by D. J. Dalton
“What?” Nadria leaned back. “Thinking your mom is part of the Dark Guild is just crazy.” Waving her hand in the air, she brushed the idea aside. “The charge won’t stick.”
“I don’t know. Briggs said the trial starts next week.” Keren shook her head. “That means lawyers, and I don’t have the money to pay for a lawyer. She’ll have to have a public defender.”
With the trial coming up so soon, there’s no time for a complete stranger to gather enough facts to beat the charges. This was life and death. She had to do more.
“I have to figure out who attacked Mom and why.”
“Let the inquisitors do the investigating. That’s their job,” Nadria said.
“How do I know it wasn’t one of them who framed her?”
“What do you mean framed?” Nadria narrowed her eyes.
“When I saw her in the hospital, her hands,” Keren turned her palms up, “had black speckles. The doctor said that’s a sign of humans using magic.”
“We need more information.” Nadria stood, walking over to the end table to retrieve her tablet. “Let’s look up some facts.” She plunked herself down next to Keren.
“Let’s see.” Nadria brought up a web browser. “We’ll start broad.” She typed Dark Guild in the search bar and pressed enter. A list of topics displayed. The top story headlined Keren’s mom.
Keren stopped breathing. She felt like a bucket of ice water had poured over her. “Let’s skip this one.”
Nadria read a line further down the page. “Here’s a story about some recent crimes.” She clicked the link.
Keren leaned closer, reading out loud, “It says the Dark Guild’s arcanum are suspects in a recent break-in at Green Thumb Gardener’s Supply.”
“That’s owned by the Hadley’s.” Nadria scrolled down. “And two attacks in Winter Park. Both involved the death of shifters.” She clutched the tablet. “All incidents seem to involve shifters.”
Keren continued reading. “The inquisitors don’t have a motive, but they suspect the Dark Guild. All the crimes have evidence of sorcerer magic.”
“These types of attacks will stir up the magical races, maybe causing retaliation.” Nadria shook her head. “We’ll lose what little ground we’ve made these last few years eliminating discrimination.”
Sliding the tablet into Keren’s lap, she stood, pacing the room.
“We’re not just magic, we’re like everyone else. We work, eat, go to school, and want a happy, fulfilling life. Magic isn’t evil. Any tool, like a hammer, or knife, can be a weapon. Magic is the same way. In the hands of responsible users, it’s safe and useful. But this Dark Guild…” she trailed off. “It seems the inquisitors are chomping at the bit to arrest the arcanum.” Nadria glanced at Keren. “Sorry, I didn’t mean…”
“I know. The inquisitors sound almost blinded by their obsession to arrest the Dark Guild’s arcanum and put them behind bars. That’s why I don’t think I can trust them to prove Mom’s innocence. She’s their scapegoat. If she’s found guilty of this charge, they could pin all those crimes on her.” Keren rubbed her hands over her face. Tipping her head back, she closed her eyes.
“You look exhausted.” Nadria rubbed her arm. “You need to rest. I have the early shift tomorrow, so I’ll leave before you wake up.”
So many thoughts swarmed through Keren’s mind. The Internet hadn’t given her many leads. “I can’t sleep. Would you hand me my backpack?”
“Sure.” Nadria pulled the backpack from behind the couch. “Don’t stay up too late. How about we meet at the Stubborn Mule for lunch? Say twelve o’clock?”
“Sounds good. I’ll visit Mom in the morning. Thanks for letting me crash here.”
“You’re always welcome.” Nadria kissed the top of her head. “Here.” She put a key in Keren’s hand. “This is my spare apartment key.” She got up, walking to her bedroom.
“Thanks. Good night.” Keren pulled her sketchbook out of the backpack. Drawing might help her settle down. She started drawing her mom, working to capture her cheerful and dynamic energy.
Scanning the room, she found both One and Two sitting by the door. She blinked her heavy eyelids. They looked clearer, more defined. She dismissed it as the light playing tricks on her tired eyes.
