Federal Agents of Magic Boxed Set

by T. R. Cameron

  “They don’t pay rent so they have to contribute somehow.”

  Rath vaulted onto the counter with an acrobatic leap from the dog’s back via a cabinet handle. “Max. Rath. Guard.”

  “I’m kidding, Rath. Now move.” The troll scampered out of the way as Diana took a large pot of bubbling pasta from the stove and dumped it into the colander in the sink.

  “Mmmm, Max,” the diminutive creature enthused

  Diana laughed. “It’s not macaroni, it’s farfalle, but you can certainly pile as much cheese as you want on it.”

  He corrected himself. “Mmmmm. Far-fall-ay.” He stretched each syllable out.

  She gestured at the small table, which was already set with three places and held a steaming bowl of homemade pasta sauce.

  Once she’d wiped her hands, she threw the towel on the counter and visited the fridge for two bottles and a can. She handed Bryant the beers to open and put the can in front of Rath’s place. They sat and busied themselves with dinner, putting dressing on salads and spooning sauce over plates of pasta before they teamed up to prepare Rath’s portion.

  Finally, they were done and Diana and Bryant broke into simultaneous laughter. She shook her head. “Well, this seems awkward. Why is this awkward?”

  “I blame Rath.”

  “Nope,” the troll piped up.

  Diana raised her beer bottle to her lips and took a bracing sip. “I guess we’ve never had a purely social moment, have we?”

  He shook his head. “It’s a first, all right. And the last for a while, at least in DC, I guess. Are you all ready to relocate?”

  She nodded. She’d live out of suitcases while she got organized in Pittsburgh and there wasn’t really all that much to pack. “Ready, able, and downright excited to see what’s next.”

  Bryant nodded approvingly. “There’ll be more magic stuff there, at least until you clean the place up. Are you okay with that?”

  She finished chewing the bite in her mouth—the sauce could’ve used a little more salt—and swallowed. “I have a handle on it. It’s all good.”

  He swiveled his head. “How about you, Rath? Are you ready to move?”

  The troll nodded solemnly. “New places to train. Maybe more Max.” The Borzoi chose that moment to bark and signal his apparent support for the idea.

  Diana pointed at Rath. “No, no, no. We are not getting another dog. The place we’re renting is smaller than this one. You guys would wreck the place.”

  Rath shrugged with a smile that was not at all apologetic. “More training. Get better. Help Diana. Help neighborhood.”

  Bryant nodded. “I’ve always wanted to ask, Rath—how did you get locked in that cage, anyway?”

  The little troll gave a tiny shrug. “Fell asleep home. Woke there. Not sure.”

  The agent turned to Diana. “Guerre probably planned to sell him—or worse, to train him as support for his work.”

  “One more reason to be happy he’s locked up. Is there anything else important before Monday?”

  Bryant frowned. “You know, garlic bread would be good with this.”

  She rolled her eyes. “No one needs carbs with their carbs. I’ll throw some meatballs in a roll for you before you go, how’s that?”

  “Who knew you were so domestic?”

  “The amount that you really know about me can fit in a thimble, Bryant Bates.”

  Mirth burst out of him in a laugh and grin. “So, you found out. And I’d been so careful.”

  “It helps to be friends with the right techs.” She raised an eyebrow. “Should I call you BB, then?”

  He offered her a flirtatious smirk. “You can certainly call me baby if you want, but you probably want to avoid it at the office. What with the rules against fraternization and all.”

  She groaned. “There are no such rules. You’re such a liar. Anyway, back to Pittsburgh.”

  “There are baddies inbound to the Cube from all over the Northeast, people we need to examine more closely. It’s expected there’ll be some from the mid-Atlantic as well. And naturally, they’re the worst of the worst.”

  “Who’s in charge?”

