The glass was half empty when his eyes opened and he pushed away the glass. “Ack. What is that? And what the hell happened?” He looked around, realized he was on the floor, and tried to get up.
“It’s what’s helping you. You can sit up if you finish drinking it, or I can continue to force you where you are.” Aisling was a bit surprised that whatever knocked out Harlie also hit Reece this time, but if Harlie left instructions for this situation, she was following it through.
Reece looked ready to argue, then nodded. “I’ll drink it. Let me up. Then I’ll need a dozen aspirin.”
Harlie was still drinking with his eyes closed, but he pushed the glass away when he’d finished. “That wasn’t good. Not the drink, what happened to me.” He glanced over to where Reece was still struggling through his glass. “Nor is the fact that Reece was hit also. Something punched through the veil at an extreme velocity.”
“Again? Damn it, what is this? No action from the veil or anyone on the other side for centuries, now everything is coming through at once?” Caradoc was freaked out by things he couldn’t track through technology—like the veil.
Harlie stared out into the distance—at something only he could see. “This breach happened a few decades ago, but the psychic impact was delayed. Somehow. It’s only in this area because it was tied to an event here—decades, or possibly centuries ago. I don’t know that the sinkhole is connected, or maybe the weakening of the veil in the location of the sinkhole helped push this through. I can’t tell.” He shook his head.
Aisling took the two now empty glasses, went to the kitchen, and came back with a bottle of aspirin and clear water in the glasses. “How can a psychic impact be delayed? Who could delay it? Why?”
“Delay what, now?” Maeve came out of her room rolling two suitcases behind her. “What did I miss and why are they on the floor?”
Aisling caught her up as both men took seats at the dining table.
“In answer to your questions, yes, a strong enough magic user could delay something like this. But the larger question is why.” Harlie first shook off the offer of aspirin, then shrugged and took two. “And why it came back now. If there was a reason for something to be delayed, then it would only come back at a set time. I’d think. Or if the magic user who delayed it grew weaker, lost control of the spell, or was killed.” Harlie frowned. He, even more than Caradoc, didn’t like not figuring something out.
Aisling turned to Reece. “Now maybe you’ll stop trying to deny the whole you-being-a-precog thing?” She understood his denial, he was a breed, one parent was fey, the other human. Breeds always stayed human in likeness and abilities. Reece had shown talents as a precog and also channeled his naiad side by swimming in an extremely non-human manner to save her and Jones a short time ago. If the High Council knew there was a breed with fey talents, they’d want to investigate. Reece would probably never see daylight again. But for his own safety and sanity, he needed to accept what he was.
Reece sighed. “I’d rather still keep denying it, for now anyway.”
Aisling let it drop for the moment. He didn’t look as freaked out as he usually did about the precog gifts, so maybe he was finally admitting that’s what they were and not just extremely good intuition. He also looked like his head was trying to crack open, and pushing someone when they were injured wasn’t nice.
“Solving this issue will take a while, and I can do it anywhere. How soon can we get to England?” Harlie might have been slammed to the floor by a decades old psychic event, but he stayed focused on his task.
“We need to get Bart on board first.” Reece rubbed his head and took a sixth aspirin.
Mott kept looking at his pad, but shook his head. “I won’t be going. If you don’t mind, I’ll stay here. Can I take one of those extra rooms upstairs for a bit? My own place appears to have been compromised.” He flipped his pad around. Split camera screens showed three people, clad in black so effectively that it wasn’t clear what gender or species they were. They were systematically going through everything in his apartment. Carefully. Everything was replaced after they scanned and documented it.
Chapter Fourteen
“You’re extremely calm for seeing strangers pilfering through your things.” Maeve dropped her luggage by the front door then came closer to Mott for a better look at the screen. “At least they’re not destroying the place. What are they looking for though? And who are they?”
