I nodded and finished my sandwich and a few minutes later, James and the Captain as well as several other knights joined us.
Professor Singh stood up again. “Captain would you like to go over what happened at Merriwick’s Coffee Shop.”
“Of course, Professor.” He stood. “I took a small unit to the coffee shop; it was closed, so we went around to the back. We were able to open the lock and get in. Once we were inside, we did a sweep of the entire building. In the back storage room, magically locked in a chest was the body of Merriwick. We have been able to determine she has been dead for at least a month. Unfortunately, we were unable to determine the cause of her death. When we began to examine her, we must have triggered a disintegration spell, because her body began to shrivel up and then turned to dust leaving nothing but rags. A black mist left the remains and dissipated.”
I scrunched up my brow. “A Formless One?”
“Possibly, Miss Welch,” the Captain nodded. “It was our theory that Merriwick was held for a short time by making use of a Formless One and what dissipated was merely the residual energy that triggered the disintegration spell once someone discovered her.”
“Thank you, Captain.” Professor Singh nodded.
He returned to his seat at the far side of the table.
Professor Singh looked at us. “We’ve spent the night searching the school, warding the hallways and then the town for any sign of this woman. Sara De Abrew is nowhere to be found at the moment, unless she has disguised herself as someone else. And we have no way of knowing who.” She dropped into her chair, looking very tired.
I looked at James and he nodded.
“Professor?”
“Yes, James?” she asked wearily.
“I think I can track her. Maybe.”
“Maybe?”
James nodded. “I know her scent. And as long as she hasn’t used a disappearing spell, I can track her. At the very least, I can smell where she was before she used it.”
Professor Singh nodded. “Okay. It’s the only plan we’ve got that is even worth trying.” She stood up again. “You’re sure you will recognize her? Even if she is disguised as someone else?”
James nodded again. “Yes, ma’am. And if tracking her doesn’t work… well…” He looked at me and I urged him on. “She’s after me and Bethany. She is the one who tried to kill us in Aspen. It took me until this morning to realize that it was De Abrew on the mountain. And she tried to get me to attack Bethany. She swore she would make me kill her before this was all over. If tracking her doesn’t work, Bethany and I will be bait.”
“James, I cannot allow—”
“She’s coming for us anyway, Professor. I’d rather she did it on our terms than hers.”
Professor Singh sighed. “I see your point. I don’t like it, but I see it.” She nodded. “Okay, we’ll try to track her first. If that doesn’t work, then we resort to using you and Bethany as bait.” She looked over at me. “Are you okay with this, Bethany?”
Chapter 34
James
“James, I cannot allow—”
I interrupted her. I had to make her see my side of it. “She’s coming for us anyway, Professor. I’d rather she did it on our terms than hers.”
Professor Singh sighed. “I see your point. I don’t like it, but I see it.” She nodded. “Okay, we’ll try to track her first. If that doesn’t work, then we resort to using you and Bethany as bait.” She looked over at me. “Are you okay with this, Bethany?”
Bethany took a breath and then nodded. “Yes, Professor.”
“Professor, this place is protected, correct?” I asked, looking at Bethany.
“Yes, no one can get through the ward unless it is opened for them by one of the knights, me or Professor Zin,” she replied. “Why do you ask?”
“I think Bethany should stay here—”
“What? James! No! I’m not going to let you go out there without me!” Bethany protested.
“Beautiful, if I can track her by her scent and the Dusk Knights can capture her, then there is no need for either of us to be in danger. Definitely no need for you to be in danger. I want you safe.”
“But—”
“James is right, Bethany. It is safer for you to wait here. If this doesn’t work, then you’ll have to put yourself in danger and I don’t want to do that. If we can avoid it, we will.”
Bethany crossed her arms, a pout on her lips as she threw herself back down in her chair. “Fine.”
“Thank you.” I smiled at her. “I’d be worried the whole time tracking if you were with us. This shouldn’t take too long. If I can track her, it will be over quickly. If I can’t, we’ll be back here to set up plan B.”
