Dark Secrets

by Hall, Linsey

  “You’ll have to take it up with her.” My mind was already spinning with ways to bribe the raccoon.

  “You’ll put in a good word for me?” he asked.

  “Yeah, of course.”

  “Now?”

  My eyebrows rose. “What, you don’t trust me?”

  He grinned and shrugged, his movements so graceful that he might have been a ballet dancer. “I trust one person: my brother. And that’s it.”

  “Would that be Michael?” I asked.

  “That’s the one. Now, about Cordelia?”

  “Sure. I’ll see if I can get her here,” I said. “She doesn’t always come when I call.”

  “Promise her a kebab,” Eve suggested.

  I nodded and met Xavier’s gaze. “Just a hint—you’ll get better work out of her if you bribe her.”

  The corner of his lips tugged up in a grin. “All right. Thanks.”

  I called Cordelia with my mind. Come on, dude, get over here. I need some help.

  A moment later, Cordelia appeared on the dock behind me, her teeth bared and her fighting face on full display.

  “Not that kind of help,” I said.

  She looked up at me, frowning. Then what’s the rush?

  I gestured to the poet. “Xavier needs your help with something. And if you help him, then he’ll help me.”

  She shifted to sit upright on her butt and stared at him. What does he want? Does he know I work for kebabs?

  I looked at him. “Can you understand her?”

  “No. But it’s a thieving job.”

  I like thieving.

  “She’s interested.” I frowned, my former cop self not quite liking the sound of this. “But who would she be stealing from?”

  “No one good, that’s for sure,” Xavier said.

  Strangely enough, I believed him. “Is it dangerous?”

  He shrugged. “Not more so than anything else. I need her to sneak into a club through a back alley and retrieve something.”

  I can do it. Cordelia looked at me. We’ll have to talk terms, though. Kebab terms.

  I nodded at her, wondering where the hell my life had gone off the tracks. I was the intermediary between a man and a raccoon as they discussed payment for theft. Not what I’d imagined for my life.

  This was ten times better.

  “She’s agreed to it,” I said. “Can we work it out after you help us?”

  Xavier nodded, his gaze moving briefly to Eve, then away. “Sure. Come aboard. We can deal with payment next week.”

  “Thanks.” I stepped onto the boat, feeling like I was venturing into a whole new world.

  12

  Carrow

  The narrowboat rocked underfoot as I moved closer to Xavier. Eve and Cordelia joined us, and he gestured to the bench. “Have a seat, and we’ll be on our way.”

  We sat, and he moved gracefully around the boat, untying it from its moorings and turning it on. The fog had grown thicker over the river, but he piloted expertly away from the small marina and out into the wide expanse of the Thames.

  I leaned closer to Eve and whispered. “You have a history with this guy?”

  “Not one that I’m going to discuss right now.”

  “Fair enough.” I leaned back and looked out at the city, trying to see it through the fog. It was nearly impossible. The thick gray stuff obscured everything.

  Xavier seemed to know where he was going, though I couldn’t see any kind of radar. He stared off into the distance, turning the big wooden wheel slightly to keep us on track.

  The current was stronger in the middle of the river, hurrying twigs and leaves along. In the depths, I could see golden sparkles shooting through the dark water. Small splashes rose to the surface, seeming to come from deep within the river.

  “What’s in there?” I asked.

  “Things you can’t imagine,” Xavier said.

  I groaned. “Come on, you can’t do that. Details, man.”

  His mouth quirked. “Fine. Magical fish. Maybe a sea monster, depending on the season. Definitely some water fae. Possibly my ex-boyfriend.”

  “He get on the wrong side of someone?” I asked.

  “Yeah. Me.”

  My eyebrows shot up, but Xavier chuckled. “Don’t worry. I didn’t have him offed in the river, so don’t go spreading that around. Absolutely no mob ties here.”

  “Sure.” I didn’t know much about a magical London mob—it was probably in Guild City. Hell, Grey was probably the mob.

