“Just play along.”
I shrugged. “Well, I suppose I’d want to make sure I had an army powerful enough to defeat the other nation.”
He gave me an approving nod. “Yes, that’s right. Then what?”
“I guess I’d send spies to see what I could learn about my enemy.” I shrugged again. “I’m no warlord. I don’t know.”
“Yes, knowing your enemy is crucial. But in the old days, when an army wanted to learn about the opposing force, they’d engage in minor skirmishes. In this way, they could learn not just about their enemy, but about their own army. They’d know which of their commanders were worth their salt. Which units had the heart to win in the coming days. A good general would test his men to know which among them were true warriors.”
“Are you saying these incidents are the skirmishes?”
“I’m saying that the enemy, the real enemy, has already built his army. He’s already sent his spies. He’s already learned about his foes. Now, he’s engaged in skirmishes. It won’t be long until he’s ready to engage in the real war.” He paused again, his black eyes locked on mine. I couldn’t hold his gaze and looked away, staring out over the crowd again as he continued. “And your side, Blade Mage, you haven’t even realized there’s a threat looming over your precious little heads. You haven’t been gathering allies. You have no spies and you know nothing about your enemy. Time is running out.”
I turned back toward him… but he was gone.
I glanced around the balcony and saw that I was alone.
Then I heard another familiar voice shout, “Hey, Wyatt!”
My gaze shifted to the floor below me, and to the source. There, garbed in a bright orange dovetailed suit, a top-hat, and holding a cane, was another very familiar face.
I blinked twice to ensure my eyes weren’t deceiving me. When I was sure they weren’t, I said, “Axel?”
Chapter 21
“Hey, Wyatt!” Axel yelled as I started down the winding stair case.
As soon as I was close enough to not yell, I asked, “What the hell are you doing here?”
He shrugged. “I thought you might need some backup.”
“Axel, you can’t be here,” I said, glancing around to make sure none of the other guests were paying attention. “The Knights were very specific about no other mages being in Memphis. If they find out you’re here, it could start a war with the Cabal.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve got it covered,” he said, shooing my concern away. “I’m in disguise.”
“In that?” I asked. “You look like a citrus Mr. Peanut.”
“It’s pretty great, right?” he asked, doing a little twirl. At the end of his spin he tipped his hat and bowed to me. “I’ve been telling everyone I’m an oil tycoon.”
“Dear God,” I said, shaking my head. “Axel, you like Jim Carrey in Dumb and Dumber.”
“I know. It’s great, right?”
“There’s no way your disguise is going to work.”
“I told him not to wear it,” A familiar voice said from beside me.
I turned and had to blink a few more times. “Vittoria?”
The private investigator offered me an awkward wave. She wore a red dress made to kill.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
“She’s my plus one,” Axel said. The fucker was practically beaming.
Vittoria shook her head. “I can’t believe I agreed to this.”
As amazed as I was that she’d gone along with a plan of Axel’s, that wasn’t the most pressing concern. I turned back to Axel. “I can’t believe you came here.”
“Why?” he asked, genuine confusion sprawled across his face. “Of course I’d be here.”
“And you,” I said, turning back to Vittoria. “I can’t believe you let him talk you into this as well.”
“I didn’t know we were coming here,” she replied.
“Wait, where did you think you were going?”
Her face reddened and she didn’t immediately reply. Finally, she said, “He asked me if I wanted to get away for a couple of days. Then, when we got to Memphis, he told me we were going to a fancy dress party. He didn’t mention we were really here to stalk you.”
“What?” I asked, glancing between them. Axel beamed. Vittoria’s face burned redder than her dress. “Wait... Are you two... dating?”
“Yup!” Axel replied happily.
Vittoria wouldn’t look at me.
“I’ll get us some drinks!” Axel said, then turned away. “This is going to be fun!”
“You and Axel are dating?” I repeated, blinking several times again. “What? How? What? Why?”
