Magic Thief

by C C Sommerly

  “Unfortunately, I agree with your assessment.”

  “Can your magic make us invisible and undetectable?”

  “Marty, where are you going with this? What you ask is illegal.”

  He tried to leave and I grabbed his arm. Lochlan stared at where I was touching his arm. A blush crept across my face. Being close to him was doing funny things to me. My gaze strayed to his eyes.

  “Marty?”

  I forced myself to meet his eyes.

  “Listen, I won’t ever again ask you to do anything else that violates your morals.”

  “Why here and why now?”

  “I know I’ve given you no reason to trust me and I’ve treated you like crap. I can’t prove it, but I know he’s lying. We need to watch him unobserved. Just give me five, us, five minutes.”

  Lochlan considered what I said.

  “If I do this, I want one date.”

  “Why would you – ”

  “Just a single date. I’m not proposing marriage. It’s a date.”

  “Fine.”

  “That wasn’t so hard.”

  “Speak for yourself. Can we hurry before someone sees us?”

  “To do this, we have to keep touching. It’s easier to maintain the spell that way.”

  He held out his hand.

  “You have to hold my hand. Don’t speak at all. I can make us unseen and undetected, but I can’t mask all sound.”

  I took his hand in mine. There was strength and gentleness in his firm grasp. And, a part of me liked it. There was something so unusual about this gesture. I couldn’t remember the last time I held someone’s hand. I felt unexpectedly shy. Please don’t let him notice. My own hand was sweaty and I hoped he didn’t notice.

  He murmured a spell and his magic danced across my skin, leaving warm tingles. It was a heady feeling and a feeling of loss soon washed over me. I had given this up. Forever was a long time. I made a choice, the only choice I could, but it didn’t mean I was content with that decision. I hadn’t been able to mourn the loss. I never thought I could let my magic out, but even having it there hidden away, it was still a part of me.

  With heavy steps and weighty thoughts, I walked with Lochlan back to the Guild Master’s office. I could see Lochlan and he could see me. I wasn’t sure if we’d be invisible to each other or not. Just knowing no one else knew we were there made me feel like we were in our own little bubble.

  We stopped across the hall from the office. Lochlan cupped his hand over his ear. What is he doing? And then I realized that I could now hear the Guild Master just as clearly as if he was standing next to me. Nifty trick. I knew the fae was shifty. Who knew how often he tried this? I certainly would be using something like this all the time. It would make my surveillance missions so much easier. Actually, it would make all of my cases easier.

  “I expected discretion. You clearly failed or I wouldn’t have two private investigators showing up at my office. The only reason you’re still alive is that it wasn’t the enforcers. Explain yourself,” said the Guild Master.

  Lochlan’s eyes widened with shock. Ah, so he got to experience the lesser known side of the Guild. They tried to give the appearance of benevolence, but I knew they were rotten at their core. Corruption was rampant through the ranks – at least it had been when my father was alive. He entertained many people from the Guild for his dirty deals.

  Not everyone, and especially not powerful guilds, were as honorable as Lochlan. He was a dying breed in a city like ours.

  “Please forgive me. I don’t know how they found out. The enforcer said no one else knew except for him and the select few from the Guild.”

  “I want this fixed. I don’t care how you fix it, just fix it.”

  “What about the other thing?”

  “Which other thing?”

  “You requested that I discretely inquire about potion makers in the area, especially ones that make relaxing draughts.”

  Something of what I was thinking must have shown on my face.

  “You know something.”

  “I don’t, but let me check into this.”

  “Marty, you seem to get into trouble when you go out on your own.”

  “Who are you, my father? I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”

  “Actually, I’m not okay with you going alone.”

  “Do you know how much of a stalker you sound like? Fine, come with me then.”

  My emergency alert com chose that moment to go off. There’s no way it wasn’t heard

  “Someone is out there,” said the Guild Master.

  Lochlan and I bolted. We were safe as long as they couldn’t catch us. Running through the halls of the Guild was exhilarating and scary. Lochlan might trust the guild, but I didn’t. I sure wasn’t interested in finding out how they handled spies.

  We made it back to my car without any more close calls.

  “What was that?” asked Lochlan.

  “That was bad timing. My emergency alert went off. It only does that if something’s wrong. I need to get back to the Agency asap.”

  “I’ll come with you.”

  “I wasn’t going to take the time to drop you off. Besides your car is there.”

  He sighed and got into my car. I floored Betty and we were racing through the streets, bobbing and weaving around cars.

  Lochlan gasped and may have sworn a few times and prayed for his life, but I wasn’t completely sure.

  The car screeched to a halt outside the Agency. I jumped out and ran for the door with Lochlan right behind me.

  “At least let me catch up,” he said.

  Nope. When my people were threatened, all bets were off. None of them better be hurt.

  Callie and Sterling were hovering over someone.

  “Don’t eat me.”

  It couldn’t be? Why was Jasper here? I felt Lochlan against my back. He was close, but not smothering. It was a sign of security. He let me take the lead and knew I could protect myself. That was a rare man.

  “Where’s the emergency?” I asked.