She sighed. “Okay, I’ll stay here.”
“I’ll leave a protective detail behind, just in case, Professor,” the Captain said.
Bethany sighed again and looked defeated. I knew she had an idea of sneaking out and following us brewing in her head. The Captain just nixed that idea for her and I had to swallow my grin.
“Very good, Captain,” Professor Singh replied. “We should get started then.”
I nodded and leaned down to kiss Bethany’s cheek. “We’ll be back shortly, stay safe.”
She rolled her eyes up at me, but smiled. “I will. You stay safe too.”
I winked at her and followed the Professor outside.
“You two stand guard here.” The Captain pointed at two knights. “You ten with us. The rest of you patrol the boarder and keep an eye on headquarters.”
“Yes, sir!” the all said and moved as he’d directed them.
“The teams in town and on the campus grounds will return shortly, Professor. Do you want them to join us or patrol?”
“Continue to patrol I think. Ten, plus you, me and James should be enough to take her down should we come across her.”
“I concur.”
“James, it’s on you now. You lead, we’ll follow. Where do you want to start?”
Remember what Bethany said about Professor Ubel and De Abrew, I figured that would be as good of a place to start as any. “Professor Ubel’s classroom?”
Professor Singh looked taken aback for a moment and then she sighed. “Yes, you are probably right. That would be a good place to start. We can also try his training room, office and apartment. I hate to think it of him, but if De Abrew has her claws in him, there is no telling what he’d do for her.”
I nodded once and started through the wards. I felt the Dusk Knights and Professor Singh at my back as we headed toward the school. I knew the way to Professor Ubel’s classroom having dropped Bethany there often. Halfway there, I could smell De Abrew’s scent. As I reached the classroom, I noticed it was stronger, but still faint, meaning she wasn’t there at the moment.
“She’s been here. Probably in the last six hours. I’ll see if I can follow it,” I said softly.
“Slowly,” Professor Singh whispered.
I followed the scent from Professor Ubel’s classroom down the hallway, and then down a flight of stairs. I continued on until we reached the Professors’ apartment hallway. I started down and felt Professor Singh’s hand on my arm.
“How sure are you that it goes down here?”
I shrugged. “Pretty sure, she came this way. I won’t know where to until I get there, Professor.”
She took a breath and nodded. “Okay, carry on.”
I passed three doors and then stopped in front of the fourth. I turned in a circle and swore. “It’s gone. Disappeared.”
“Disappeared as in entered this apartment, or disappeared by spell?”
I inhaled deeply, trying to determine, but it was just gone. “Disappear spell.” I frowned. “It doesn’t mean she didn’t enter this room, just that she used a spell to erase her scent completely from here.”
“All right. I want you to move behind us. Stay behind the guards and out of sight,” she directed me. “Captain, you and I shall search Professor Ubel’s apar
tment. Bring one other trusted man with us to stay with Ubel while we search. He isn’t going to be happy, but I hope he will cooperate.”
“Yes, Professor.”
Straightening her shoulders, Professor Singh knocked on the door. She waited for a moment, and then knocked again. Finally, Professor Ubel opened the door. He looked groggy.
“Professor Singh? I thought classes were cancelled?”
“They are, Ubel, may we come in?”
“All of you?” He arched a brow.
I stayed hidden behind three of the guards, so he couldn’t see me, but I knew without a doubt that he could sense me.
“Just myself and two of the knights. We’re searching for a member of the Shadow Society.”
Professor Ubel blanched. “Here?”
“We are searching everywhere, Professor, that we tracked her magic to.”
“And you traced this person to my door? You said ‘her’, who is it you are after, Singh?”
“Sara De Abrew.”
Professor Ubel’s expression shifted for a millisecond, and then he looked completely accommodating. “Sara has been here, of course, but I had no idea she was a member of the Shadow Society. Are you sure?”