“I don’t know,” she said, throwing up her hands. “It just sort of…happened.”
“It just sort of happened?”
“Are you going to repeat everything?”
“Sorry,” I said, trying to wrap my head around the whole thing. “I can’t believe any of this.”
“Nor can I,” she replied. “But here we are.”
“Is it like... serious?”
She glared at me.
“Holy shit,” I said, my draw dropping below my knees. “It is.”
“Can we talk about something else?”
“Uh, yeah, like, how did you guys find me? How’d he know where I’d be?”
“I don’t know,” she said. “He didn’t even tell me you were here until we pulled into the driveway.”
“How’d he get on the guest list?”
“I don’t know and I don’t want to know.”
“Probably best,” I agreed. “Okay, look, I need you to get him back out of the city. They’ve forbidden any guild mages in their city except me and a handful of witches. If the Knights find out he’s here, they’ll suspect he’s somehow involved in the murder.”
“Don’t you think I’ve already tried? He won’t leave. He’s worried about you.”
“Worried about me?”
“He said something about how he had to take the risk because you didn’t have anyone here watching your back. I thought maybe you’d do a better job convincing him to leave. I didn’t know the Knights had barred wizards or I would have tried a little harder.”
“This is bad,” I replied, glancing around. I noticed Eilidh in the distance. A handsome young guy in a tuxedo was speaking to her. She seemed very uncomfortable.
Axel reappeared with three glasses. He passed one to Vittoria and one to me. “How’s the investigation going? Did you find anything at Abner’s house?”
“How did you know I was at Abner’s house?” I replied. “Furthermore, how did you know I was here?”
He took a drink from his glass and shrugged. “I put a tracking spell on your gym bag.”
“You did what?” I asked, glaring at him. “And that doesn’t explain how you found me here.”
“Someone has got to watch out for you, Wyatt,” he said in a reproachful tone. “You aren’t responsible enough to take care of yourself.”
“Not responsible,” I repeated, my temper on the rise. “You’re the one who isn’t supposed to be here.”
“Yeah, but I’m in disguise. Think about it.”
“I don’t want to think about it, Axel.”
“Well, that’s your problem, right there,” he replied. “You’ve got to think through this stuff.”
In lieu of hitting him, I glanced toward Eilidh again. It took me a moment, as she’d moved away from where the young guy in the tux had been bothering her. Now, a young Knight was hovering around her, trying to flirt.
“Axel, maybe we should just go,” Vittoria said. “Wyatt seems to have the situation under control.”
“Nonsense,” Axel replied. “He just gets moody sometimes. That’s when you know he needs backup. He’s a stubborn ole ass, but he’ll come around.”
It was a good thing I was so well practiced at not hitting him, otherwise I definitely would’ve.
“You still haven’t answered my question about your investigati
on,” Axel said. “Any suspects?”
I took a steadying breath, then told them both what had transpired since my arrival and what Eilidh and I found at Abner’s house.
“Dark,” Axel replied. “And the Knights still don’t know?”
“Just Uriah and Tooter.”
“So,” he said, glancing around the room. “The traitor could be here.”
“Could be,” I agreed.
“Don’t worry, Wyatt, we’re on the case now.”
“No, you aren’t,” I replied.
“No, we’re not,” Vittoria said at the exact same time.
I glanced toward Eilidh. She’d moved again but now a third guy was speaking to her.
“You should go ask her to dance,” Axel said.
“I’m sorry, what?” I asked, turning back toward him.
“I believe he’s referring to the pretty woman you keep glancing at,” Vittoria said with a thin smile.
“I bet that’s Eilidh,” Axel replied. “I know because Wyatt is incapable of separating business from pleasure.”
I didn’t reply.
“See,” he said, grinning at Vittoria. Then he turned back toward me. “That’s why you need both of us on this case with you. We’re really smart.”
“Shut up,” I replied. “You need to get out of here, Axel. Get out of Memphis.”