  “You’re looking at it,” said Sterling.

  “Seriously? Why couldn’t this wait?”

  “Because he killed Eveline. I’m next. Please help me,” said Jasper.

  No grief filled his face and tears threatened to spill from his eyes. All I saw was fear for himself. Selfish prick.

  “What happened?” I asked.

  “She left this morning. Said she needed to talk to a friend or some other nonsense. When she never came back, I assumed she was gossiping or wailing on the shoulder of her friend.”

  “And?”

  I was impatient to hear the story. While I barely knew Eveline, I had more regret and sadness for her loss than worry for the man before me.

  “An enforcer showed up around mid-day. He said there had been an accident. That she fell in the river and drowned.”

  “Sounds like an accident,” said Sterling.

  “She wouldn’t have gone to the river. Water scared her. She couldn’t swim and stayed as far away from any water that she could.”

  “Why don’t think it was an accident?” asked Lochlan.

  “It wasn’t. It had to be the mage. He said if anyone found out about him, I’d be in trouble.”

  “Then, I’m not sure we can help you. I’d rather not involve my staff or myself in this. Consider taking it to the enforcers,” said Sterling.

  “I can’t,” he wailed. “You know why I can’t go through them.”

  “Actually. I don’t,” said Sterling.

  “He knows people in the enforcers.”

  “That’s pretty far-fetched,” said Lochlan. He was defending his friend, but no one was above corruption and bribes.

  “And how do you know this?” I asked.

  “Because I was given a message. The enforcer dropped a note on my floor. It said that ‘our mutual friend was watching and if I talk, then I’m dead’.”

  Lochlan was frowning deeply and looke
d troubled.

  “That is very problematic for you, Jasper” I said. “But, I still don’t see why it’s our problem.”

  Sterling was trying not to laugh. He’d seen me play this role before. I loved being bad cop.

  Jasper dropped to his knees.

  “You are pathetic. Actually, that’s too kind of a word for scum like you. Get up and get away from me.”

  I moved away from him and he threw his arms around my legs, keeping me in place.

  “Please, I’ll do anything.”

  “Well, in that case, let’s shake on it,” I said.

  He was surprised at my sudden change in attitude, but he still reached out his hand to shake mine.

  “Well, you need to swear an oath.”

  Jasper spit.

  Ah, that’s the Jasper I knew and loathed.

  “That’s what I think of your oath.”

  Before I could do anything, Lochlan had Jasper against the wall.

  “Apologize, now,” said Lochlan.

  “So-sorry.”

  “Ready to behave?” asked Lochlan.

  “Yes.”

  “I’m not sure you are.” He never glanced away from Jasper, who was starting to sweat. “Marty, I think you shouldn’t make any deals with this dirt bag.”

  “Have you learned your lesson, Jasper.”

  “Yes.”

  “You can’t possible want to make a deal with him?” asked Lochlan.

  “No, but I won’t have it said that I’m heartless. I can be charitable,” I said.

  “What do you want me to swear an oath on?” asked Jasper.

  “It’s not much. And, it will help you and help us.”

  He was leery as he should be.

  “I want you to agree to meet the mage.”

  “How does that help me?”

  “It keeps you alive.”

  “Not if I’m going in front of the same person who wants to hurt me.”

  “Take it or leave it,” I said.

  “I’ll leave”

  “Okay, you can see yourself out,” said Sterling.

  Jasper walked to the door. I started counting in my head to see how soon he changed his mind. He made it to the door and stopped.

  “Will you agree to protect me? If I do this thing?”

  “I have locations for our informants when they need to go underground. I also have a safe house that I’ll put you at until you can meet with the mage,” said Lochlan.

  “How are you going to protect me when I meet him?”

  “We’ll have people staged throughout the location. He won’t get to you,” said Lochlan.

  “No one is making you do this. You can leave,” I said.

  “I won’t be meeting him until tomorrow. We have a set meeting.”

  “How does he contact you?”

  “He gave me a bracelet.” Jasper pulled up his shirt sleeve and showed us a bracelet. It was leather strap with runes etched into it.

  “This turns warm when he needs me. I meet at our spot.”

  “Pretty fancy magic for an errand boy,” said Sterling.

  “I’m more important than that to the master.”

  “Of course, you are. I always have the tendency to kill people that are important to me,” I said.

  “It doesn’t matter if you believe me.”

  “Your oath, Jasper,” I said.

  “I swear that I will meet the mage and in return receive sanctuary.”

  “Bringing out the big words,” I said.

  He scowled at me, but wisely stayed silent.

  “I – ”

  “No, let me,” interrupted Lochlan.

  Why did he want to swear the oath?

  “I’ll agree to provide you with protection and sanctuary as long as you abide by the agreement and only if you do not harm me or any of my people,” said Lochlan.

  “That settles it,” I said.

  “You can follow me, Jasper. I’ll take you to the safe house and get you settled.”

  Lochlan and Jasper left.

  “What a day,” I said.

  “Who’s up for drinks?” asked Callie.

  “I know I am.”

  We both looked at Sterling.

  “You two are not getting me out. Last time I went out with you two, I got into a bar fight and spent the night in jail,” he said.

