A Little Street Magic

by Gayla Drummond

  “No.” Logan’s eyelashes were damp. “Little smear under your right eye.”

  I flipped the sun visor down to use the mirror. “I don’t even know what was so funny to you, Dane.”

  “All of it.” He sighed. “I needed that. A good laugh clears the head.”

  Logan moved in his seat until he could see Dane. “Trouble?”

  “Nothing major. Sheila and I had a difference of opinion last night. A political one. She thinks Thorandryll as mayor would be awesome.”

  “Why?” I flipped the visor back into place.

  “Because he’s an elf and must be smarter, and wiser, than any human candidate. She also mentioned that she and all her friends think he’s hot.” Dane frowned. “I don’t talk about how hot other women are when we’re on a date.”

  Ouch. I couldn’t think of anything to say to him. Logan could. “Stop seeing her.”

  We both stared at him. He glanced at me, but met Dane’s eyes. “I’m serious. You can be overly exuberant at times, but you’re respectful to women. Doesn’t sound like she’s returning the favor.”

  “But I like her.”

  “Then tell her how it made you feel. How she responds will tell you all you need to know.” Logan moved to face front again, and opened his door. He got out, and I followed suit, pulling my seat forward for Dane to exit.

  Little harsh on the advice side, I ‘pathed to Logan.

  He met my eyes over the top of the car. You didn’t meet his last girlfriend. I’d fill you in, but that’s his story to share, if he ever wants to.

  And I’m not a shifter.

  Logan’s lips parted, and he shook his head once. I didn’t mean...

  No, I was reminding myself. That I needed to have a good sit-down with him, and walk away with a better understanding of what it meant to be clan.

  We went into the shop, which wasn’t busy. Tonya was in one of the aisles with a customer, because I could hear her answering a question. Jo and David were behind the counter, unpacking stock. “Six red-pillar style.”

  “Hm...yep, got them.” She saw us, and tapped him on the head with her pen. “They’re here.”

  David straightened. “Hello, ow.” He rubbed his lower back. “I’ll go get the charm.”

  “Thanks. Sorry we’re running so late.” Trixie, Jo’s familiar, leaped onto the counter.

  “Mrow.”

  “Hello to you too.” I stroked the cat’s back. She sauntered a few steps, halting to look up at Logan. He scratched under her chin. As Trixie moved on to Dane, I grinned at Jo. “What’s shakin’, bacon?”

  “Ha. Not much.” She lowered her voice, shooting a glance in the direction of Tonya’s voice while leaning toward me. “Tonya’s going to try for a familiar Saturday night. Do you think you could make it?”

  “What time?”

  “Eleven-thirty. PM, not AM. She’ll need to prepare and be ready by midnight.”

  “I’ll be here if I can. It’s a big step, right?”

  A proud smile lit up Jo’s face. “Yes, but we’re sure she’s ready for it. She’s a quick learner, and more importantly, level-headed. It’s time she moves to the next level.”

  “Yay. Do I need to bring anything?”

  “Yourself, and positive thoughts.” Jo straightened, using her fingers to whisk her auburn bangs out of her eyes. “Shh, here she comes.”

  I leaned back to look past the guys, and saw the teen witch walking down the back aisle, Nate Brock behind her.

  He saw me and smiled. “Well, well, well. If it isn’t Miss Jones.”

  Crap. I traded a look with Logan, and Jo asked, “Do you know him?”

  “He’s the reporter.”

  Her hazel eyes rounded. David came out of the back room, charm in hand. “You’ll have to go outside for Logan and Dane to test whether or not they can smell its magic.”

  Jo spun, dragging a forefinger across her throat with a hiss to get his attention. David blinked at her, nose scrunching as he pushed up his glasses. “What?”

  “Reporter.”

  “Where?” His mild blue eyes traveled to a frozen Tonya and the still-smiling Brock. “Oh, dear.”

  “So, your name’s Dane. That would be Dane Soames, who works for Arcane Solutions?”

  Damn, he was really good.

  “It’s a private investigation agency owned by a Mr. Whitehaven. But you know that, don’t you, Mr. Soames?” Brock chuckled when Dane ignored him. “Not ringing any bells? Funny, Miss Sheila Taylor was positive her boyfriend’s last name was Soames.”

