by Lynn Collins
Derek looked at Mandy who shrugged. No one was getting bad vibes about the place. Which made him even more wary. He kept his eyes on Opal as she studied the paintings on the walls but he spoke to the woman. “We are under The Council’s protection, you realize that.”
“I give you my word, no harm will come to you or your charges in this house. We think you need some information for the upcoming battle. And it’s time we chose a side.” She studied him, nodding. She lowered her voice and the next words were just for him. “It appears we made the right choice. Although I do feel some duplicity in your mind, I wonder how you will choose.”
Before Derek could answer, a tall man stepped into the hallway. He looked like the dark to the woman’s light. Where she was blond and fair, he was dark haired and his skin caramel. But somehow, they still looked the same. Same body build, same piercing eyes. Same flowing movements.
Derek closed his eyes and let his senses look. He should have known. They were in the house of the high elves. And from what he could see, high ranking elves to boot.
She smiled at him as he opened his eyes. “Good, we are on the same page now. My name is Gabby and this is my partner, Max. We already know you. Derek, Pru, why don’t you come into the parlor for a drink. We need to talk.”
“What about me?” Opal asked, studying the adults around her. “And Grams.”
“I thought I’d have Silvia show you the garden. We have some animal topiary you might enjoy.” As if she’d called her, a smaller version of Gabby showed up at the side of the hallway, dressed in pink, with her long blond hair pulled back in a soft braid.
Opal glanced at Derek. “Topiary is shrubs that are cut to grow into different shapes like animals.”
He smiled at her excitement. “I actually knew that. Mandy? Are you okay going with her?”
Mandy let out a short laugh. “I’ve been protecting her for fifteen years. Wizard. Why would I be unable to fulfill my job now?”
“She told you.” Pru stood next to Derek, waiting for his decision. As the leader of this group, they all looked to him to make the right decision. She took a step toward Opal. “I’ll go out with them, like we planned. Mandy can stay with you.”
“No. It’s fine.” He nodded to the woman. “Show us where we’re to go.”
Opal took Mandy’s hand and they walked to Silvia. She started chatting up the elven girl as soon as she got in earshot.
Derek leaned toward Pru. “I think that’s the most I’ve seen her talk since we met her. Well, except for the celebrity chefs she follows.”
Gabby responded to Derek’s comment. “The child is learning her way. Being around other children who are on a different path like her own gives her confidence.” Gabby smiled at the trio as they walked out the large double doors and onto the patio. “You do not have to worry about her, not here. The time for worry will come, but it’s not today.”
They walked in silence to the parlor where a tray of coffees, bottled waters and juices on ice, and a tray of cookies sat waiting for them. Gabby picked up a bottle of water and opened it. Then she sat down on one of the couches. “You may eat and drink here without worry. We are here to talk, not to enchant you.”
Derek poured a cup of coffee and Pru grabbed a fizzy water. Then they sat on the opposite couch. “We have a long drive back to New Orleans today, so we might as well get this over with.”
“Humans live on such a timeline,” Max said. “We’re not used to dealing with time but even we feel the urgency in the situation. The witches have been a problem for years, but when Parris’s parents were killed, the other side, the ones you call Coven X, had thought the problem was solved. You realize what you have out there, right?” Max spoke to him directly. “This child is an Original. Parris is an Original. The new baby, Eric, somehow has been born an Original, even though his parents are not. I believe you know at least one more, but she is not with your group as of yet.”
“You’re speaking of Regina.” Derek’s declaration made Pru draw a quick breath.
She put a hand on Derek’s arm. “Ty’s Regina?”
“We figured that out after the skirmish in Salem.” He turned back to Max. “As we are learning, there are many different groups of power. You have one here, an unnamed group, but powerful all the same. Why are the Originals different?”
“I think you know.” He paused, glancing out the window where they could see Opal running with Silvia and an overactive greyhound. “But I will give you what I can. The Coven and The Council are afraid of these. They want to control their power. Because whoever claims these for their side, well, the war would be over then. There would be no need for a fight. The Originals would destroy the other side.”