  Bryant gave a dark laugh. “Technically, that’s one of the things on my plate. But since I’ll travel a lot, I don’t expect to have all that much to do with it. The warden is sharp, and before you ask, no, she wasn’t involved in the earlier snafu. She hadn’t started yet. She’s made a name for herself in a number of different government agencies, and this is a step on her ladder to heading one of them, eventually.” Diana nodded. “Fortunately, she’ll have access to a support team right in her backyard.”

  Diana lifted an eyebrow. “Any other surprises?”

  “Nothing you haven’t heard about already. Do you plan to launch both the BAM office and the bounty hunting agency right away?”

  “I have a thought about that, actually. Rather than calling ourselves bounty hunters, let’s go with security consultants. We can still hunt fugitives, but that might provide access into places we might otherwise not get into.”

  Bryant nodded. “I like it. We’ve bought some space in the Strip District. It used to be a warehouse but now, it’s empty. The front section can be set up as the public face of the company with a little renovation, and the back is completely open. It should make for a great training spot.”

  “Will I have the budget to outfit it?”

  He had the decency to sound at least slightly regretful. “Not at first. And you’ll never be rolling in money. Even though we bring a lot in through our cover companies, our expenses are high.”

  She shrugged. “Same old, same old.”

  Bryant grinned. “But with the security agency, you can create another stream of income. Get some contracts. Maybe hire some folks who aren’t part of the other side of the house.”

  She frowned at him. “So what you’re saying is that I need a second job to get the funds I need to run my first job?”

  “Welcome to Black-ops Agents of Magic, Special Agent in Charge Diana Sheen.”

  They laughed comfortably and spent the rest of the evening watching action films—this time, The Expendables series, which brought together some of Rath’s favorite actors. As usual, the troll grew sleepy before they did and curled up. His last waking comment was, “Bryant. Diana. Max. BAM. Is good.” He paused and gave everyone a sleepy smile. “We are the law.”

  Diana grinned.

  A new Sheriff’s coming to town, Pittsburgh. And she’s bringing some kick-ass deputies. You are most definitely not ready for this.

  Author Notes - TR Cameron

  March 4, 2019

  Thank you.

  Thank you for reading the first book in the Magic Ops series, and for continuing on to the author notes! I hope you had as much fun reading the tale as I had writing it.

  From the first Oriceran book, I was hooked on the Universe’s vision of magic and the conjunction of two worlds / cultures. But what really got me was the action-adventure of it all, the strong heroines and heroes, and the dominant thread of good vs. evil. Plus, the humor.

  I live for that stuff.

  As this series rolls along, several cool characters will join the team, each bringing their own unique perspective to the mix. No more animals or trolls, though.

  Probably. I’m not promising anything on that front.

  This has been my first author collaboration, and I must say that it has been a joyful experience working with Martha and Michael. Creativity increases exponentially, rather than arithmetically. The story and series are both definitely the better for it.

  February is always a fun month for me, as my daughter’s birthday is in there. She starts celebrating with a countdown several weeks beforehand. Then it’s days. Then hours. I’m sure that she’ll get less entranced with it all as she gets older, but right now, birthdays are EVERYTHING. This year we got her a laser tag game. It’s already been controlled chaos as we run through the main floor shooting and screaming.

  It’s a good c
ounterpart to the battles I write, which are a little more violent, but hopefully still as fun to experience.

  The snow is falling outside my window as I write this, and I’m struck by how many days I’ve spent inside, near a window, reading tales that took me out of the ordinary world and into someplace I could vividly picture in my mind. My first love was fantasy, then science fiction. I detoured through mysteries, into thrillers, and finally into the lands where magic and technology meet. I like to think that you can find pieces of most of those in the stories I tell.

  Plus movie quotes and significant levels of sarcastic snark, of course.

  If you’re a multi-genre reader like me, there’s a science fiction series out there with my name on it. I think it’s pretty good, and most of those who have commented on it seem to agree. Also, you can find me in all the usual spots on social media. I love chatting about most things, especially media likes, loves, and guilty pleasures, so do feel free to reach out!