Mott turned the screen back to himself and did a few more swipes. “Regarding the who, my bet is the L.A. Area 42 goons, or some other formal organization. Thugs aren’t that neat.” He continued swiping. He might have a small apartment but he had cameras everywhere judging by the number of different angles he switched to. “They broke in about five minutes ago.”
Caradoc leaned over his shoulder to look at the images. “They’re looking for something small. See what they’re picking up? Books, vases, plates. Maybe looking for a chip of some kind.”
Mott nodded. “Ah, I believe you are right. They probably want the override code I liberated before the Area 42 building vanished.”
The silence was loud in response to that.
“You did what now?” Caradoc got his question out first. And he was nicer about it.
Jones and Reece might be under a different boss, but they were both still Area 42 agents. The look on their faces indicated they would have been a lot harsher.
“It was for security; mine, not theirs, although I might have the only version left now so they should be glad I took a copy.” Mott set down his pad but continued to glance at the images from time to time. He didn’t seem concerned, so the odds were good the chip wasn’t anywhere near his place.
“It was the morning of the big Nix show-down. They left me alone when some argument popped up among the ones watching me and a higher up.” He shrugged. “I downloaded the security codes for everything in their system and pocketed it. Figured it might be good to have in case something came up.”
Neither Jones nor Reece looked happy—Caradoc looked pale.
“How did you...I don’t...” Caradoc was at a loss for words, something Aisling had rarely seen.
“Wasn’t that hard. But never fear, I have the chip in a secure location.” Mott looked over to Reece and Jones. “And no, that’s not anywhere on me or my belongings. Equally, no, I’m not going to tell you.”
“Are you actually talking about a way to access all of Area 42’s records?” Aisling glanced over at the methodical search still going on in his apartment. She was surprised they were trying to be so careful in placing things back exactly as they had been. They must guess that the chip might not be there and didn’t want to provoke Mott into bolting. He had a history of going on the lam if he felt threatened.
“Wouldn’t a group like Area 42 have the equipment to block cameras?” Maeve asked as she also watched the slow search.
“We do.” Jones ran his hand over his short hair. The look he favored Mott with was split between horror and admiration. Jones wasn’t a tech-head, but he clearly knew how hard it would be to have done what Mott did.
“And I have ways of breaking their camera blockers. Ha!” Mott had his hand up for a high-five but no one gave one back. He dropped his hand with a shrug.
Caradoc was still looking torn between proud and terrified. He finally held up his hand. “I think for all of our safety, we should stop talking about this. No idea if that chip could pull data back from beyond the veil.”
“Which brings us back to getting us to England,” Harlie said. He’d been the only one not looking at Mott’s screen. “I believe all of us besides Mott should plan on going.”
“But you said this recent attack, if that’s what it was, originated here, shouldn’t we stay?” Caradoc asked.
“Yes, it did. But I can continue looking into it over there. The event that caused it was so long ago, unraveling things will take time. What happened there needs to be looked at in person.” He frowned. “She couldn’t gi
ve a reason why, she’s not sure herself, but my contact is extremely worried about the attack on Noth. I believe it’s more important than it appears. It’s urgent we go there quickly.”
“Jones and I can’t just take off because you feel that we should.” Reece’s phone rang. He narrowed his eyes at Harlie, but answered the phone. “Hello Bart. Yup, Harlie is up and fine. He isn’t sure what caused the collapse, but feels we need to go to England to resolve the current crisis. That newest sinkhole over there might be a key to something bigger.”
Aisling found it interesting that Reece’s forehead scrunched up when he lied. Good to know.
Reece nodded as he listened to Bart. “Mott isn’t joining us. But the rest can be ready to head out tomorrow.” He paused at something Bart said. “Agreed. I’ll keep in touch.”
Aisling scowled at that. She wasn’t certain they should leave so quickly.
“Seriously? How did you do that?” Reece stared at Harlie once he hung up his phone. “Bart and Garran think we should go there. You four even get official Area 42 badges.”