“I’ve heard stories of a group of witches so powerful they could rule the world,” Pru said. “But they were killed. The humans took care of most of them during the Salem massacre.” She studied Opal out the window. “You’re saying they’re back and we’re collecting them?”
“In a way.” Gabby sipped her water. “It appears they are attracting each other. We’ve been watching Parris for years, but we never made the connection with April’s bloodline. We knew her parents were guardians, but we thought that was the only special thing about the girl. We were wrong there.”
Derek needed to talk to Ty. He needed to know what the long-term plan was, because, clearly, this wasn’t just about picking up one girl from Louisiana who happened to look exactly like Parris.
“Anyway, I can see that you need to leave. To regroup.” Max stood and picked up a book from the table along with a cell phone. “We have enchanted this to reach us. If you need help or advice, you just need to call. The book will explain more about the originals. Parris needs to read it quickly if she’s going to be prepared for the next battle.”
“You could just give us your phone number.” Pru took the ordinary looking cell and pocketed it. She held the book close to her chest.
“The phone connects to us, not another cell,” Gabby explained. “We do not use modern technology.”
They gathered Opal and Mandy along with some drinks and cookies, and headed to the door. Gabby pulled Derek aside. “The path you’re going to consider is dangerous. Please reflect on your choice carefully. Nothing good can come of that action.”
“I’m not sure what you mean.” Derek watched as Silvia and Opal hugged like old friends and exchanged social media links. He was babysitting a teenager. Heaven help him.
“You will. When you make the choice, you will see the path. Reach out to me and I’ll help you steer safely away.”
“You don’t know me. I’d never do anything to betray my friends.” He left her and they went to the door.
After they left, Max stood by his partner, still watching the door. “All you can do is pass the warning. The action is on him.”
They left the hallway arm in arm.
5
They got back into New Orleans just in time to stop at the hotel to change in time to make their dinner reservation. They’d driven through a lightning storm then pouring rain so bad for a while, Derek had to use his blinkers as well as his power to see the road and protect the car from being hit. As he was pulling up to the valet at the hotel, he took a deep breath and let his shoulders drop. One more reason I don’t live in the south.
“Technically, St. Louis is the south too,” Mandy reminded him.
Pru frowned as she came around the car, skirting the bellman grabbing the luggage from the trunk. “Excuse me? What are we talking about?”
Derek beat the doorman to the spot and held the door open while the women and Opal moved inside the double doors into the upscale but old-fashioned lobby. The concierge came over and handed Derek an envelope. “Here’s the keys to your rooms. I’m sorry we were unable to get another room besides the two you already have. There are interior adjoining doors for your convenience.”
He wondered if the man thought the group an unusual family or something a little less traditional.
“You think too much about what others think,” Mandy said on the way to the elevator. “Sometimes, actually knowing what people are thinking can be a blessing. And it’s never what you think.”
“So tell me, what did he think, looking at us?” Derek watched her face, waiting for the lie or the misdirection due to Opal being in the elevator car.
“He thought you were an attorney, bringing us all together for a reading of the will.” Mandy pushed the button for floor fourteen. “He’s expecting his own inheritance and everything he sees is filtered by that idea.”
“Good to know.” Derek looked at himself in the mirrored walls. He did look like a professional.
“You’re telling me she can read minds?” Pru stared at Mandy. “I never would have guessed.”
“You have a guard up. I can’t quite reach you.” Mandy watched Pru’s reaction. Concern filled her face when the information became clear. “You didn’t know you had a guard. And obviously, you didn’t put it in. I can see if I can find the trigger and trip it if you want.”
Pru realized everyone was watching her, waiting for a decision. “I’m not sure I want you or anyone in my head. I’ve been alone in here for a long time. Let’s get ready for dinner. They’ll give away our reservations if we aren’t there by seven.”