  I continue my quest to get my daughter to watch Star Wars. I’m pretty sure that at this point she’s just refusing me to be mean.

  Joys upon joys to you and yours – so may it be.

  Author Notes - Martha Carr

  February 18, 2019

  There’s a new voice in the Oriceran Universe! TR Cameron has bellied up to the bar with a new Urban Fantasy series, Federal Agents of Magic that’s a nice combo of Brownstone kickin’ ass and Leira’s magic. But you already know that because you’ve gotten this far.

  The really cool part is that we found TR from the first anthology of Oriceran Fans Write for Fans. (Volume 2 is coming sooooon) One of the editors whispered in his ear that he should talk to Michael and myself about writing in Oriceran. Everyone could see this diamond of a writer just waiting for someone to hold open a door.

  And TR stepped up and tapped me on the shoulder. The rest is recent history. He’s already off somewhere busy writing book two – Agents of Mayhem.

  Don’t worry, he’ll catch on soon enough this is a ravenous reading crowd and we love you for it!

  One of my favorite things about hanging with Michael Anderle and company is the opportunity to reach back and help someone else achieve their dreams. There’s always been a company ethos that there’s more than enough to go around. Hell, we go one step (or ten) beyond and espouse an idea that by sharing what we have everyone will end up with more – not less.

  It’s worked like a charm.

  But wait, there’s more! Imagine watching one person after another improve their life and achieve a dream. Imagine being one of those people. I am very grateful to say I’m one of them and here comes TR stepping up to bat to take a swing. There’s even a new troll!

  It’s like making magic out here in the real world. A community is formed that believes in the possibilities in life and cheers for everyone at all the victories.

  The really cool part is that kind of mindset tends to have an affect on the rest of my life. Anything becomes possible and courage appears out of nowhere to try even bigger things that have nothing to do with books. All of life opens up.

  It’s kind of like that idea – whatever I focus on becomes my reality. Pretty good reality sitting here in the dream house, writing a note to all of you – while Lois the good dog tears through the house barking away. It’s a good life.

  Welcome to the party TR! We’ve been waiting for someone just like you. More adventures to follow.

  Author Notes - Michael Anderle

  March 3, 2019

  THANK YOU for not only reading this story but these Author Notes as well.

  (I think I’ve been good with always opening with “thank you.” If not, I need to edit the other Author Notes!)

  RANDOM (sometimes) THOUGHTS?

  Big Red is a soda pop that some consider a red cream, and some believe it tastes like a liquid version of cotton candy.

  I believe it tastes wonderful.

  I was reminded of the drink this week as I traveled back to my birth state of Texas. I came to pay my respects to my grandmother on my father’s side and had to travel from the Dallas-Fort Worth area down to Moulton (about 4 1/2 hours of travel, or a little faster if you have a heavy foot.)

  I have a heavy foot. Fortunately, there were not many cops on my way down (a Thursday), and when I went back up to the DFW area, I wasn’t in a mood to speed too much, so the four cops I passed didn’t tag me.

  That would have sucked right after having attended a funeral.

  I have refused to share much about the passing of my grandmother to those I know online and inside my company. Not because I don’t wish to share, but rather because I share all the time, and I am coming to learn that sometimes I need to keep a few things to myself.

  For now, I’ll just admit that this woman was one of the most influential people in my life, and her humor has touched yours. She was a wickedly fun individual that was liberated decades before it was legal.

  She was born in 1919, and I think she probably walked her own road by 1922.

  AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

  One of the interesting (at least to me) aspects of my life is my ability to work from anywhere and at any time. In the future, I hope to re-read my own Author Notes and remember my life as a diary entry.

  DFW Airport, sitting on the plane to head back to Las Vegas

  It’s been nice being in Texas for a few days. When I’m gone, it doesn’t tug on my heart, but as I’ve been here a few days, I’ve found an emotional portion of my heart filled back up from a reservoir that only where you come from can accomplish.