“Let’s make a family portrait. Three, Four.”
The misty figures appeared next to One and Two. Something tugged at the back of her mind. The room felt ten degrees colder. She shivered, barely able to hold on to the pencil. Something else existed in the room, and its stare burned into the back of her head. She turned, gasping at golden, glowing eyes scrutinizing her from a cloud of black mist. The mist dissipated. She’d seen those eyes twice before. Each time, she’d experienced a feeling of dread, like something horrible was going to happen.
The room’s temperature returned to normal. She shook out her hands. “I’m just tired.” She drew the four creatures alongside the picture of Mom.
After finishing her drawing, she snuggled under the blanket, drifting off to sleep.
Chapter Eleven
Quinlin
Quinlin’s interest peaked when he spotted the girl from yesterday outside the Restricted Ward. A neat hair bun revealed her attractive face. Based on her body language, her conversation with the guard at the door wasn’t going well.
He adjusted his nametag, glancing at his blemish-free hands. They healed quickly from the attack on his father’s murderer. So, magically persuading the Human Resource representative to add him to the employee database as a nurses’ assistant with access to the Restricted Ward had been child’s play.
He placed himself off to the side but within earshot, eavesdropping on the conversation.
“I’m her daughter. I should be able to visit her.” The girl clenched her hands at her side.
The stoic expression on the guard’s face made it clear he would not change his mind. “I’m sorry, Ms. Stewart, your mother can’t have visitors.”
So, this was that woman’s daughter. He looked her up and down. Yes, he saw a slight resemblance.
She took a few steps away from the guard, then moved back to face him. She crossed her arms, scowling at him.
Apparently, the guard’s unflinching posture irritated her. She threw up her hands, stalking away from him.
Quinlin tapped his chin as he watched the girl storm off. If that woman had a family who cared enough to visit, he wanted to meet them.
After he and Dan had finished constructing the control spells, he left Dan to practice for the meeting demonstration. So, he had time for a side investigation.
He followed her until he was certain she headed to the lobby. Then, after jogging around through side corridors to get ahead of her, he turned a corner in time to head her off.
She looked deep in thought and didn’t notice him until they bumped shoulders.
“Oh, excuse me, miss. Are you alright?” Quinlin steadied her with his hand.
“Yeah, sorry. I didn’t see you.” She moved a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Her silver eyes sparkled like stars.
“I’m Quinlin.” He held out his hand. “Hi.”
The girl looked confused before reaching for his hand. “Hi, I’m Keren. Nice to meet you.”
His thumb rubbed her silky skin as his heart skipped a beat. Reluctantly, he released her hand.
“Keren, let me buy you a coffee to make up for my clumsiness.”
She stared at him for a moment, then turned to look back at the lobby, as if plotting her escape. She shrugged.
“Sure, that sounds nice. Thanks.”
After taking a seat with their coffee, Keren motioned to his scrubs.
“Are you an orderly?”
“No, I’m a nurses’ assistant.” Quinlin sipped his coffee. Might as well throw out the bait. “I work in the Restricted Ward.”
Her eyes widened. “The Restricted Ward? I have my…” she hesitated, looking up and right, “aunt in that ward.” She hesitated again while she strummed her fingers on the tabl
e. “She needs protection from my uncle, who beat her up.”
This girl’s lying skills ranked a one on a scale of one to ten.
She continued. “I’m not allowed to visit. I realize we just met, but is there any way you can get someone into that ward?”
He admired her straightforward style, even though the lying needed improvement. “There are strict rules about bringing someone into the ward.”
Keren deflated with a sigh.
He gave her a little hook. “But rules are meant to be broken.” Her radiant smile made him catch his breath. It lit up the entire room. Stay focused. Don’t let a pretty face distract you. “Of course, I’ll need to get to know you first.”
“I’d like that.”
Her dazzling eyes gazed into his. He couldn’t tell if she was flirting because she thought him attractive or she wanted him to get her into the Restricted Ward. Regardless, he’d bought time to get better acquainted. Keren glanced at the clock on the wall.