Harlie shrugged. “Bart seemed like an intelligent individual. And as that sinkhole was more destructive than the one here, in terms of size and connections to psychic energies. It makes sense to have the experts go.”
“We’re not experts,” Aisling said. “Even you aren’t an expert. Has this ever happened before?”
“No.” Caradoc folded his arms.
“No, as he says. Which means that we are as close to experts as they have.” Harlie’s grin was teetering on manic. “I suggest we get ready. I’m sure Caradoc can get us plane tickets, etc. Let’s not fly into Heathrow, though. Too much London there.” He darted up the stairs.
“Great!” Maeve smiled. “Will be nice to have some mates there. I need to head down now, my flight got bumped up. Maybe I could get a ride to the airport?”
Caradoc started to open his mouth, then shut it. “I don’t have my other car here.” This had been Caradoc’s rarely used safe house until everyone started moving in. He had a townhouse in one of the fancy neighborhoods, most likely with extra cars.
Jones stood up. “I can take you. I have a few things to take care of before our trip.” The look he gave Reece spoke volumes, but nothing that was clear to anyone other than Reece.
Maeve hugged Aisling. “I’ll see you soon. Try not to get into trouble before then?” She grabbed her luggage and left.
“Could you drop me off at the townhouse? I’d feel better with a car.” Caradoc already started out the door.
Jones rolled his eyes. “I live to serve.” With a nod to the others, he followed Caradoc out.
Mott looked around. “I believe I’m going to go claim my room upstairs. Once the spies are gone, I’ll need a ride over to get some things from my apartment.” He nodded and went upstairs.
Leaving Aisling and Reece alone.
“This is awkward. I have been channeling a lot of annoyance your way the past week.” Aisling finally broke the silence.
He shrugged. “I can’t blame you. I wanted to call...but....” He shrugged again.
“They wouldn’t let you? They were tapping your phone? They thought I was working in cahoots with the spawn from the abyss known as my mother? Any of those?” Aisling folded her arms and took a step back. Maybe she wasn’t ready to deal with this, she was still pissed.
Reece gave a crooked smile. “Honestly? All and none. There was a concern from the higher-ups about your mother working through you; one which I tried very hard to convince them they were wrong about. You’ve made it clear how you feel about her. The investigation into her and the Council has been thrown off by the attack on the building. But there is something else there. It’s beyond my paygrade, so I’ve no idea what it is.”
“And? Why didn’t you call even once?” She wanted to say more, but there was something in his eyes that she didn’t like. She’d started having strong feelings for him once she got to know the real him, as annoying as that had been. She’d thought that went both ways.
“How do you feel about me?” That was blunt and unexpected. He watched her carefully.
“I...I like you? I think we had something starting.”
“But you didn’t feel that way before. You’ve known me for over a year, but only felt that way recently.” He looked like he was going to be ill.
Aisling was confused. She wasn’t sure what had been going on between them, but this wasn’t what she’d expected. “Because you spent most of that year deliberately being a jack-ass to me and everyone in my department.”
“True, but there might be more than that.” He rubbed his temples. “I’ve always had a feeling about things, precog if you want to call it that. I also could swim better than others my entire life. But none of my abilities came out as strong as they are now until a few weeks ago. Something is changing in me and I don’t know why or how.”
“I’m not going to tell anyone. You know none of us will.” Had that been his issue? He’d been afraid she’d rat him out to the High Council?
“That’s not the only thing. I did some research into my naiad family line a week ago as part of a study for the department. Turns out there was more than just naiad. Three generations back there was a siren.” He winced. “I deleted that information from all the records that I could find.”
Aisling pulled back. Sirens were dangerous fey. They could make others do what they wanted, with or without singing. They crossed the veil thousands of years ago, as did the rest of the fey races. But they were under the watchful eye of the Council. Sirens could lure humans and fey to their doom. Or make them fall in love. Aisling backed up into the living room chair and sat down hard. He’d used magic against her?
