by C C Sommerly
“I’ll be right back,” he said and threw me a worried look before leaving me with the healer.
Her shrewd eyes took me in. I wanted to squirm under her scrutiny, but I forced myself to remain still. I’m at a disadvantage in my current condition and don’t trust this woman. Lochlan better know for sure that I’m safe alone with her.
“Care to tell me why you couldn’t use your magic to heal yourself, mage?
“I’m human, so that isn’t possible.”
“You’re no more human than I am. We’re not all that we appear. Give me a good reason why I shouldn’t tell Lochlan that you are a mage and are hiding great magic.”
“My father was the Crimson Fiend.”
Her face bled of color and she flinched. It was the expected reaction. I felt the same way and I had grown up with the monster. However, he was far worse than any story they told about him.
“Never unlock that magic. Keep it hidden away, always.”
“I’m struggling to do that. My blocks are weakening,” I admitted.
“I can help with that. I have someone that can strengthen the block.”
She wrote something on a scrap of a paper.
“Don’t speak those words. It will bring him to you. It’s up to you to bargain for the price of his assistance.”
I quickly stashed the paper in my pocket.
“How do I know I can trust you not to say anything?”
“You don’t.”
We stared at each other, neither of us wanting to be the first one to look away.
The door opened. “Tell me I got the right ones, Selenda.”
“Bring them here. And don’t forget the mortar and pestle.”
“There’s nowhere to mix it.”
“You let me worry about that,” Selenda said.
She waved her hands and a table appeared next to her and then a stool. She perched on it and waited for Lochlan. She spread out the flowers he’d brought. Various bottles, jars and packets of healing mixture appeared just as easily as the table and stool.
Selenda was much more than a witch. I’m not sure what she is, but she’s hiding her true self just as I was.
She began grinding up ingredients and I looked away. It was better not to know what went into it. There were some vile things needed in a lot of potions. Eye of newt was the most palatable of them and it tasted just like a fishy eyeball.
Selenda hummed as she worked. I’m sure any other time the tune would be soothing, but it now grated on my aching ears. Lochlan ignored me and watched her work. I felt weird being ignored by him, although, why I felt that way was beyond me.
The healer finished and held up a cup of something. The smell coming from it made my eyes water and it was halfway across the room. She brought the cup to me.
“Drink it all. If you spill any or vomit it out, then you’ll have to drink it again.”
I reached for the cup and before I could grab it, Lochlan pounced on me. His weight pinned me down. I writhed and bucked under him.
He pinched my nose and the healer poured the potion down my throat. I gagged and tried to spit it out. It was liquid fire and tasted like moldy week-old meat that was left baking in the summer sun. The healer pushed my shoulders down. I tried not swallowing, but Lochlan wasn’t letting go of my nose and I was running out of air. I’d have to swallow the potion or suffocate.
“Drink it,” barked Lochlan.
“He’ll force you and you don’t want that,” said Selenda.
If this wasn’t force, then I hated to see what forcing me involved. I swallowed and drew in a deep breath of air.
“See that wasn’t hard.”
“Shut up.”
“She’s already sounding normal,” he said to the healer, who laughed.
The potion was making me drowsy, which was probably for the best. Healing was painful. It was the cost of using magic. The more healing you needed, the more painful it was. But, you’d be just as good as before your sickness or injury. You’d have no scars from wounds and no lingering effects from sickness or poison.
The last thing I heard before I drifted off was Lochlan. “We need to talk once you’ve recovered.”
10
The sun streaming through my window woke me. I never could sleep if there was light. It was probably a throwback from my delightful childhood.
“I’ll tell the others you’re up,” said Zander. He was out of the room before I could respond.
My throat felt raw and raspy like I’d been screaming for hours. A glass of water was on my night stand. I greedily drank it, but it did little to ease my discomfort.
Callie and Sterling entered the room.
“You have a lot of explaining to do. That fae brought you in here unconscious and twitching,” said Sterling.
“He went all bear. It was quite a sight,” said Callie.
“It was pretty cool. I’d forgotten what a hulking beast he could be,” said Zander.
“Indeed. Well, the fae claimed that he saved your life and wasn’t responsible for the state you were in. I sensed the truth in his words when my bear didn’t scent a lie,” said Sterling. “That is the only reason why he survived the encounter.”
“You have Julia Huntington to thank for my current state.”
“Are you saying she attacked you?” asked Sterling.
It did sound surprising.
“No, her house did.”
Sterling rubbed his temples and sat down on the chair. Callie sat on the edge of bed and so did Zander.
“Care to explain?” asked Sterling.
“Not really.”
“That wasn’t a request. What happened?” he asked.
I explained about the enforcer showing up and what I overheard about the Huntington’s missing maids. When I got to the part about being sucked into Nether Realm, the questions started flying.
“Wait, you were sucked into a portal that was hidden in the closet?” asked Callie.
“Me and the bone man.”
“So you went into the Nether Realm with a bone man and survived?” asked Zander.