“Very, very sure. Will you allow us in?”
“Of course, please. She isn’t here, but please, look for yourselves.” He opened the door wider.
Professor Singh, the Captain and another Dusk Knight went inside.
“Anyone else?” He arched a brow and swept his eyes over the remaining knights.
“We’ll stay out here, Professor,” one of the knights answered.
He nodded and stepped back into his apartment, leaving his door open a gap. A few minutes later, Professor Singh and the others returned. She gave a slight shake of her head before turning back to Professor Ubel. “Thank you for your cooperation, Ubel. If you see Sara De Abrew, she is dangerous, please report her presence at once.”
“Of course, Professor Singh. I will be sure to do that.”
Professor Singh nodded and started to turn away. She took one step and then turned back. “Oh, Professor, I meant to tell you, I have confiscated the two mimics who were charmed and being held captive in your training room closet.”
I noticed a flash of anger in his eyes and then his expression cleared and he looked inquisitive. “Charmed mimics, Professor Singh? I haven’t the faintest idea what you are talking about.”
Professor Singh narrowed her eyes. “Either way, I have released them. Please remember this is a school and we treat all creatures ethically here, Professor. Have a lovely day.”
“And you, Professor.” He smiled tightly and then slammed the door shut.
Professor Singh sighed and joined me. “Well that was a bust.”
“Did you really confiscate the mimics?” I asked.
She nodded. “Last night while we were warding the hallways. The poor things were exhausted and half starved. I couldn’t actually release them, so I left them in the custody of the Librarian. They will be well cared for with them and they will see to releasing them somewhere safe when they are ready. They were quite traumatized I’m afraid. I did my best to wipe their memory of all traces of Bethany. Mimics can hold grudges and I wouldn’t want them to hold her responsible should she ever cross their paths in the future.”
“Thank you,” I murmured. Looking around the hallway, I sighed. “What now?”
Professor Singh sighed. “Plan B, I suppose, unless you have somewhere else to try to track her?”
I shook my head. “No. I don’t think she’s here in the building right now.”
“Neither do I,” she agreed. “We should head back to headquarters.”
Agreeing, I let her lead the way.
Chapter 35
Bethany
“Professor, this place is protected, correct?” James asked, but his gaze stayed on me.
“Yes, no one can get through the ward unless it is opened for them by one of the knights, me or Professor Zin,” she replied. “Why do you ask?”
“I think Bethany should stay here—”
My jaw dropped. He was just going to leave me here? “What? James! No! I’m not going to let you go out there without me!” I protested.
“Beautiful, if I can track her by her scent and the Dusk Knights can capture her, then there is no need for either of us to be in danger. Definitely no need for you to be in danger. I want you safe.” He was pleading with me to understand, but all I could hear was that he wanted to leave me behind.
“But—” I started, only to be interrupted by Professor Singh.
“James is right, Bethany. It is safer for you to wait here. If this doesn’t work, then you’ll have to put yourself in danger and I don’t want to do that. If we can avoid it, we will.”
I crossed my arms, pouting as I threw myself back down in my chair. “Fine,” I muttered, completely unhappy and completely outnumbered.
“Thank you.” James smiled at me and I could see the relief in his eyes. “I’d be worried the whole time tracking if you were with us. This shouldn’t take too long. If I can track her, it will be over quickly. If I can’t, we’ll be back here to set up plan B.”
I sighed. Didn’t he get that I would be worried about him the whole time, too? I knew I was the bigger threat to the Shadow Society, so I decided to give in, or at least pretend to. “Okay, I’ll stay here.”
“I’ll leave a protective detail behind, just in case, Professor,” the Captain said.
Dang it. I sighed, feeling defeated. There went that idea. Thanks a lot Captain Meany Pants.
“Very good, Captain,” Professor Singh replied. “We should get started then.”
James leaned down and kissed my cheek. “We’ll be back shortly, stay safe.”