  So, thank you Texas! I needed you and the people who live here during my sad moments as I worked through the new absence in my life.

  FAN PRICING

  $0.99 Saturdays (new LMBPN stuff) and $0.99 Wednesday (both LMBPN books and friends of LMBPN books.) Get great stuff from us and others at tantalizing prices.

  Go ahead. I bet you can’t read just one.

  Sign up here: http://lmbpn.com/email/.

  HOW TO MARKET FOR BOOKS YOU LOVE

  Review them so others have your thoughts, and tell friends and the dogs of your enemies (because who wants to talk to enemies?)… Enough said ;-)

  Ad Aeternitatem,

  Michael Anderle

  Agents of Mayhem

  Federal Agents of Magic Book 2

  Chapter One

  Diana reveled in the sight of the giant Kilomea bound, shackled, and hunched in the interrogation chair. Despite the seriousness of the situation, her grin was both broad and smug as she watched him through the one-way mirror. "Well, at least that ambushing bastard is right where he deserves to be."

  Her two colleagues laughed appreciatively beside her. Bryant's was low and familiar. Warden Murphy's rose into the middle ranges but sounded hard-edged and brittle. Everything about the prison's overseer was sharp, from the body that seemed to consume itself for fuel to drive her quick movements to her hard face with its narrow cheekbones and bladed nose. This is a woman with whom you do not fuck, she thought.

  "So, he's totally secure? I wouldn't want to have to beat him down again and get your pure white room bloody."

  The warden laughed. "That chair was designed to hold a full-sized troll on amphetamines. He won’t break out of it anytime soon."

  "Excellent." Diana's grin widened.

  Murphy matched the smile with a thinner one. "You'll need to leave your weapons outside, though. Standard policy." She gestured at a locker beside the entrance. The agent nodded, drew her pistol and spare magazines from the holster hidden under the back of her leather jacket, and stowed them in the thick metal box. She was about to close it when the warden coughed. "All your weapons."

  Diana shrugged as if to say, "I had to try, right?" She removed the Ruger from her ankle-high black spy boots, which perfectly matched the shade of the dark slacks she wore.

  The name is Bond. Diana Bond.

  Kayleigh Dornan had given the shoes to her before Diana had departed DC, and they held a number of sur
prises should she find herself in need. So far, she'd put the backup gun to good use but none of the hidden blades. She felt the weight of the warden's gaze on her after she deposited the revolver and sighed inwardly.

  Well, at least their security is strong.

  She withdrew the stiletto blade from her right boot and the throwing knives from the left and stowed them, then closed the locker and pressed her palm against it to activate the biometric lock.

  Murphy nodded. "Very good." Despite her serious expression, the woman’s eyes crinkled at the edges with humor. She led the agent to the small hallway connecting the observation room to the interrogation cell and entered a code into the keypad beside the door. The lock released with a mechanical whir. "We'll be watching. If you need us to intervene, use the word sphere."

  Diana gave a thumbs-up and pushed through the door. It swung behind her, and heavy bars slammed home with a muted thunk. The walls shone with a dull plastic sheen. The only surface that didn’t seem to be made from the material was the massive two-way mirror installed to divide the chamber from the observation room. She grinned at the hairy alien as he glowered at her from his security chair. Then, he groaned.

  "It had to be you, didn't it? The luckiest tiny human on the planet."

  She sauntered in front of him, slipped her hands into her front pockets, and rocked on her heels. "Little old me? Lucky? Hardly. I busted your ass fair and square, big guy. And if we had the chance for round three, you'd hit the mat again. Only this time, you’d be in the hospital for a long stretch, not prison."

  He bared his huge teeth at her. "How about right now? You're tough when your enemy is restrained, aren't you?"

  "Seriously, Sasquatch, no one is that stupid.” She rolled her eyes. “If we didn't want you alive, we'd simply kill you, not give you the chance to go out fighting. So, is there anything you want to tell me?"