“There’s more to it. I actually owe him a life debt from our time there.”
“How? No, don’t tell me now. Just explain the events in order,” said Sterling.
I told them about the realm, water dragon, which Zander asked quite a few questions about and also about the orcs. Callie gasped hearing about them. I got to the part about Lochlan rescuing the bone man and me, our return and then my healing.
“That whole story sounds unbelievable. I wouldn’t believe it if someone else had told me the same story,” said Callie.
“I find it concerning that the Huntington’s feel the need for such security measures. And their missing staff is worrisome,” said Sterling.
“And, I think it goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyways. I want off this case.”
“I wish I could take you off it. I can’t,” said Sterling.
“Because of me,” said Zander. “We are always having issues and hardships. I can’t fix it,” he said before storming out the room and slamming the door behind him.
“He was very worried about you, Marty,” explained Callie.
“The problem is he’s right. This is partly his fault and I don’t know how to change that. I can’t take you off the case. But, I can see about getting a part-timer to work with you,” said Sterling.
The doorbell rang.
“Tell me you locked the door,” said Sterling.
“I think I did,” said Callie.
“We better go see who it is,” he said.
Minutes later Lochlan came into the room. I sat up and tried my best to look presentable. My hair was tangled into a nest and I smelled bad and my breath was positively rank.
“Hello partner.”
“We already went over this,” I said.
“Yes, we did, but it doesn’t change things.”
“Why are you here?”
“I have some questions about some devel
opments that occurred while you were out.”
“And, why would I care about your work?”
“Are you always this difficult?”
“I’m not even to the difficult state yet. Why did they let you up here?”
“About that, you’ve been formally assigned to me as my partner.”
“I What?!”
That was so not happening. I wanted nothing to do with this infuriatingly handsome fae.
“Yes, so, do you want to chat now, or should we talk over lunch?”
“How about never.”
“Be nice,” said Sterling from the door.
“Traitor.”
“Just hear him out. You’ve got to be hungry. He has information on the case and you want to finish it up,” he said.
“Fine, lunch at BAM. You’re paying. Now get out.”
Callie had to help me get ready. I was shaking and still not completely revived. I also could eat my weight in BAM burgers. I was going to enjoy spending Lochlan’s money. It was only fair when he was dragging me out right after being healed. And, I was a bit put out that he got Sterling to side with him. He refused to say why he sided with Lochlan and claimed he didn’t know what the developments Lochlan mentioned were about.
Lochlan showed up a couple of minutes before eleven. Callie let him in. I think it was so she could ogle him. She was slightly obsessed with him.
“Worried I wouldn’t show?”
“No, you don’t really have a choice,” he said.
“Jerk.”
“I may be many things, but ladies have never complained about my treatment of them.”
I rolled my eyes and followed him out the door. He was parked next to Betty. Speaking of my car, how did she end up back here? His car was a sleek and shiny sports car that was worth more than I could imagine.
He opened the door for me. I settled into the soft leather seat. He took his seat and the car started with a rumbling roar. Bet this thing is fast.
We waited in line at BAM. This was much more different than the last time I’d been here. Lochlan drew attention to himself. The women in line weren’t too subtle about the looks they shot at him. It left no doubt in my mind that they were hungry for more than the burgers.
Lochlan didn’t pay them any mind. He seemed unfazed by their blatant attempts to draw his attention. One woman went so far as to brush up against him.
Jennica would think Lochlan was dreamy just as much as Callie does. I haven’t heard anything from her. I was going to visit Jennica as soon as I could ditch the fae. He was a complication I didn’t need. I also didn’t want him around if what Jennica was doing was illegal in any way. He’d probably haul her away to the enforcers.
We ordered our meals. Lochlan didn’t comment when I ordered enough food for three people. He gallantly grabbed my tray and carried to an empty booth.
“I’m glad you agreed to meet me.”
“It’s not like I had a choice.”
“That’s not entirely true.”
“You can say whatever you want, but we both know, I didn’t truly have a choice, again.”
“I have something for you.” He dug in his pocket and tossed a folded page from a newspaper. “Open it.”
“Thanks, didn’t know you cared that I kept up on local events.”
“Just read it.”
He had given me a portion of the obituaries. I scanned the page and one name jumped out at me “Harold Bolden”. The cause of death listed was due to a magical attack.
“Is this right? Wait, how did you know that was Jasper’s last name?”
“Easy, I know several enforcers. It’s essential in our line of work. I asked them for a name to follow up. They gave me the Bolden’s name and address.”
“So, Jasper wasn’t killed and his father was?”
“Seems to be the case.”
“Did you talk with Jasper?”
“No, but I think we should.”
I didn’t have to go with him. I wasn’t obligated because he gave me the tip. Something of what I was thinking must have shown on my face.
“I have a man staged near the Bolden’s residence. You won’t be able to go in and question them unless I sanction it.”
“You are unbelievable.”
“And you are incredibly thick-headed. Is the idea of working with me so awful?”