“Sure,” he said, taking Vittoria’s hand. “Right after we go dance. Go invite your lady friend.”
Vittoria gave me an apologetic shrug then the two of them moved toward the dance floor.
I shook my head and glanced toward Eilidh. The guy was leaning over her with one arm on the wall, in that weird, creeper sort of macho lean I’ve never quite understood. That sort of, ‘look how cool and relaxed I am while also kind of trapping you between me and the drywall’ kind of lean. For her part, Eilidh looked like she was trying to meld with the paint on the wall.
I sighed and moved in to help, not sure whether she’d even want my assistance.
She glanced up as I approached, and I gave her a quick wink. Then I stepped right up alongside her and in my most posh voice said, “There you are, dear. Care to have a dance?”
The other guy gave me a questioning look, then glanced back at Eilidh.
“Why, yes, of course,” she replied, then ducked under the dude’s arm.
I held out my hand and she took it. Together we moved toward the dance floor.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“No problem,” I replied. “It looked like you were getting a lot of unwanted attention.”
“I don’t know why,” she said, shaking her head in frustration. “They’re like vultures.”
“Well, you are rather gorgeous,” I heard myself say.
Her eyes narrowed. “Not you too.”
I put my free hand up defensively. “Just pointing out the obvious. No offense meant.”
“I don’t like parties,” she said. “Big or small, I hate them all. I don’t like people.”
“I hear you. This isn’t my natural habitat either. I prefer my cabin in the woods.”
“Truly?” she asked. “You seem the more outgoing type.”
I shrugged and we moved to the edge of the dance floor.
“I’m sorry about earlier,” she said, risking a glance at my face. “I’m sorry I was rude.”
“Don’t worry about it,” I said, waving the notion away. “It was… Well, it was harsh, wasn’t it?”
We stood in silence for a few moments.
“Are we actually going to dance?” she asked.
“Do you want to?”
“I’m not any good at it,” she said. “Not this formal slow dance stuff, anyway.”
“Yeah,” I replied, watching Axel and Vittoria glide across the floor like professionals. His expression serious, I watched him twirl her, pull her back in, then dip her. Somehow, I wasn’t surprised he could dance. I sighed. “I’m not either.”
“So, we’ll just look like idiots,” Eilidh replied.
“Probably so.”
“Maybe I’ll just go find another quiet spot to hide until this night is over. The Sisters probably wouldn’t want to see me dancing with you, anyway. Probably wouldn’t look good for either of us.”
“Fair points,” I agreed, still holding her hand in mine.
“And who has a slow dance at a wake?”
“Also a good point. This is the weirdest biker wake I’ve ever been to.”
“You’ve been to many?”
“No,” I said. “But this is definitely not what I expected.”
“So, then we shouldn’t dance,” she said, but still didn’t let go of my hand.
I took a leap of faith and started forward, gently pulling her along with me. I forced a smile and said, “I’m never afraid to look like an idiot. It suits me.”
She drew in close and we began moving together, trying to stay in rhythm with the song. She didn’t speak, which was fine by me. I was focused on not tripping over my own feet.
Then Axel and Vittoria moved alongside us. Axel grinned and tipped his top hat at me. “Looking good, sir.”
“Uh, thanks,” I replied.
“You know the tangerine man?” she asked.
“For my sins,” I replied, grinning. “I believe he goes by Mandarin Man, actually.”
“He looks like the Tang cousin of the Kool-aid man.”
“He’s everyone’s least favorite Popsicle.”
“I’m sure he’s full of vitamin C, though,” she said, snorting laughter.
I laughed as well.
The song ended then and we slowed to a stop.
The next song began and her feet started moving again. Apparently, we were dancing.
Our feet moved in sync and we swayed gently to the melody. She pressed in a little closer, the sweet scent of her hair filling my senses.
