by D. J. Dalton
“We’ll take two of the lemon ricotta pancakes and the smoked salmon board as a starter.”
“Very good, sir.” She wrote on her order pad. “Would you like something to drink other than water?”
“Water is fine for me.” He looked at Keren. Not every woman appreciated the man ordering for them. He waited to see her reaction.
“Me too.” She flashed a smile.
“I’ll get that out to you right away.” The server left their table.
He wanted to push a few of her buttons. “You know she’s accused of a magic crime, right?” By the frown on her face, he guessed she was aware of the charges.
Recovering her expression, Keren became defensive. “She’d never commit a crime like that. She’s a victim of a terrible attack.” Then she stopped, catching her breath. “It’s imperative I talk to my aunt. She might tell me who did this to her.”
Yes, she might. And he couldn’t allow her to tell anyone. Quinlin’s face remained expressionless. Another learned behavior from Uncle Rob. When he didn’t respond, she continued.
“I realize we just met, but I have to ask a favor. Can you get me in to see her?” A pleading look showed in her sparkling silver eyes.
“If you were immediate family, they might let you in to see her.” He wondered how long she planned to keep up the pretense.
“Trust me, they won’t,” she spat the words out. Anger flashed in her eyes, then left in a moment. A less astute person wouldn’t have noticed.
Given time, he’d be able to weasel the truth out of her. But time wasn’t on his side, and he already knew she was that woman’s daughter. At this moment, she might be talking to an inquisitor. He had no choice but to get rid of them both. That was the safest route.
“I’d lose my job.” He didn’t want to sound too eager to get them in the same room to deliver the final blow. Keren needed to think she convinced him to help her.
“I know we just met, but you seem to be a nice guy.”
She gave him the smile that lit up a room. Warmth flooded his body.
“I need to talk to my aunt. Even for just a couple of minutes.” She actually batted her eyes. “Please.”
This girl needed flirting lessons. It took all his energy not to burst out laughing. He had enough. “Well, it’s against my better judgment,” he paused for effect, “but OK, for just a few minutes.”
Her face lit up. “Thank you. When can we go?”
The sooner he took care of this problem, the better. “Let’s go right now.”
“Perfect.” She popped out of her chair. “Let’s go.”
Quinlin raised a hand. “Server, we’ll take our lunch to go, please.”
Chapter Nineteen
Keren
Following behind Quinlin’s car, Keren couldn’t stop smiling. She thought convincing him to help her see Mom would be harder. Who knew batting your eyes worked? She’d keep that one in her repertoire.
The aroma coming from the to-go bag made her mouth water. Reaching into the bag, she pulled out a ricotta pancake and bit into it, enjoying the tangy taste on her tongue. She’d pass on the smoked salmon.
This seemed like a good time to check in with Nadria and Ordell. She pulled her phone out, seeing several missed calls from Nadria. Her stomach was tied in knots. She’d forgotten she put it on do not disturb during lunch.
“Where are you?” Nadria’s voice was frantic. “I’ve been trying to reach you for over an hour.”
“I’m heading to the hospital to visit Mom.” Keren frowned. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s Ordell… No, you’re not leaving. I’ve got her right here. He wants to go to Dan’s house right now, by himself.”
Keren rolled her eyes. “I thought we had a plan.’ She pounded her fist on the steering wheel. “He agreed to the plan. Put him on the phone.” She heard muffled voices, then Ordell’s.
“Tell Nadria I’m not a prisoner.”
“Ordell, wait. Stop. Take a breath. What are you doing?”
“I’m finding my brother. Dan has him, and I’m going to get him.”
Keren heard Nadria’s voice in the background but couldn’t make out what she said. “No, Ordell. We were in the house. Your brother wasn’t there. Remember, we have a plan.”
“A stupid wait, watch, and do nothing plan. I need action.” Ordell sounded like he was wrestling with Nadria. “Get away from the door.”
“Ordell, you’ll get yourself killed. Please, wait for me. I promise we’ll find Broden.”
The wrestling noises stopped. “We can’t wait. He needs me now.”