What legitimate excuse could I give him? I didn’t need him snooping around in my cases or in my life. The more I was around him, the more likely he’d suspect I wasn’t just human. And, the healer may decide that Lochlan needed to be told and then where would I be? Carted over to the Mage Guild or worse, the enforcers. If they find out who I am, I’m as good as dead.
“Fine, I’ll go with you.”
He narrowed his eyes, but didn’t respond. We finished eating and left BAM.
“No sense in delaying the trip. I’ll drive to the Bolden’s.”
We arrived at the Bolden’s house. It felt eerie and subdued, but then being around death always made me feel funny. I’d like to blame my childhood, but it seemed to be something more than that. I always felt a connection with the dead and that scared me more than anything.
I stood slightly behind Lochlan. Miss Tisley answered the door, only opening it a crack.
“What can I help you with, sir?”
“We’d like to speak to the master of the house,” said Lochlan.
“The mister is gone, oh, I’m sorry. The new mister is in, but he’s preparing the room for mourners.”
“Can we just come in for a short time?” I asked.
She opened the door more and her eyes widened as she saw me. I was hidden behind Lochlan.
“It’s you again. This is a surprise. What are you doing with this fine fellow?”
“We need to speak to Jasper about the events when Mr. Bolden died.”
“Isn’t that a job for the enforcers? They’ve already been here. There’s nothing you can do for us.”
Now that I could get a good look at her, she looked terrible. . Her eyes were red rimmed and puffy. There was a fading bruise on her cheek and her hair was in disarray. For a brownie, everything was about cleanliness and having things neat and ordered. Her unkept appearance was concerning.
“Has he hurt you?”
“You daft creature. Why are you lazing about with the door open?”
Miss Tisley shook as none other than Jasper appeared in the door way. Lochlan pushed the door open and moved carefully around Miss Tisley, who scampered away.
“What’s the meaning of this?” asked Jasper.
“We had a deal. You sent daddy to clean up your mess,” I said.
His eyes narrowed and he sputtered.
“How dare you insult me in my own home.”
“Jasper, let whoever it is come in. We raised you better than that.”
An older woman, who may have been pretty in her youth opened the door. There was enough resemblance to Jasper that I had no doubt this was Mrs. Bolden. She ushered us inside. She was dressed head to toe in black. And clutched a damp handkerchief.
“Are you friends of Harold’s? The service isn’t until later,” she said.
“Do they look like friends? You just let in that woman who threatened me.”
She looked surprised. “Is that true? Did you threaten my son?
“That’s not quite the story.”
“That isn’t an answer. Did you or did you not?”
“She did or she’d have said otherwise. Can I throw her and her friend out?”
Mrs. Bolden’s eyes flashed with fury.
“You dare to threaten my son. And come back here at a time like this! You horrible, horrible woman. I want you out of here at once.”
“If you’ll just let us explain,” said Lochlan.
“Get out! I’m calling the enforcers.”
She just said the magic words and I had enough close encounters with the enforcers lately.
Lochlan grabbed my arm. “We should leave.”
&n
bsp; We were almost to his car when a young woman came from around the back of the house.
“Please wait,” she said as she ran to us. She was panting and holding her sides from the effort of running.
“I had to run down the servants’ stairs from the top floor to catch you.”
“And you are?” asked Lochlan.
“I’m Eveline. Miss Tisley came to find me when you showed up and Jasper threw a fit. I know why you are here.”
I exchanged a puzzled look with Lochlan.
“It’s about the grimoire and that mage.”
“You know about that?” I asked.
“Yes.”
“Why don’t we go somewhere more comfortable,” said Lochlan.
“I can’t leave right now. My father’s funeral service is in a few hours. I know your Agency, Miss —”
“Marty, just Marty.”
“I’ll come find you. I know what is in that grimoire. I’ll tell you more tomorrow. I must go before they find me.”
She turned and ran back the way she came.
“That was interesting,” said Lochlan.
“That was a lead and a good one. If she knows about the mage, she might be able to lead us to him.”
“Did you really threaten Jasper?”
“Do I seem like a person who’d resort to threats?”
“Absolutely.”
I went to the car, annoyed that he thought poorly of me – even if it was true. He insisted on opening my door. I don’t care what he thinks of me, I told myself, but that rang hollow.
Other than the lunch and this lead, we hadn’t made the progress I wanted to on this case. I needed to get rid of Lochlan, so I could see Jennica. I also needed to get rid of this tracker, so I could see the person for my magic block.
The ride back to the Agency was quiet. Lochlan parked and turned in his seat to face me.
“Are you going to explain what happened with Jasper or the unusual level of concern over their brownie?”
“No.”
“Why are you making this difficult? We both want the same thing.” He softly added, “I’m not your enemy.”
“You’re not my friend either. I’m tired and need to rest up, so I can get back to work.”
I opened the door the door to the basement and he called out, “You can’t keep shutting me out, Marty. You are my partner.”