  Which made me realize that I had no idea what kind of supernatural this guy was. His physical form didn’t reveal anything. I couldn’t see his ears, but maybe they were pointed. He could be fae like Eve. He had the same ethereal beauty.

  “You’re staring,” Eve whispered.

  “Oops.”

  “I don’t mind,” Xavier said. “Beautiful women staring at me isn’t a problem.”

  Shit.

  My cheeks heated. He had exceptional hearing, but I still had no idea what he was.

  In the distance, a shadow appeared in the middle of the river. As we neared, I realized it was a little island. A small thatched-roof cottage sat in the middle, a single building on the speck of land. Roses climbed up the stone walls, and a little green field surrounded it. Two sheep chewed busily at the grass, and they looked up at us, blinking sleepily. A barrier of brambles surrounded the island like a wall, and a little wooden dock sat at one side.

  “So sweet it makes your teeth ache, doesn’t it?” Xavier asked.

  The charming little house looked like it had been taken right out of the Cotswolds and plunked down in the middle of the Thames. “That’s one way to put it.” I frowned. “But don’t the humans think it’s odd? Or can they not see it because of magic?”

  “The second one,” said Xavier.

  “What about the other boats? Won’t they ram into it? It’s in the middle of the river.”

  “They’re magically diverted around it. It’s not a problem.” He pulled up to the wooden dock and leapt out, tying off the boat to two metal cleats.

  “Why does he live all the way out here?” I asked Eve.

  “He likes it.”

  “Not Guild City?”

  “He doesn’t have a guild,” Xavier said. “Neither do I, for that matter.”

  He didn’t sound at all bitter about it, but I couldn’t imagine living out here alone. Xavier’s lifestyle I could imagine. Barge life seemed cool, but this…it seemed cold and lonely.

  I definitely needed to get my shit sorted with the Council, because I did not want to end up booted out of Guild City and living on a cold, wet island in the middle of the Thames, no matter how charming the house was.

  The door of the pretty cottage opened, and an enormous man stepped out. He was well over six feet tall, with the broad shoulders and the strong legs of an athlete. His warm complexion was the opposite of his brother’s pale one, as were his strong jaw and bright green eyes.

  He reminded me of Quinn—a handsome, wholesome-looking man who played rugby on the weekends and went down to the pub to watch the football with his boys.

  His eyes searched us keenly as he wiped his big hands on the canvas apron he wore around his waist. His broad shoulders strained against his soft, dark T-shirt.

  Next to me, Cordelia leaned against my leg as if swooning. I like him.

  He was good looking, all right. Both the brothers were in totally different ways.

  “What have you brought me, Xavier?” His voice was a low, soft rumble. Somehow, I was certain that he’d never raised it in his life.

  “Just some visitors.” Xavier grinned cheekily and sat back down on the bench in his boat, lacing his fingers together behind his neck. “I’ll leave you to it.”

  “Those will kill you.” Disapproval echoed in Michael’s voice.

  “Thanks, Mom.” Xavier gave him a beatific smile and took a drag.

  The sound of chickens squawking from the back made Cordelia stand up straight, her little e
yes bright. I’m going to go pay them a visit.

  “Don’t eat them,” I said.

  Sure, sure. She scampered off, moving quickly around the cottage to the back.

  “They can handle themselves against the likes of her.” Michael looked between the two of us. “If you’re here, then you know who I am. Who are you?”

  “I’m Eve,” my companion said.

  His brows went up as if he recognized the name, and his gaze flicked to Xavier, who still sat behind us. “Nice to meet you, Eve.”

  “And I’m Carrow,” I offered.

  “Ah, Carrow. The new girl in Guild City?” The words held no hint of dislike. I was impressed. Clearly, he didn’t hold a grudge about not living there or being in a guild.

  If they booted me, I doubted I’d be able to say the same.

  I nodded. “Yeah. That’s me.”

  “Why don’t you come in?” Without waiting for an answer, he turned and strolled into his house.

  We followed, leaving Xavier outside.