  “We can behave. Please come, Sterling,” pleaded Callie.

  “I’ll pass, ladies.”

  “You’re such a killjoy, said Callie.

  “But at least I will stay out of jail.”

  “I’m ready to go. Are you?”

  “Sure.”

  “Stay out of trouble ladies.”

  We entered the Dirty Fix and Callie’s attention was immediately drawn to the men in the room as she started looking them over.

  I leaned into her, so she could hear me over the blaring music.

  “Are you looking for a certain guy, or just checking out your options,” I asked.

  “Just looking. Don’t think you’re getting out of telling me about that handsome fae you spend so much of your time with now.”

  I did owe her some Lochlan gossip. And, I needed a favor, so it was a fair trade.

  There was only one empty seat at the bar. Callie took it. When a shifter a couple of seats over saw that I was standing, he picked up the shifter on the seat next to Callie, and threw him.

  “Take a seat, Miss.”

  “Thanks.”

  Callie giggled nervously. While, violence wasn’t unexpected in a shifter bar, it still made Callie uncomfortable, especially since we were the cause of the violence.

  “It’s fine, Callie. Let’s get our drinks and we can forget about this.”

  “You’re right.”

  I waved Lars over. When he saw me, he broke into a grin.

  “One of my favorite gals. How are you doing this fine evening?” he asked.

  “We’ll be doing with some drinks,” Callie chimed in.

  “What’ll you two have.”

  “How about whatever mixed drink is your special for tonight?”

  “Two drinks for the ladies. And be careful. The crowd’s been more unruly than normal.”

  “Yeah, we noticed,” I said.

  “You know him? I’ve never seen him before.” said Callie.

  “I met him when I came here with Lochlan.”

  “Oh, was that your first date.”

  “Yes and no. He weaseled his way into joining me on an outing here. Do you remember reading about the man that was killed by a mage in a bar?”

  “No way, that was here. Did you see it?”

  “We were a few feet away from him when he was killed. Neither of us could stop the attacker.”

  “Oh Marty, don’t blame yourself. It happens.”

  “Well, anyways. That’s how things started.”

  Lars came back with our drinks and took our order.

  The guy on the other side of Callie kept trying to look down her shirt. The guy next to me had already bumped or brushed against me four times. It’s always crowded here, but even this was unusually crowded.

  “Maybe we should go somewhere else,” I suggested.

  “It’ll be fine. They’re already making our meal. And, the music is always good here,” said Callie.

  “We can stay. At the first sign of things going bad, we’re out of here.”

  Lars quickly brought over our orders.

  “Let me know if you ladies need anything else. And drinks are on the house.”

  “I think someone likes you,” said Callie once Lars left.

  I dug into my chicken wings. They were hot barbeque and perfect. Callie had her salad. Who orders salad?

  “Oh… this is good.”

  “It always is,” I said.

  “I’ve always heard that giants make the best boyfriends,” said Callie.

  “No, I haven’t heard that. I’m not interested in him though.”

  “I had a friend who dated one and she told
me all sorts of things. It’s because their race has so few females. They are extremely protective of females and treat them with almost a reverence. Oh, and they are always on the prowl for a mate.”

  “That makes sense. Last time I was here, the bartender tried to drug Lochlan. He thought Lochlan was mistreating me and cheating on me. I was the one that was drugged.”

  “Wait, what? Why is he still here? They should have fired him.”

  “It’s fine. It was an innocent mistake.”

  “How can you mistakenly poison someone? That’s just crazy talk, Marty. A guy like that can’t be trusted.”

  “I never said I trusted him. Now, he’s indebted to me and given that our drinks are free, he’s going to keep us well hydrated.”

  I raised my glass, “bottoms up,” and clanked it against her glass.

  We chatted more about Lochlan, but our food was cold by the time I finished since Callie wouldn’t stop asking me so many questions. The fae had definitely won her over.

  “You’re welcome to him,” I said.

  “Oh no, he isn’t interested in me,” she said.

  “Do you still have a friend that works for the Richardsons?” I asked.

  “No, not any longer. This is about Jennica, isn’t it?”

  “I just don’t like trusting someone else with something so important.”

  “Then don’t. You’ve never been someone to sit back and let others do things for you. Why are you now?”

  Callie had a point. I did need to do something. I knew just what I could do, but I needed to give Sterling a heads-up.

  The two of us staggered home.

  16

  “Sterling, I think it’s time that I visit the Dark Side.”

  “Are you going to visit Livinia?”

  “Yes, I can’t trust anyone else with finding Jennica.”

  “I didn’t say that you should. And you are prepared to pay the fee for Livinia’s aid?”

  “It’s what I have to do.”

  “What we have to do is meet with Jasper,” said Lochlan from behind us.

  Great timing, just great. This fae had the worst timing of anyone I know.

  “How did you get past Callie?” asked Sterling.

  “He probably just glamored her.”

  “I hope Marty is wrong. We’ve given you a lot of latitude. If you abuse it, you will be banned from our Agency. You will not glamor or trick my staff in any way, is that clear?”

  “Yes.”