He held out his hands, but didn’t come closer. “I had no idea. And it might not be what happened, I didn’t try to do anything to you. But like my precog sensitivity, I might not have control.” His attempt at a smile faded. “I could be reading too much into this. My feelings for you are sincere.” There was a lingering doubt though, and it showed on his face as he sat at the dining room table.
She wasn’t sure what to think. Sirens were extremely powerful, and the fact that his family had tried to hide one in their line wasn’t good. “Is there any way to test what is happening to you? Not just the siren issue, but all of it? That wave of whatever just happened dropped you as badly as it did Harlie.”
“I have no idea. Kind of hard to look into things like breed powers suddenly appearing when to do so means a visit by the Council. I’ve done what searches I can, but I’m limited.”
They sat in silence for a few minutes. Aisling had no idea what to think. Her feelings toward him had changed in the past month, but she thought it was simply because she was now getting to know the real him, not one of his personas. What if it had been the magic of a siren?
“We need to talk to Harlie about it. He’s the only one who might have a clue as to what’s happening.” She couldn’t look at him. It might be nothing. And he didn’t have to tell her, she wouldn’t have known. But this was shocking.
“Agreed. But I think I should leave now. Caradoc can take Mott to his place once he gets back.” He got to his feet. “I’ll see you when we fly out. I am so sorry; you know I wouldn’t have tried to...I am sorry.” He left the house.
Aisling wasn’t sure what to think. Her love life had been in the crapper since her former fiancé ran off days before their wedding a few years ago. Then she starts falling for Reece, of all people. And now it might be just a bad bit of magic mojo. Great.
“I’m ready.” Harlie bounced like a five-year-old as he came down the stairs with a single piece of luggage. “What’s wrong?”
Aisling didn’t want to discuss it with anyone, least of all one of her brothers, but like she told Reece, Harlie was the best chance they had to figure it out. Logically she understood that. Reece was freaked out about this as well, but emotionally that didn’t help. She quickly explained the situation.
He frown
ed. “Sirens are supposed to be registered; all the fey of their magic class are.”
“And obviously this one not only didn’t register, they hid themselves from the family as a naiad. They look enough alike for it to work.” Aisling now understood why Reece had looked ill—she was feeling that way herself right now.
“It would explain more about his precog sensitivity. I mean, as a breed he shouldn’t have any abilities, but it appears he does, and precog is more in keeping with the siren genome than a naiad one.” Harlie smiled as if that resolved everything.
“Could his growing fey powers, and it does appear they are growing, have caused an unintentional love spell or not?” She knew Harlie had a different world view than most people and she usually was fine with that. But this wasn’t the time. Her heart needed an answer.
Harlie’s dark eyes softened. “I don’t know. We’ve got two issues—that he’s a breed with fey abilities and the siren component. They aren’t very well studied because they aren’t common.” He didn’t add that when the fey first started mingling with humans, thousands of years ago, many of the more dangerous fey had been killed. By other fey trying to stay hidden, as well as by primitive humans. Sirens were killed the moment they were found out. “Even if he were sending out some siren magic, it would mean that while you weren’t truly falling for him, his feelings for you would be true.”
“Unless the magic, that he shouldn’t have at all, is wonky. Not to mention, what if what I feel isn’t real? We can’t continue based on weird magic.” She got to her feet. “Just find out what you can, please?” She glanced at his luggage. “You realize that we’re not leaving for a day or so, right?”
The grin was back and he patted his suitcase. “Always be prepared. Never fear, I will track the answers down for you.”
Aisling hugged him. “Thank you. I’m going to lie down for a bit. Mott’s upstairs and the others are driving around. Caradoc should be back soon though.” She was shutting her bedroom door when Harlie turned to her.
An Uncommon Truth of Dying (Broken Veil Book 2) Page 11