“I told the valet to leave the car waiting.” Derek opened the first room to find all the luggage dropped off on the inside of the doorway. The bellman must have used a different set of elevators to beat them upstairs. The way things were going, Derek wouldn’t have been surprised if some magical creatures worked at the hotel. He moved Mandy and Opal’s suitcases to the second room using the adjoining door. “Let’s meet here in the hallway in ten minutes.”
Their room was empty when he came out of the bathroom. He’d waited for Pru to finish in there, then moved inside to splash some water on his face before having to drive, again. He slipped on his suit jacket and poked his head out of the room and into the hallway. Pru was already waiting. Surprised, he stepped out into the hallway and shut the door behind him. His gaze ran up her body. From the sparking shoes on her feet to her too long legs, it took him a minute to get his gaze up to the silver flapper dress she wore. She smiled as his visual tour of her body finally met her eyes. She looked like she’d stepped out of time to have a night out. “Less than ten minutes and you look amazing. Don’t tell me you did a glamour?”
“Actually, no. I’m just very good at getting ready for parties. I think it was all that time watching other people walk by on their way to dinner or events when I was a statue. I knew what would look good on me. I bought a new wardrobe as soon as we got back from Salem. I’ve been dying to wear this cocktail dress somewhere besides Saturday night at the mansion.” She fingered the beaded fringe on the bottom of the short dress.
“Well, you look terrific.” His gaze roamed up and back down her body.
A silence fell between them like the magic of the sleeping beauty story come to life. The air was thick with possibilities that had nothing to do with dinner.
Before he could say anything more, the second door opened and Mandy and Opal walked out of their room and into the hallway. The older woman wore a pair of nice black slacks and a sequined top. Opal had what only could be called a Sunday dress. Derek smiled. “I’m going to be the most envied man in New Orleans tonight.”
They moved towards the exit and when they got to the valet, the younger man who was in charge of the key cabinet paused. “New rental black Benz, right?”
“Yes.” Derek had a bad feeling. He held out the valet ticket. “4454. We just dropped it off and I asked them to keep the car here.”
“We usually try to comply.” The younger man glanced around at the empty street. “Of course, that would explain why the keys are in the box.”
Opal tugged at his suit jacket. “Maybe we should just get a cab.”
“We have a car.” He tried not to let the frustration show in his voice, but even he heard the snap. “Sorry, you’re right. We have reservations that they won’t hold. Can you get us a cab?”
The young man brightened. “I’ll let you know about your car as soon as you’re back from dinner. I’m sure Harrold just moved it because of the regulations. He’s probably driving it around the block.”
His biting whistle brought a van up from the corner of the street to the entry.
Derek moved the women toward the car, watching the street around them.
Pru paused as the others got in. “Do you think there’s trouble?”
“I think we were expected to stay in tonight. Watch your back. I guess they didn’t know about the dinner reservations.” He took her arm and helped her into the car.
“Maybe we shouldn’t go.” Pru froze inside the vehicle. “What if they did? Keeping us on foot or dependent on public transportation makes us vulnerable.”
“I’ll steal a car if we need to make a fast getaway. I want them to be taken off guard.” He motioned her to move over. Mandy and Opal were watching them.
“What are you talking about? Is there a problem?” Mandy’s voice was low, trying not to be heard by the driver.
“Commander’s Palace, please.” Derek called out to the driver. Then he shut the door and leaned back toward Mandy. “I’m not sure. But I’d like you both to be really careful until we get back to St. Louis. No going downstairs for a quick drink at the hotel bar. I mean you, Miss Opal.”
She giggled as she stared out at the old restored buildings and palm trees lining the street. “I don’t drink. Grams won’t let me. Not even on New Year’s Eve.”
“I drank wine with dinner when I was your age.” Pru shook her head. “Modern childrearing is confusing. Kids can’t be told no for twenty years, then be expected to make good decisions when they finally get to taste the stuff.”
“Theories change over several centuries.” Derek didn’t even meet Pru’s eyes, but he felt the barb hit her like he’d been watching. He’d just called her ancient. After telling her she was beautiful. Winning friends all over the place here. He texted their plans to Ty who responded with a quick, but unexpected answer.
