Drowning Studies (Artemis University Book 2)

by Erin R Flynn

  “Well, I missed that gene,” I grumbled.

  “You’re the justice and wrath version,” Claudia comforted. “Both are needed but you have a soft and cuddly side if you’re trying to plot this out.”

  Fair enough.

  “So what am I going to do with you guys?” I asked the hellhound, frowning when he whimpered. I knew instantly what to do. “I like Chief. You’re going to be chief of them all for me as Alpha, right? So how about Chief?” He gave my face a lick and sort of yipped. “All right, Chief it is. I’m going to need a way to figure out all your names and keep them straight.”

  “You’ll know, they’re yours,” Irma promised.

  “Right, but they need to not be here,” the guy grumbled. “Sorry, I’m Jeremy Sims.”

  “Tamsin Vale.” I pointed around to the others and introduced them. I realized how rude I was being and pushed to stand, almost going right back down. “Sorry, I forgot I’m the reason we’re standing out here in this heat instead of inside.” I shot Geiger a worried look. “You said you had this all in hand but if I unlock the fairy magic—”

  “We have fair folk magic that will protect the property,” Liluth swore to me. “Not to the same level but it’s a protection from malice and more.”

  “And my sister is more than just someone who needs a better life but manages too much for the Wards,” Irma interjected. “She’ll manage things and run not only the household, make any updates, but handle our plans to sell to Ms. Calloway.”

  “So basically you just needed me to let you in,” I teased, as I pulled out the key that was found with me when I was a baby. I’d always been shocked that it never got lost but now I had a feeling that wasn’t an accident or people couldn’t toss the thing without it finding me again.

  Hey, I’d seen weirder things since finding out I wasn’t human.

  “Wait, don’t fully take it down,” Calloway interjected, shooting Geiger a worried look. “I would put money on the Underground randomly checking known fairy properties to see if any of the barriers have fallen. It could be a beacon that a fairy was found.”

  “She’s right,” Jeremy agreed. “I’ll be here to bring in supplies or get deliveries. The barrier was around the main house but the rest was left open so I could handle the ranch.” He shot me a worried look. “I got half of the net sales for that and anything I needed for my house was included in that.”

  “I’m not changing what any of the estates wanted,” I promised him. “I’ve followed the Townsend family’s wishes as much as I can and I will with all the estates. If Evans was anything like Townsend, there will be a huge ass novel of instructions for me to carry out inside.”

  “Yeah, that thing was massive,” Mel sighed, having been the one to help me with as far as we got.

  Which wasn’t all that far so far.

  “If you decipher it for us, I’ll handle it,” Liluth promised.

  “Wait, so you can’t…” I glanced at the others and winced.

  “Only fairies can read Faerie,” Calloway said, understanding my hesitation.

  “Wait, you and Edelman didn’t know that. He wanted me to write out how to translate it.”

  “Never,” several people said together.

  I nodded. “Yeah, my call too, but how do you know that and Edelman didn’t?”

  Calloway snorted. “Because fairies are smart and knew to stay away from that family and keep their secrets. I would guess the Townsend family knew they were powerful enough to counter the bad of the other elites who founded Artemis and that was the only reason they went near the Edelmans.”

  Oh joy, that would be another issue later. One thing at a time.

  I knelt down in front of Chief. “How much do you understand? I mean, what kind of training are we talking here?”

  He sat on his butt and held out his paw to me again. I winced but took it, glad when it didn’t hurt. This time I was in his head, knowing somehow he was waiting for my instructions.

  Well, that was easy. How much would he understand though?

  I thought of the Townsend estate, picturing it and where I wanted them to go and would be their new home. He seemed to recognize it.

  Had they been looping around the fairy properties in hopes they were claimed too? Maybe.

  Which left me to worry about other hellhounds that were out in the cold. I asked him if he could send some to find others and tell them I would give them safe places and people to take care of them if they wanted.