  David lurched forward, blinking furiously. “Very sorry, we’re closing for lunch. That means you’ll have to leave.”

  “Miss Jones sure has a lot of people willing to protect her. Why is that?” The reporter stepped around Tonya, walking to the end of the counter. “A lot of supes willing to, I should say.”

  Trixie arched her back, hissing at him. He ignored her. “You people. What is it with you?”

  “Lunch. Closing. Leave,” David said, his tone unyielding. He even pointed at the door.

  “Or what, Mr. Thornby? Will you cast a spell? Throw a curse?” Brock folded his arms and rested them on the counter. “See, unless one of you feels like dealing with an assault charge, there’s not much you can do to make me go away.”

  As David slowly lowered his arm, the reporter focused on me. “Except you, Miss Jones. Answer my questions, and your friends and family won’t ever hear another peep from me.”

  Yeah, right. But maybe he’d follow us out, and leave them alone for now. I reached out, and David deposited the charm into my hand. “Thanks.”

  “No problem.”

  Behind us, the door opened. Jo’s sharp intake of air closed my eyes. What now?

  Kethyrdryll’s “Lady Discord” rang out. Well, crap, there was the cherry on top. Opening my eyes, I turned around.

  “Prince Thorandryll.” Brock straightened to make a beeline for the elf. Kethyrdryll wasn’t alone. Edrel and Midnight—I should probably make an attempt to find out the dude’s name—were with him, both reaching for their swords.

  “Nate Brock, your Highness. I’m with the Santo Trueno Daily. May I ask you a few...”

  “You’ve mistaken me for my brother.” Kethyrdryll’s pleased smile had been replaced with an arrogant mask that would’ve done his brother proud. “I do not speak with reporters.”

  Brock ignored the last part. “Can you confirm your brother and Miss Jones’ relationship, Lord Kethyrdryll?”

  I smiled as the elf simply stared at the man, even though his silence didn’t deter the reporter. “Is it true there’s wedding bells in the future for the happy couple?”

  Oh, now, that was going way too far. I had to bite my tongue to keep from speaking.

  Edrel frowned, his brow wrinkling, and shook his head. A blink later, and he was in front of Brock, his sword’s point an inch from the reporter’s neck. “You will cease your attempt to see my thoughts now.”

  “I’ll see you in prison if you touch me.” Brock looked a little pale.

  “Maybe you’ll be cell mates,” I said, and smiled as everyone looked at me. “You assaulted him first, trying to break into his mind. In fact, you’ve also assaulted me. Maybe Edrel and I should see about filing charges.”

  “With what proof?”

  I tapped my temple. “I’m sure the police can arrange for a psychic to collect our memories of your assaults.”

  Copernicus fluttered down from somewhere to land on Edrel’s shoulder. The raven settled his wings, focusing a beady eye on the reporter. His rusty croaking made Brock flinch. “Amateur. Humans don’t feel your digging. All others do.”

  For the first time since we’d met, Brock opened his mouth and no words came out. He closed it, and without further ado, carefully edged around the elves and left the shop.

  Jo huffed. “Well, that was fun.”

  “I didn’t know it was him.” Tonya had finally thawed.

  “It’s okay. He’s gone now, and I b
et he won’t be back. Copernicus scared him off.” And unfortunately, had confirmed I was one of those “others,” but the reporter likely already knew that. Why else would he be so interested?

  “I’m pleased to meet you.” Kethyrdryll, wearing a bright smile, shook David’s hand. “Lady Discord has spoken highly of you.”

  “She has?”

  “Of course, I have.” I gave David’s shoulder a light smack. “And I have the feeling you two are going to become good friends.”

  David raised his eyebrows. “Me and an elf?”

  “He’s met my brother, hasn’t he?”

  I laughed. “Yes, he has. David, he’s nothing like Thorandryll or Alleryn. Why don’t you tell him about your demon time theory?”

  That was all it took. They were in deep conversation before I took two steps away. Logan and Dane were waiting for me by the door. Smiling, I said, “I knew they’d take a shine to each other.”