ARE YOU CRAZY?
So that didn’t go over well. He glanced around the too silent cab. Opal was watching the houses pass by, Mandy was watching Opal, and Pru, well, she was pretending to not watch him. Yes, he was crazy. It had just taken an outsider to point the fact out to him.
He texted back; WE’VE GOT TO EAT. AND OPAL ASKED FOR THIS PLACE.
He studied the girl. She had power, but was she, as the elves thought, an Original? She definitely looked like Parris. He added to his text when Ty didn’t respond. JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW WHERE WE ARE. I’LL TEXT WHEN WE’RE LEAVING FOR THE HOTEL.
Annoyance crept up his neck. Ty wasn’t in charge. They were supposed to be partners. And they had been, before Parris. Ty hadn’t wanted to come on the mission, now all he wanted to do was tell him what to do.
As if he’d said her name, Opal turned and watched him. “I’m sorry you’re unhappy. Thank you for coming for us.”
Blinking away the surprise, he met her eyes. He would have said he wasn’t unhappy, but she could see right through the mask he’d worn all these years. Through and to the tears that fell on his real, vulnerable face. He brought back up his wards. He was really going to have to find a getaway spot as soon as this was done. Maybe a week long vacation and take that receptionist from The Council chambers.
The restaurant was in the Garden District so they’d had to leave the French Quarter behind. Thirty minutes later and they were standing in front of the iconic eatery. The large white building was filled with antiques. Derek just hoped the fight wouldn’t happen here. He’d hate to have to pay for the damage. The hostess showed them to a table near a mirrored wall. Derek sat with his back against the wall and watched while the women were seated. An amuse busche was served along with water as the wait staff came over to introduce themselves. Opal’s eyes were wide open in shock after the waiter opened her n
apkin for her and set it gently on her lap.
“This is so cool,” she whispered when they were alone. “I’ve seen restaurants like this on television but I’ve never been to one before.”
“You just be careful what you order.” Mandy gave her a look. “Tell me and I’ll let you know if we can afford it.”
Pru sipped her water. “We’re on The Council’s dime now. Order what you want. But I’d stay away from the turtle soup. It’s not as good as you think it might be.”
“Turtles? Real turtles? Yuck.” Opal shook her entire body in revulsion. “I read that Mark Twain used to eat that here in New Orleans when he was a river boat captain. I thought they ate turtles because they didn’t have anything else to eat.”
Mandy laughed. “It’s a NOLA tradition. But I’m sure we can find something else you like just as well. And we’ll make sure we thank The Council for their generosity.”
“I’m not sure how long you’ll be with us, but if you need something, just ask. You’ll be part of the family at the mansion as long as you’re with us.” Pru took the menu the waiter offered and listened to the specials he listed off. “Can you bring me a glass of red? And this young lady will have a virgin strawberry daiquiri.”
The waiter grinned. “Anything else?”
“I’ll have a glass of white. Nothing fancy.” Mandy glanced at the waiter.
“Coffee for me.” Derek grinned. “I was supposed to be the designated driver before we took a cab.”
“You could have a drink.” Pru meet his gaze then dropped hers back to the menu. The message had been delivered. Something about the place didn’t feel right and Derek was at high alert. She glanced at the waiter. “Could you change my order to coffee as well. I hate to have him be the only one without a real drink.”
Pru kept Opal and Mandy distracted with the menu as Derek scanned the area. Nothing was standing out. No waves of power coming from anyone in particular. Yes, some people had inherent magic, he could feel some of the local rituals they’d performed, but nothing evil or with ill intent. Maybe that was what he was feeling. It was just the magic in the air. Still, his keys and his car had gone missing which meant they were here without a vehicle. He’d overpaid the cabbie to wait for them to eat and return. The man had been ecstatic to agree, his aura telling Derek that he’d just paid the guy’s house payment.