  The interior was far larger than the exterior made it look, with ancient stone walls and a gleaming wooden floor. The main entry room was sparsely decorated, but he led us to a cozy kitchen at the back. A fire burned on the hearth, and herbs hung from the ceiling, drying in the warmth.

  It was a cluttered, homey space, with bottles of ingredients lying next to bread and fruit—as if he mixed work and life seamlessly.

  “Cup of tea?” he asked.

  We were in a hurry, but it would be downright rude to say no. And my bones were cold from the ride over. “That’d be lovely, thanks.”

  He nodded and put the kettle on. It boiled almost instantaneously, and I grinned. “Is that magic that makes it go so fast?”

  “Best spell I ever learned.” He removed the kettle and made the tea, then brought the mugs over to the table.

  The surface was covered with the tools of his trade—everything from silver knives to powdered leaves—and he nodded at the clutter. “Shove some of that over, will you?”

  “Sure thing.” Gingerly, I arranged things out of the way, not sure what was dangerous or valuable.

  Eve helped, moving more quickly, clearly more comfortable with the items on the table.

  Michael put the cups down and sat, and we joined him.

  “What is it that you need?” he asked.

  “We need some Powderwort,” Eve said. “And as far as I know, you’re the best place to get it in town.”

  “The only place.”

  “That, too.” She sipped her tea. “Oh, this is good.”

  “My own blend.”

  “Do you have the Powderwort?” I asked. “Two of our friends have been cursed, and we’re hoping it will help.”

  He frowned. “Doesn’t work on people.”

  “I know,” Eve said. “The curse is on a wall, but it’s spread to them. We’re hoping that if we fix the wall, there will be a spillover effect.”

  “Hmm.” Doubt flashed in his eyes, but he nodded. “All right. I can give you some. But you’ll have to earn it.”

  “How?” I asked.

  He nodded toward Eve. “I already know what I want from her. Like for like.”

  “Potions?” she asked.

  “Yes. Fae ones. Ones I cannot make.”

  “That’s fine. Which?”

  “Heart’s Own Arrow and Believer Draft.”

  I looked at Eve, wondering if she knew what those were. From the look in her eyes, she did. And she was curious.

  Come on, ask him why he wants them.

  She didn’t, unfortunately.

  His gaze turned to me, and I stuffed the info aside for later. I wanted to know what those potions did and why he wanted them.

  “As for you…” He tapped his chin, clearly thinking.

  “I don’t have a ton of control over my magic, but I’m getting better.”

  “Yes. I heard what you did for Guild City.”

  “I’m afraid I probably can’t save any more cities, if that’s what you’re after.”

  He chuckled. “Indeed, no. But I do have a request.” He stood. “Will you follow me?”

  I rose with a mournful glance at my tea.

  “Bring it with you,” he said.

  “Thanks. It’s chilly out there.” I grabbed the tea, and Eve did the same.

  We followed him through the house, passing through a cozy room that looked like a small library.

  He led us out a back door. Cordelia sat on a stone bench, staring longingly at some chickens. They glared back at her, and I left them to it, my gaze drawn by a beautiful old well.

  He gestured to it. “This goes somewhere. Not the Thames, but I don’t know where.”

  I walked toward it and leaned over, careful not to touch it as I stared down into the darkness. Magic filtered from the depths, sparkling and strange.

  “Has it always been here?” Eve asked. “Or did it suddenly appear?”

  “Came with the property.” Michael joined me, leaning over to look down into the darkness. “I’d like you to see if you can tell me where it goes.”

  “I don’t have to go in there, do I?” I shivered.

  “I wouldn’t advise it, no. The magical signature changes from day to day. Right now, it’s all right. Sometimes, though, it’s bloody awful. Other times, it takes all I’ve got not to jump right in.”

  “Jump in?”

  “It’s like there are sirens down there, calling me or something.”

  “That’s freaking dangerous,” I said.

  “You’re telling me. Can you do it?”

  “I can try.”

  “Thank you.” He nodded and stepped back.