“Oh, I have to get going.” She gathered her things and stood up. “I’m meeting my friend for lunch.”
“I’m just getting off my shift. Let me give you a lift.” He took their cups, tossing them toward the trash can. The shot missed.
“Um, the cup sleeves are recyclable.” Without hesitation, she picked up the cups. While continuing the conversation, she removed the sleeves, tossing them into the recycle bin. The cups went into the trash. “I don’t want to inconvenience you. We’re meeting at the Stubborn Mule.”
“The place on Eola Drive? It’s down the road from Lake Eola Dental.” He held up his hands. “Crazy coincidence. I have a dentist appointment this afternoon. The Stubborn Mule is on the way.” And there, young lady, was a lesson in expert lying.
She squinted at him. “Crazy coincidence.” While cocking her head to the side, she studied him. “Alright, let’s go.”
He escorted her to his car, and they drove to the restaurant.
Chapter Twelve
Keren
The Stubborn Mule had a large outside seating area. Tables with umbrellas and a metal canopy that wrapped around the building protected customers from the Florida sun. Keren and Quinlin stopped on the sidewalk outside the restaurant.
Much more relaxed after their pleasant small talk in the car, Keren marveled at how at ease she felt with Quinlin. They acted like old friends. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw mist form into the shape of Two. It paced in front of the restaurant door.
Quinlin’s sandy, clean-cut hair complemented his athletic physique. In another circumstance, Quinlin would be on her radar for a relationship.
It had been so long since she had a boyfriend. Her thoughts flashed to Briggs. He was the big brother she never had. She bit her lip, remembering how safe she felt in his protective embrace.
She grounded her thoughts. Keep it together. This was not the time for romance. Quinlin had access to the Restricted Ward, and he seemed open to helping her get in to visit Mom.
“My friend is inside. I see her car.” As much as she wanted to keep Quinlin around, she couldn’t have him crashing her lunch with Nadria. She didn’t want him to know her mom was under arrest for a magic crime.
He hadn’t asked her out on a date yet. A stipulation for helping her get in to see Mom was getting to know her better. She didn’t want to resort to stalking him at the hospital, but she also didn’t want to be the one asking for the first date. Was the cafeteria coffee a first date? No, she had to keep some dignity.
“OK. Well, nice to meet you, Keren.” He put his hand on her arm. A warm sensation flowed up her arm. “See you around.” He turned, heading back to his car.
Damn, she thought. She sighed, walking into the restaurant with Two following close behind. She looked around for Nadria. An arm waved in the air. She made her way over.
Nadria stood to meet her. “Hey, how are you?” She gave her a hug. “How’s your mom doing?”
They sat at a round, high-top table near the back of the restaurant.
“I don’t know. They wouldn’t let me visit her.” Keren stopped talking when the server came over.
They both ordered water.
After the server left the menus and hurried away, she continued. “All of this is so confusing. I’m not sure what to do.” Keren rubbed her face. “I can’t afford a lawyer, so they’ll assign a public defender to her case.”
Nadria leaned across the table. “They might surprise you. Some public defenders are skilled lawyers.”
“They won’t know Mom. And she’s in no condition to testify for herself. Briggs said there were witnesses and evidence supporting the charge.” She folded her hands on the table and lifted her chin. “I’ll just have to prove her innocence.” She held back telling Nadria about the protection spell. “She needs me, and I’ll clear her name.”
The server brought over their drinks. Keren drank half the glass of water to clear the tightness in her throat, then ordered the blackened steak flat with extra barbecue sauce and cheese. Nadria stayed with her favorite, the quinoa-avocado bowl.
Two ran between the tables. He lowered his head, charging at the back of a man’s chair. The man jerked forward, spilling his drink down his shirt. Two bounded off in the other direction. Keren blinked. Did Two actually hit the chair?
Nadria’s voice brought her back to their conversation. “Keren, you’re not alone. I’m with you every step of the way.”
“I can’t let you do that. You have a life, a job.” She wouldn’t endanger her best friend.