I couldn’t remember the last time I’d danced with a woman like this. Despite the chaos that had brought us to this place, it was nice. For a moment, I felt as though I shared a bond with this strange woman I barely knew. Together, we’d unraveled the first clue of a grave mystery. I didn’t know whether that meant something or not, but I supposed it might.
All too soon, the song came to a close and she stepped back a little.
Still not looking directly at me she said, “Thank you, Wyatt. This was nice.”
“Yeah,” I replied, unsure what else to say. “It was. Thank you.”
“Does that mean we’re done?” she asked.
“Only if you want to be.”
“I’d go for another song, but I believe your attention is wanted elsewhere,” she said, gently turning me.
Uriah stood on the edge of the dance floor with Tooter and couple other of his brethren I hadn’t met. His eyes met mine and he beckoned me over.
“Hmm,” I said, glancing back at Eilidh. “Go talk to the bikers or dance with the pretty lady. Decisions.”
“Go,” she said with a little smile. “I’ll save the next one for you.”
“Thanks,” I said, then moved toward the edge of the dance floor where the Knights waited.
As I drew closer, he waved his pals away. They were reluctant, but in the end, Tooter led the other two far enough to give us some privacy while still ensuring they could respond to a threat. They were taking his safety seriously. Probably for the best.
“Nice party,” I said.
“It’s a shit show,” he replied. “Dad hated these type of things.”
“Yeah, mine too,” I replied with a shrug. “You should’ve seen the wake the Cabal threw for him. At least your old man got a band and dance floor. Mine just got a bunch self-important jackasses. He would’ve wanted us to float down the river in some kayaks, or have a little bonfire. That was more his type of thing, you know?”
Uriah managed a tight smile. “Mine would’ve preferred a little shindig at the clubhouse. Members only. That sort of thing.”
An awkward silence fell between us. Finally, Uriah
said, “I wanted to apologize for earlier. For storming out like that.”
“You don’t have to apologize.”
“Yes, I do,” he said, studying the floor. “I’m a Knight. I’m better than that.”
“You’re also a man who just lost his father. You don’t owe anyone an apology for anything.”
“Thank you,” he said, still looking at the floor.
“Listen,” I said, not sure how to broach the subject. “I think I know why you stormed out. I watched the beginning a few more times after you left. That spot where you kept having me stop. That was a bike in the background, wasn’t it?”
His red-rimmed bloodshot eyes met mine and he nodded slowly. “If the audio was a little clearer, I could tell you the make and model.”
“You think it was a member of the club?”
“I don’t know who else.”
A silence descended over us again. I wanted to tell him about Tooter’s strange encounter, but he was still nearby. Instead, I asked, “Do you suspect anyone in particular?”
He shrugged. “The Knight whose blade is no longer blessed.”
“So, we find that Knight,” I replied and again refrained from sharing my thoughts. I wanted to point out that Barajas didn’t even carry his sword.
“It’s not that simple,” he replied, his expression darkening. “Every one of us took a sacred oath. A vow. Our swords will only take the truest among us. You should understand that.”
“I don’t know,” I said quietly and motioned toward the sword hidden on my back. “I’ve long suspected this one might be broken for having chosen me.”
“Bullshit,” he replied, his temper flaring. He jammed a meaty finger in the center of my chest. Under normal circumstances, this would’ve likely resulted in a violent reaction on my part. However, considering what Uriah was going through, I felt no anger toward him. “I saw you, Blade Mage. I saw who you were. I saw it in the alley. You didn’t know me for shit, but you risked your life to save me. I saw it again in my father’s house. Like it or not, Wyatt, you’re the truth. I saw it and so did that magic sword of yours. We’re the same that way. Every one of the Knights. To break that...”
His voice trailed off as he clenched his fists. His whole body was trembling. He looked on the brink of a total meltdown. In that moment, I was glad I’d kept my mouth shut. If I had mentioned Tooter or Barajas as a suspect, I wasn’t sure if he’d lose his shit on me or them. Certainly, on someone.
The Memphis Knights Page 15