  “We may never see them again. They’re headed into the back.” Dane pulled the door open.

  I stepped out first, checking the cul de sac for any sign of Brock, or the sedan we’d seen him in at the museum. “Ahh. Maybe he’ll decide I’m not worth the trouble.”

  “Wouldn’t get my hopes up.” Logan caught my hand. “He’s a predator.”

  “I refuse to be his prey. How far from the shop do we need to go?”

  “Let’s walk to the end of the block.”

  We did, and Dane spoke for them both. “We can smell the magic from the charm.”

  “Okay, my curiosity is satisfied.” I dropped the charm into my coat pocket. “So they must be using the unwashed clothing trick. My question is: Where are they getting it from?”

  “Can we speculate over lunch? And someone better call the boss.” Dane’s jaw clenched, and he looked down. “I need to make a call, too.”

  Logan squeezed his shoulder, and his voice was gentle when he said, “We’ll wait by the car.”

  “Thanks.” The younger man pulled out his phone as we walked away.

  “Does he have to break things off over that?”

  “She proved unworthy of his trust.” Logan put his arm around my waist. “He asked if he should warn her about talking to reporters, so I know he did.”

  “Oh.” I glanced back. Dane’s eyes were closed, his shoulders sagging, as he spoke into his phone. “I feel bad for him.”

  TWENTY

  “Let’s start with ‘what do we know’.” I dipped a chip into the bowl of salsa. “Dane?”

  “Logan’s the new guy on the team.”

  “Officially, I am. But,” Logan held up a finger. “Unofficially, I began helping with cases before you did.”

  “Okay.” Dane slouched back and sighed. “We know that someone is stealing magical artifacts and killing people. We know the killers have psychic abilities, and they’re fast.”

  “We know that all three stolen objects won’t work without the proper code words,” I added. “Tanisha said the stick didn’t work, and the boots needed a code word. Thorandryll said his stolen ring requires a code word, too.”

  “That’s all we know as fact.” Logan moved the chip basket closer to Dane’s side of the table. The younger shifter was in a deep funk. “We think they’re vampires, because of the precise use of psychic abilities. Also because it doesn’t seem necessary for them to kill, but they do, and because the crimes have occurred after sunset.”

  “That’s all we have.” Dane ignored the chips. “Except we also think they’re masking their scent by wearing humans’ unwashed clothing.”

  I ate another chip. “That’s kind of a sticking point for me. Where do they get pre-worn clothing?”

  “Blood donors?” Logan selected a chip, nudging the basket another half inch in Dane’s direction.

  “But does that make sense? I mean, they’ve killed people during break-ins. Do you really think they have donors instead of more victims?”

  “Good point.” Dane finally noticed the chips and salsa. He straightened. “They’re killing for kicks, not to feed, during the break-ins.”

  My phone went off, and I checked the display. “Derrick or Stone. I need to pick a ringtone for them.” I answered. “Jones here.”

  “Hello.” It was Derrick. “I’m afraid I have both good and bad news to report.”

  “Bad first, please.”

  “We’ve accounted for and confirmed alibis for our people who have pyrokinesis or teleportation.”

  Well, so much for the killers being from the Barrows. “What’s the good news?”

  He chuckled. “It’s not any of our people.”

  I made a face. “Funny. But yeah, good news. Have...”

  “I’ve already informed Detective Herde, and offered my help during the dark hours, should he need the assistance of a master vampire.”

  “That’s awesome of you. I have news too.” I told him about Brock’s visit to the Blue Orb. “I think he’ll be more careful around supes in the future.”

  “I would think so. Yet, now he has...”

  “Yeah, if he’s realized it.” I paused, looking at Dane. “Does Sheila know what I am?”

  He winced. “She knows your name and that you’re a PI. We introduced ourselves to her, remember?”

  “Right, sorry.” I spotted our waitress headed to our table. “Okay, our lunch is being served. I guess we’ll see you tonight.”

  “Of course. Farewell.”

  “Bye.” I waited until our plates were down and the waitress had left before asking, “Anyone need that repeated?”

  “No bad little vamps in the Barrows.” Dane’s smile lacked its usual joy, but he dug into his enchiladas with a healthy appetite.