“You’re a big part of my life, and you can’t do this alone.” Nadria raised her eyebrows. “I want to help. What if you get into trouble? Who’s going to know?”
She shook her head. “I don’t want you getting involved because they might add you to the suspect list.”
“Oh, honey.” Nadria raised her hand to her chest. “I appreciate you protecting me, I really do, but we’ll be there for each other, just like we always are.” Nadria’s eyes locked on hers. “Don’t shut me out. Please, I want to help. We’re a team.”
Nadria’s insistence chipped away at her resolve. She needed Nadria’s strength. “I can’t risk you getting hurt.”
“I can take care of myself. I have magic. It might come in handy.”
Nadria was right. The Dark Guild used magic. Her poking around to get information about the group without having magic sounded crazy and dangerous. “You’re right. I need your help.” She took Nadria’s hand. “But, please, be careful. I’d die if anything happened to you.”
Nadria’s face beamed as she nodded in agreement. “We’ll sort this out. What do you know so far?”
The conversation paused when their food arrived.
“I don’t know much more than what Briggs told me and what we found on the Internet last night. I want to learn more about the Dark Guild, but there’s limited information online.”
Nadria sat straighter. “Why don’t we ask Ordell?” She took a bite of her naan bread. “I’m off the rest of the day. We could ask him to meet us at my place.” Nadria narrowed her eyes, challenging her to disagree. “He’ll be hurt if we don’t ask him to help.”
A sense of calm fell over Keren. Ordell had hacker-level technical skills. This idea could work. “Alright, let’s do it.”
They finished lunch, paid the bill, and headed out the door. Two followed behind, pretending to attack customers in the patio area. To Keren’s surprise, Quinlin trotted toward them.
“I’m glad I caught you.” He smiled, showing off his dimples. “I..” he hesitated, glancing at Nadria.
“Quinlin, this is my friend Nadria. Nadria, this is Quinlin. I literally bumped into him at the hospital today.” Her face flushed.
Nadria extended her hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Quinlin’s face turned to stone. He took her hand, gave it a quick shake, then released it. “Likewise.” His words came out flat.
After turning back to Keren, Quinlin’s smile returned. “I’m glad I caught you.
I should have done this earlier, but can we get together later?” His eyes danced with anticipation.
This was the moment she waited for. She caught her breath. Think straight, she told herself. Quinlin was her one way into the Restricted Ward. There was no time for romance now. “Yes, I’d like that.”
“So, how about tomorrow for lunch? Let’s say one o’clock at the Osprey?” Quinlin held up his phone. “Can I get your contact information?”
“Sure.” Keren touched her phone to his. “And tomorrow at the Osprey sounds good.”
“Great. I’m sorry, but I have to run.” He pointed to his mouth. “Dentist appointment.” He locked eyes with her. “Looking forward to tomorrow.” He jogged away.
“Wow.” Nadria nudged her. “Isn’t he adorable?”
Keren’s face turned beet red. “Come on, we have research to do.” They walked to Nadria’s car. Two followed them.
“Why don’t you call Ordell and ask if he can meet us at my house?”
“Good idea.” Keren pulled out her cell phone, selecting Ordell’s number.
He picked up on the first ring. Loud noises in the background made it difficult to hear. She covered her other ear.
“Keren?” Ordell’s voice quivered. She barely heard him.
She shouted into the phone. “Ordell, is everything OK?”
“I’m so glad you called. Broden is missing.” His voice jumbled with the background noise.
“What? Did you say something about Broden?”
“Yes, he’s missing. The police are here now.” He sniffled. “Can you come over?”
Keren pulled the phone from her ear. “Ordell says his brother is missing.”
“What? When?” Nadria frowned. “Broden was just at the demonstration with us.”
“I can’t tell. There’s too much noise. I think we should go over to his place.”
“Of course. We should be there in twenty minutes.”
“Ordell? Hang in there. Nadria and I are on our way.”
“Alright, thank you.” He hung up the phone.