  And he made it clear he would be Alpha of the pack at the Townsend house and the others would be guests until I opened other properties. Okay then. Good to know the hellhound that had claimed me as his owner was telling me how things would be in our minds.

  Seriously, why couldn’t I drink booze yet?

  I told him that was fine and to find all those stranded from Faerie that we could trust and bring them to their temporary homes because I planned to get Faerie open again. I got another lick and then they all shimmered before turning almost invisible and taking off.

  “What did you just do, love?” Craftsman asked gently, as he helped me stand and stay steady.

  “I told them to find the others and that I’ll give them a home.”

  I just hoped it worked and didn’t bring more trouble.

  13

  “And would that home be in Faerie soon?” Calloway asked, raising an eyebrow at me. “I doubt I’m the only one wondering if you’ve tried a portal or if you’re the way to find answers.”

  Oh, this could be bad.

  “I’ve advised her already on that topic,” Geiger answered easily. “Discretion and patience are needed on that as we know the way some watch the portals like hawks for any sign of them coming alive. She is in a dangerous situation and rushing now means there could be no chance of any of that later.”

  Calloway nodded. “I understand. For the record and off the record, that would be something I’d help with but not to be known, as that could cause problems for me later.”

  Fair enough. I let Geiger’s answer stand as I stepped over the fairy magic barrier and started passing people through it. We headed for the house, which Claudia had the keys ready for.

  Of course she did.

  “Thanks, really,” I muttered to her as she let me in. “It’s nice to know you’ve got it all covered when I get overwhelmed.”

  “It’s my privilege, not simply my job,” she murmured, giving me a soft smile. She was all about fairies and maybe getting balance in the world so I truly believed her.

  Mel and Craftsman went around with Jeremy to open windows, but everyone else acted like guests and met in the kitchen. It was rather large and with a nice breakfast area. I hopped up on the counter and looked out at all the adults gathered.

  “So what’s the plan? I mean, I know the goal, but how the fuck are we going to pull this off?”

  Several people went to answer or give opinions at once but Geiger held up his finger to hold them off. “I believe you know enough of our world now to know my reputation or client list?”

  I waved my hand back and forth. “Enough to know that only idiots fuck with you and your clients are the best protected in our world.”

  “Good that’s what said of me,” he replied, looking genuinely pleased. “We are going to use that to our advantage. We won’t be lying when we say that a client of mine is looking to hire hobgoblins. You are. You and the company you’re starting are hiring them to make fae goods you will exclusively sell to Ms. Calloway.”

  I frowned at that. I hadn’t realized I was going to make money off of this or we were so far. I shook my head.

  “No, we won’t sell to any other Veritas Portas store, but Hudson said his parents would want to get involved in a hobgoblin sanctuary and he didn’t know the full idea. I wouldn’t then not sell items to them if they helped.”

  “That’s fair,” Calloway agreed. “No other proprietor but direct sales as long as you check with me that they’re not a competitor or have a side busine
ss. I will know who provides to other branches of my family’s stores that you won’t.”

  I nodded. That was fair. I rolled around the idea in my mind though.

  “So I front the cash and say they pay utilities out of the earnings along with supplies but then the rest of the hobgoblins get a share? I don’t want to turn this into a different type of hell they’ve been living where it’s a sweat shop to make fae material or whatever.”

  “We used to have such businesses in Faerie and it never became that,” Irma promised. “But yes, we’ll split up the earnings and those like Liluth will get more as well as other managers. It’s not hourly but some have more magic to do more. We’re not inviting those who would be selfish or cause problems, just as we didn’t to our co-ops in Faerie.”

  I bobbed my head. Okay, good, not something I had to be in charge of. “And something extra for Jeremy to get supplies or accept deliveries; protection and watching out for you is different than cattle.”

  “Not protection,” Jeremy argued. “I’m an Alpha wolf, it’s my nature. I would, however, like to upgrade security around here and take it out of normal upkeep.”