I rolled my eyes up at him and saw his knowing grin and knew I couldn’t stay mad at him over this. He was only looking out for my safety. “I will. You stay safe too.”
He winked at me and followed Professor Singh outside. The rest of the knights followed after them, a whole slew of them pouring in from the other room and out the door after James and the others.
Sighing, I looked around the room for something to do. There wasn’t a whole lot. A few books, old texts by the look of them. I got up and wandered around the table, looking out the windows to see James and the Dusk Knights moving through the ward.
“Be safe,” I said softly. I knew he couldn’t hear me, but I hoped he would be safe.
I continued to wander and ended up in the room next door. It looked like a kitchen and lounge. Probably the Dusk Knight break room. I grinned. If it was the break room, there was probably snacks somewhere. I went to the fridge first, opening it, but the only thing there was blood.
“Ick,” I commented, closing the door.
I started opening cabinets. Some were filled with plates, another was full of cups and then I came across one stuffed with all kinds of goodies. My eyes lit up seeing the bags of chips, cartons of Hostess Cupcakes and Twinkies, and six pack cans of soda in varying flavors. I pulled down the carton of Twinkies and sighed as I saw the bold name across the box.
Mike Faulk was written in big black script across the box.
“He won’t mind. You can have one.”
I spun around to see one of knights in the doorway between the meeting room and this one. “Oh, sorry, I’m bored. And hungry, apparently.”
“We have to label our snacks or it’s pandemonium in here,” he snickered. “I’m Dave, by the way. Mike won’t care if you have one of his cakes, I promise.”
I looked at him curiously. “I’m Bethany.”
“I am aware.” He chuckled. “We’ve met before, you know.”
“We have?” I asked trying to remember.
“Well, I guess it wasn’t under great circumstances, it was at the Bistro, last fall.” He shrugged.
“Oh, you were the one with the tea!”
He grinned. “Yes, that was me. How are your folks?”
I leaned a
gainst the counter and held up the Twinkie. “You sure it’s okay?”
He nodded.
I ripped it open and took a bite. Chewing the spongy goodness, I sighed. “Mom and Dad are okay I guess. Or rather I should say they are the same as they normally are.” I smiled. “Overprotective and nosey.”
He grinned. “Yeah, parents are great like that, right?” He chuckled. “Mine still call every Sunday to make sure I’m still single and taking care of myself.”
I crinkled up my nose and laughed. “They make sure you’re still single?”
He shook his head. “Well, Mom would like for me to meet a nice witch and settle down. Give up this ‘Knight business’ as she puts it. Much to her disappointment, I haven’t found that nice little witch yet.”
“Uh, sorry?” I said, unsure of what I should say.
He laughed again. “Don’t be. I love being a Dusk Knight. Eventually I’ll find the right girl, just not right now. I’ve got things to do first.”
I nodded. “Good for you.” I finished off the Twinkie.
“Thanks,” he commented with a smile. “Why don’t you take a soda too? Bring it in the conference room and I’ll put in a movie for you. It can get a little boring around here just waiting around. We don’t have a huge selection, but we do have a few to choose from.”
“Okay, thanks.” I did as he suggested, snagging a Pepsi, and followed him back to the conference room.
He moved a rolling white board and then hit a button on the wall. A panel in the wall moved to reveal a large screen tv. “What do you think? Fast and Furious Seven, Avengers, or Kingsman?”
“Uh, Kingsman?” I answered having no idea what it was.
“Good choice.” He slid the disc in the player and hit the play button. “There you go. I’ll be just outside if you need anything, okay? Just holler.”
I nodded and popped the top on my soda can. “Okay, thanks.”
He grinned and went back outside, closing the door behind him.
By the time James and Professor Singh returned, I had tears running down my face. Arthur had just ordered Eggsy to kill his dog and he’d refused. I couldn’t believe that Arthur would ask him to do such a horrible thing.
A Witch’s Immunity: Supernatural Academy - Book 3 Page 16