapter Sixteen
One moment we were in my office, the next we were walking up the steps to the front doors of Nick’s house. This time, I gestured, and the doors blew in with a gust of wind. They banged hard against the walls, and with pure, malicious glee, I moved ahead of Sterling, running up the steps and into the foyer.
“Honey, I’m home,” I called, my voice echoing off the walls. “Come out, come out, wherever you are, Nicholai!”
Where could the jerk be hiding? Before I decided where to begin the search, Viriato appeared on the baluster at the bottom of the stairs.
“He’s hiding in his den,” he said cheerfully. “I’m not certain he heard you. He’s wearing a pair of headphones and trying to explain what happened to his former groupies.”
I glanced at Sterling who was watching me with a small smile. I offered him my hand and, together, we ascended the stairs to the second floor, where Nick’s den was located.
We heard a choking sound to our right. Looking in that direction, we saw Nick staring at us, his eyes as wide as saucers. He visibly shuddered at seeing me, then darted down the short hallway, into another room. The door slammed shut behind him.
I strode after him, wishing like hell I was wearing a cloak or a duster. It would only have enhanced the situation. When my mother’s sage had been stripped of her powers, my mother had cast a spell to hide me, since I was half human, so I knew Nick could see me. I didn’t know if he could see Sterling, since I wasn’t sure what he was, but that was a moot point. Nick’s memories of me hadn’t been stripped away, so he knew exactly what I was capable of, and that I was ruthless. In fact, I was far more ruthless than Nick could ever have imagined. That probably came from my mother, though my father wasn’t too far behind her.
Though the door Nick vanished behind was locked, it was simple to unlock it with a breath of Magick. The door swung inward, banging against the wall. I took a quick look around the room. It was an off
ice of some sort. A computer sat on a large desk and multiple bookshelves and a filing cabinet were along the walls. A landscape photo of the Valley hung on one wall, but it was the only art in the room. I couldn’t sense any Magick in the room, for which I was thankful.
Nick stood with his back to the desk, the chair in front of him. He held a phone in his left hand and was staring at it, as though he was trying to remember the number he wanted to dial. I held my hand out, and the phone flew to me.
“Nicholai Elias Wright, you have been a very, very naughty boy,” I said, pointing the phone at him. “This will go one of two ways—tell me exactly what I wish to know, and I’ll leave here without harming you. Lie, or deny me the information, and you will be harmed. A lot. It’s your choice.”
“You’ll punish me regardless,” Nick said like a spoiled teen who didn’t get a car for graduation. “I should have recognized who you really were. You’re not the shining light I hoped would bring revelation to my coven.”
He leaned against his desk and kept talking.
“This punishment is like losing one of your eyes, y’know, or most of your hearing.” He looked at the ceiling. “I know there’s more to this world—beings and power that move the world in ways mundanes can’t comprehend—but it’s all lost to me, even the gremlins I used to order around like house servants. I’m pretty sure they’re still here, but I can’t see them or hear them talking.”
That was something I’d had nightmares about happening to me when I was a child. My mother had told me about this type of punishment just before her lead executioner stripped her best sage of her ability. I watched the woman stumble into the wilderness, screaming for my mother or anyone else she knew, unable to see that we were just a few yards away watching her pitiful mundane existence begin.
“They’re still here. I don’t believe they have any desire to leave, though I doubt you’ll enjoy it if they stay,” I said with a smirk. “You knew what I was capable of before you chose to con me. I simply got wise before anything terrible happened. Despite my ruthlessness and penchant for killing anyone who crosses me, I’m known to be fair.” Nick snorted, and it was all I could do to keep from rolling my eyes. “I gave you a choice, and I have a witness. So, here’s your chance to be smart and answer truthfully. Where are you keeping the creatures you smuggled?”
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