  Damian didn’t need us, even though the killers had struck again the previous night, at a private residence. I had a couple hours before my meeting with Thorandryll. We returned to clan territory. Leaving Dane to the tender mercies of my Tinies, and the sisterly care of Alanna, we set off for the meadow with the big dogs in tow.

  “He’s pretty down.”

  Logan sighed. “It always hits him hard when things don’t work out.”

  “But he’ll be okay, right?” Heartbreak sucked ass.

  “Sure. It’ll take him a while, but Dane has an optimistic soul. All we have to do is keep him from brooding too much for a couple weeks.” Logan stepped onto a fallen log and offered me his hand. “In two or three months, he’ll be noticing other women exist again.”

  He knew Dane better than I did, having lived with him for years. I nodded. “Subject change then. I don’t fully understand what it means to be clan.”

  “It’s the same as being family, except with people who’ve mutually selected each other. No one goes without; we all work together to keep the coffers filled, and everyone safe.” Logan kept hold of my hand as we hopped off the log. “Terra’s making some changes now that we have this place.”

  “Oh?” I took a deep breath, loving the smell of crisp, piney air.

  “Good changes. She decided to end full tithing. We have more members now, and we’re a hell of a lot better off than we were.”

  Bone leaped out of the undergrowth, stood on his hind legs and took a few steps. “Rrrrr, I’m a bear.”

  “I’m pretty sure you’re a goofball, not a bear.” He dropped to all fours and ran off ahead. “What’s the new tithe?”

  “Fifty percent.”

  I wrinkled my nose. “That still seems pretty high.”

  Logan began swinging our joined hands. “It’s fair. Practically everything’s provided, aside from food, clothing, and gas. Actually, for those with lower paying jobs, we have clothing, and canned and dry food in the store rooms in the main building.”

  Ah. No matter what, everyone was taken care of. “I see. Will that be a draw for new recruits?”

  “We’re hoping so. Meadow’s just ahead.”

  I had to ask. “Exactly how do I fit in?”

  “This,” he swung his free arm wide, “wouldn’t be ours, if no
t for you. You’re exempt from tithing for life. Anything you need, just ask. If we can do it, we will.”

  “Not really comfortable with the idea.” I wasn’t. It just didn’t feel right to even think about asking friends for financial help, or anything beyond what they already did for me. Assuming I ever needed financial help, or whatever.

  “Cordi, we can’t put a price on having our own pocket realm, knowing that we’re safe, and have everything we need. And in far shorter time than we’d hoped.” Logan pulled me to a halt and turned to face me. “You did that. Saved us years of work.”

  “Damn, I’m good.”

  He laughed and kissed me. “You are. If you need something, just ask. You’re clan, you have the right to ask.”

  “Okay.” I had no intention of asking for anything big, ever. Doggy daycare and a practice arena was more than enough.

  “I’m serious. Doesn’t matter what.” He kissed me again, on the forehead. “Come on, let’s go see your meadow.”

  He was turning when Diablo tore free of the underbrush and rushed across our path. There was a small, orange splotch on his back. “Get it off! Get it off!”

  The black pit disappeared into the trees. I looked at Logan. “I’m sorry, was that a monkey riding my dog?”

  “It was. A baby tamarin. We need to get it back to the right area.” Logan frowned. “Diablo won’t eat it, will he?”

  “Diablo!” I let go of Logan’s hand to pursue my dog.

  It was five after four when I teleported to Thorandryll’s front door. Catching a panicked pit bull with a screeching, baby monkey on his back hadn’t been the easiest thing in the world. A pine needle fell out of my hair while I was reaching for the door knocker. “Lovely.”

  There hadn’t been time to clean up. I ran my fingers through my hair. More needles, and ouch, a couple of twigs, came loose. Edrel opened the door. “Lady Di...ah.”

  “Hi there.” I dropped my hands, plastering a huge smile on my face. “Sorry I’m late. There was a problem.”

  “I see.” He stepped back. “Do come in.”

  “Do you ever get a day off?” I walked in, well aware of the messy trail I was leaving. Heavy treads could collect a lot of dirt.