  “Sure, whatever you think best, or if you want to talk to Mel and come up with some killer plan, I’m down with that for sure. Also if there’s anything you want of his or means something to you. Otherwise I’m going to ask it all be boxed up and shipped to the Townsend estate so I can go through it when I can.”

  “And there was another novel in the office for you as I can’t read it,” Mel said as she handed me a large journal.

  “Good thing my typing is improving,” I muttered as I looked it over.

  “I would suggest you read through it and send us instructions,” Liluth countered. “Fairies like to help their local community so you might ship it all the way to Kansas to ship it back for local donations.”

  Good point. I thanked her.

  She shrugged. “Count it as the rent you didn’t mention to charge us.”

  I shrugged right back. “I count that as part of house-sitting.”

  That seemed to amuse everyone but I let it stand.

  “We need to have a story from the beginning,” I told them, shaking my head when people seemed ready to brush that off. “More people get caught by not having the story ready, even if we’re not doing anything wrong. People will want to know more than we’re willing to tell. We need an answer.”

  “She’s right,” Mel agreed.

  I nodded. “It also will keep people busy if we say something without saying a damn thing. I mean, there are a lot of people currently talking about the fact—or researching the idea—that I’m a witch/dragon hybrid. I never said that. But you know what they’re not looking into?”

  “That you’re a fairy,” Geiger agreed, smiling at me. “And yes, I will also speak with Edelman on that. He should not be fielding those inquiries and I will make sure I know all the interested parties.”

  Craftsman nodded he told Geiger and I thanked them, blowing a raspberry as I thought of what story we should give.

  “Okay, so I was thinking we should fib that someone found a way that hobgoblins could do fae stuff not in Faerie but now I think we should change that.” I focused on Geiger. “What if there was a clause in Evans’s will that after twenty years this place was to become a fair folk haven? Maybe it’s fairy property that has fairy magic here that allows hobgoblins to do their thing?”

  “And will have everyone checking other properties that are protected,” Calloway surmised.

  I nodded. “Sounds like a good way to surveil who will come out of the woodwork thinking maybe the magic wears off. Let them all try to bust in as a chance and then they won’t be looking for a fairy as the answer.”

  “Exactly what were you doing before you were discovered as an unknown?” Jeremy asked me, his eyebrow raised as he studied me.

  “Busting bad people for doing bad things and serving up some wicked justice,” Mel answered. “She might not have known she’s a fairy or grew up as one, but believe me, the woman lived her life as one even if she survived hell. She’s been saving people since she was fifteen. Now she’s just saving another type and still wanting to get bad guys.”

  “I find it a fun hobby,” I purred, winking at her when she snorted. I focused back on Geiger. “Those would be the people who would try to snag me first. I mean, maybe some of those Underground ones someone could catch?”

  Calloway shivered. “Yes, they would undoubtedly want control of you. It’s a blessing you were found by Artemis first even with the troubles you’ve had. If those monsters got you—I can’t even fathom the chaos they could cause brainwashing a young fairy to their ways.”

  “I’m not all that easy to brainwash,” I assured her. “I know too much of the world to be fooled for long even if this world is different. A leopard always ends up showing its spots.” I bounced that around. “Or tiger its stripes. However that goes.”

  “I think you should take Hudson up on his offer,” Mel said, worrying her lower lip. “Even more than that, let them know this part. Not that you’re a fairy, but this is going down and it should bring bad people out of the woodwork to test the magic of fairy properties to get what they can. You’re right and that would draw out the Underground and they’re a threat to the Vogels.”

  “Anyone in power,” Geiger agreed. “And that would keep a lot of people busy and not focused on this. Yes, it is a wise move.”

  “Okay, but then we need to connect stories, as I told Hudson I was working on a hobgoblin sanctuary and how do we get from that to Jeremy opening one?”