  I handed my teacup to Eve, and she and Michael joined Cordelia on the bench. The raccoon seemed annoyed at the interruption of her private time with the chickens but kept her snout shut.

  I turned my attention to the well. Drawing in a deep breath, I hovered my hands over the stone wall surrounding it.

  I’d been practicing lately and was a hell of a lot better. This was totally doable.

  And no pressure. It wasn’t like my friends’ lives were hanging in the balance or anything.

  Show me where you go.

  Magic sparked through me, and I drew it to the surface as Grey had shown me. As my power flowed through my veins, I pressed my hands to the stone wall.

  Show me where you go.

  Power blasted into me, and I was nearly blown backward. I stiffened my spine and held on tight. Gasping, I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to see what the well was trying to show me.

  All was darkness.

  Come on.

  Something beckoned from the blackness behind my eyelids. I sent my consciousness toward it and, suddenly, I was falling. The wind tore at my hair, and my scream was lost on the wind.

  Down I went, farther and farther.

  Horrified, I realized that I was falling into the well. I hadn’t moved a muscle, but my magic was pulling me into the depths of the dark hole and whatever waited there.

  The wind slowed as gravity weakened, and I began to float. I found my footing. Head spinning, I opened my eyes.

  Fields stretched before me, massive hills and valleys that spanned hundreds of miles. I spun in a circle, searching for anything recognizable.

  Was I really here?

  At my feet, a brilliant pink wildflower wobbled in the breeze. I bent to touch it, to test my theory.

  My hand passed through it.

  “Bloody hell.” I stood, spinning again.

  In the distance, I spotted a stone circle, stark amongst the green hills. Beyond the circle was a blue ocean, sparkling and bright, but there was no one here, and not a hint of what this place could be. It was almost too beautiful, too pure to be real.

  I could explore, but that would take time I didn’t have. And who knew what I would find? What if I lost my way, lost my connection with my body?

  It was too risky. I’d bring back what information I could and hope it was enough. I
tried to get my mobile out of my pocket to snap a picture, but the device didn’t work.

  Carefully, I counted the stones in the stone circle, memorizing their shapes and patterns. I memorized the flowers around me, the number of hills, the scent on the air, and the sound of the birds calling in the distance.

  When I’d collected as much data as I could, I closed my eyes and envisioned being in my body. It took a few tries—enough that fear began to drive my heartbeat—but eventually, I felt myself flying upward, the wind tearing at my hair once more.

  I returned to consciousness in my body with a sensation like I was being weighed down by a ton of bricks. To my relief, the heavy feeling disappeared, and I felt…normal.

  I opened my eyes.

  “Well?” Eve said. “Did you see anything?”

  “Did you see me fall into the well?” I asked.

  “Nope. You stood there like a statue.”

  I nodded. “Good. Can we go inside? Do you have pen and paper?”

  “Yes.” Michael hopped up, eagerness on his face.

  I followed him into the kitchen, where he furnished me with writing implements. Quickly, I sketched everything I’d seen, describing it all as I went.

  “Did you see a woman there?” he asked, leaning forward, his gaze intense.

  “I didn’t.” I frowned. “Should I have?”

  “Um…” He shook his head, leaning back. “I heard her, but it could have been my imagination.”

  Oh, that was interesting. This was a mystery I’d like to know more about. And it had been good practice. I’d sent my consciousness somewhere else. It hadn’t been a vision. This time, I’d gone there. A bit like when I’d used my power in the hotel room in Romania and zoomed around through the vision of Mariketta’s tomb, but more intense.

  I was getting stronger, and this might be the perfect place to practice. “I need to go help my friends, but I could come back and look again, if you like. See if I can find her without you having to go into the well.”

  He nodded. “That would be lovely, thank you. I’m quite keen to go in, but everyone knows that enchanted wells are dangerous.”

  “Of course.” I nodded as if I’d known that all along.

  He rose. “Thank you for the help. Give me a moment, and I’ll have that Powderwort for you.”