Keren took a deep breath. She understood where Ordell’s feelings. Wasn’t she being reckless, having almost a complete stranger sneak her into Mom’s room? “I get it,” she sighed, “but you’re not any good to him dead or injured.”
“And I’m no good to my brother hanging around here until 7 pm. Where are you, anyway?”
“I’m going to visit my mom.” In reality, she was going to sneak into the Restricted Ward with an almost stranger and risk being arrested to see her mom. Minor details he didn’t need to know. “I found out this morning that she’s conscious.”
Ordell repeated what Keren said, guessing it was for Nadria’s benefit. “That good news.” He sounded calmer.
“I’ll be right over after I’m done. Please, wait for me.” Her heart skipped a beat during the long pause. She didn’t want to choose between seeing Mom and being with Ordell.
“Fine, yeah. But I’m leaving at 7 pm with or without you.”
She let out a sigh of relief. “Thanks, Ordell.” A tingle in her spine told her he still might strike out on his own. “Can I talk to Nadria?”
“Hey, fantastic news about your mom.” Nadria sounded tired. “The inquisitors are letting you in to see her?”
She had already told Nadria about the restriction put on mom’s visitations. If she told her the truth now, how would she explain the difference between her actions and Ordell’s scheme to find Broden on his own?
“Yeah, they agreed to let me see her.” She grimaced. Her chest tightened from the lie she told to her best friend. These last few days were filled with lies and secret plans. But what else could she do? “I’m pulling into the hospital now, so I’ve got to go.”
“Give her my love.” Nadria lowered her voice. “I’ll let you know if things get bad again.”
“I will and thanks.” Keren hung up, taking a deep breath. Nadria would forgive her for the deception. She parked next to Quinlin. He’d selected a secluded place in the parking lot covered by overgrown trees. Stuffing the car keys into the glove box, she left everything but her phone in the car.
Before she could get out, he trotted around to her door and opened it. She could get used to this treatment. Pursing her lips, she chided herself. No, he’s getting you in to see Mom. A relationship right now was impossible. She had other serious problems to focus on. Broden being one of them.
Quinlin opened the door, offering his hand. “The trees block some security cameras in this area.”
Why would a new nurses’ assistant know that? Sliding her hand into his, warmth radiated through her body. “Thanks.” She thought it best not to ask about the cameras. She didn’t want him changing his mind. One’s misty body appeared, circling over Quinlin’s head.
He looked up with a puzzled look on his face. “What are you looking at?”
“Nothing.” Her neck felt hot. She ran her hands down her dress, smoothing it out and pulling it down since it rode up while driving.
Quinlin scrutinized her eyes as if he could read her mind. Then, giving her a quick smile, he started toward the hospital.
“This way.”
Chapter Twenty
Quinlin
Something about Keren fascinated Quinlin. He suspected under the innocent girl facade lurked something intriguing.
He stopped outside the entrance door, turning to face her. “Stay close and keep your head down.” After she dropped her chin
, he pulled her hair around her face, letting his hands linger on the soft tresses. A natural, almost wild scent filled his nostrils. He shook his head to clear his thoughts. “We’re going to the maintenance workers’ locker rooms. There’s less foot traffic there.”
While hurrying down the corridors, she followed his instructions. The warmth of her body enveloped him as she walked as close as possible without stumbling over him.
He opened the women’s locker room door, ushering her in. “Wait here.” He trotted up and down the aisles. No one else was in the room.
She stared over his head again. He followed her gaze. “What are you looking at?”
Her face reddened. “Nothing. Just thinking.”
Such a distasteful habit that Uncle Rob would have never allowed. But it didn’t matter. In a few minutes, Keren and her nasty habit along with that woman would no longer be a problem. A part of him lamented losing the opportunity to weasel out Keren’s secrets.
“You need something to tie back your hair, scrubs, and shoes. I’m going to change, then wait for you in the corridor.”
She looked around the room. “Just take someone’s stuff?”
“Yes.” He stared into her worried eyes.
She looked hesitant, so he waited to leave until she began opening lockers.