  “Easy, I’m your attorney and I answer to Geiger,” Claudia answered. “I mention you were thinking of doing it at one of your properties as you learned of hobgoblin abuse and Geiger knew the clause in the Evans will and we proposed putting it all together.”

  “That does package it nicely if you can make it work without having to say it so bluntly and get caught in the lie,” Craftsman agreed.

  “Then I believe we have a plan and good path to start down,” Geiger concluded. “Mrs. Vogel was the one who gave you her number and made it clear you should contact her if you needed anything, yes?” He waited until I nodded. “Good, then that’s where we start. Tamsin, if you would start with the instructions and make sure to destroy the original pages after you translate them.

  “Claudia, you’re facilitating how to get the list of hobgoblins we’re inviting to here. Jeremy, you know the house best. If you could start inspecting it and making the list of updates or people we need to call in to help. Melody, I assume you want to work with him on security.”

  “And what about me, my dear?” Calloway teased him. “Should I go for food or snacks, as you gave a lot of work for this evening?”

  “I was going to ask Dr. Craftsman if he would help with provisions, but help as you like,” he threw right back.

  She tapped her chin like she didn’t already have an answer. “I would like to speak with Irma and Liluth, as they probably will start cleaning. I can most likely help with those supplies they’ll need.”

  “And the faster we get them, the faster you’ll get stock,” Liluth chuckled, both hobgoblins nodding. “You’re stripping beds then.”

  “I’ve been subjected to worse,” she cooed.

  “We had the utilities turned back on and whatnot so it’s all ready to go,” Geiger muttered as he waved around to the lights being on. He walked off looking at his phone, so that was probably the end of that.

  Mel had my bag and I offered to go with Craftsman as I handed him my card to pay. He was amused when I said I could sit in the cart and translate.

  “Anything you want for that headache you’re recovering from, love?” he asked me quietly.

  “Ice cream. It always helps my head. Odd but it does.” I told him the brands I liked best and shrugged to have him surprise me.

  I wasn’t shocked Mel cornered me the moment he was gone.

  “What suitors and when did you hook up
with a friggin’ teacher, not just into him?”

  “He’s twenty-four and I know you’ve dated a bigger age gap than that,” I muttered. “And you knew I was interested.”

  “Yes, and I’m curious how good he is in bed.”

  “We’ve actually not gotten there.” I smirked at her. “He’s only had tastes of me on his desk in class.”

  “Damn. I’m jealous, you wench. Who else?”

  I cleared my throat nervously. “He pursued me.” I waited until she nodded. “Anyone you would object to me being with?”

  Her eyes flashed shock. “Hudson?” She waved her hand when I winced. “I don’t object, but that’s all I could think you would worry about. Well, and assholes and you do have a track record of picking assholes.”

  “I seem to have broken my streak. It’s casual but he’s good to me. Really good to me.”

  “Eww, gross, I used to babysit him. Got it. Glad he’s treating you right. Just be careful, he’s a prince and a lot comes with that.”

  “Hence the casual.” I let out a small giggle. “We’ve done it in so many storage closets and—”

  “La, la, la, la,” she sang as she hurried off.

  I went with my bag to the kitchen table so I was at the center of it all if anyone needed me, and got set up with my laptop. I was getting much better, so I was going through Ganter Evans’s last wishes pretty fast.

  It helped that his handwriting was pretty big and had a lot of flourish, which wasn’t only the Faerie language. Though, it was truly the most beautiful language I’d ever seen written now that I could see it instead of immediately translating it into English.

  It was like the switch in my head for my telepathy. I knew had it turned off unless I needed to translate so I didn’t get caught again knowing Faerie.

  I tried hard not to fall into the same traps.

  “Not only the ultra-rich deserve fae goods!” Irma shouted as she came storming back into the kitchen, interrupting my groove.

  “Yes, but the value is there,” Calloway argued.

  I sighed. I had seen this coming.