Five minutes later, he paced in front of the women’s locker room, wondering what was taking her so long. Cracking open the door, he peeked inside the room. “Are you done?”
“Yes.” She stepped into the corridor. Oversized scrubs hung off her slender frame. “The shoes are too big.” After slipping a foot out, she placed it alongside the shoe to emphasize the size difference.
“You’ll have to make do.”
She slid her foot back into the shoe, then held out the stained blue dress. “What should I do with this?”
While pointing to the trash, he said, “Throw it away. Push it under the other trash.”
She looked at the dress, rubbing her fingers along the fabric. “The stain might come out in the wash.”
Someone could have seen her walking with him. He couldn’t risk the dress being found in the locker room. While crossing his arms over his chest, he said, “It has to go.”
She sighed, then followed his instructions.
He noticed she had her phone in her hand. “Put that away. They don’t allow employees to use their phone while on duty.”
She slipped the phone into her pocket. “How’s my hair?”
She rotated, showing him her back. The neat bun looked like she had spent hours fussing with her hair. Her chin turned over her shoulder, allowing her to peek at him out of the corner of her eye. He caught that wild scent again and felt his heart pound in his chest.
While clearing his throat, he tugged at his scrubs’ top. “Good.”
He’d brought two clipboards from his locker. They had random patient papers attached. “Take this.” He handed one to Keren. “Act as if you belong here.”
“Do I need a badge or something?” She glanced at his badge, then again over his head. This habit annoyed him.
“I don’t have an extra one. If we do this right, you won’t need one.”
She nodded, hugging the clipboard to her chest.
He led Keren to the maintenance elevator, pushing the up button. “Wait over there,” he pointed to the side, “until I know it’s clear.”
When the elevator doors opened, a man with a mop bucket stood in the corner. The man pushed the squeaky bucket by the mop handle out of the elevator. “Afternoon.” He nodded his head at Quinlin.
“Afternoon.” He responded with a nod, shifting in front of Keren to block the maintenance man’s view. She scooted into the elevator, with Quinlin following behind her.
“Is that a problem?” Her voice sounded shaky.
She must be nervous. Nervous people made stupid mistakes. “No, don’t worry about it. It’s not a problem.” Again, she stared over his head. “And stop looking over my head.”
Her eyes darted to the floor. “Sorry.”
Quinlin slipped his badge into the access slot, pressing the button for the fourteenth floor. The elevator chugged in response, starting its slow ascent.
He watched the numbers climb on the elevator’s digital display as he tapped a finger on his clipboard. “Your aunt’s room isn’t far from the elevator. It’s down the corridor, then left, third door on the right.”
She frowned at him.
Had she told him what room her pretend aunt was in, or what her name was? He couldn’t remember. “I saw you coming out the other day.”
Her eyes narrowed. She glanced over his head before focusing back on the clipboard.
Stupid mistake. He studied her. She’s not only beautiful but bright. Not everyone would have noticed that slip.
After stepping out of the elevator, they walked down the corridor. He held a hand out, motioning for Keren to pause while he checked around the corner. That woman’s security guard leaned against the wall.
“Use the clipboard to cover where your badge should be and stay close.” Now, he had to convince the guard to let them in the room.
Quinlin walked up to the guard, with Keren close behind him. He raised his hand. “Hey, Steve, how’s it going today?”
“Hey, man. Things are quiet. I thought you were off today.” The guard peeled himself off the wall. “Who’s this?”
He pointed a thumb back at Keren. “They called me in to do new hire training.”
“Aren’t you a new hire yourself?” Steve craned his neck around Quinlin to see Keren.
“Weird, huh? You know how short-staffed we are. Can’t hire them fast enough.” He gave Steve a friendly grin. “Can we go in the room?” He motioned his head toward the door.
Steve narrowed his eyes at Keren. “You’re awful young.”
Quinlin turned to face Keren. He held his breath while he waited for Keren’s reply. She stood up straight, lifting her head.
“I have a Master of Science in Nursing from UCF and one year’s experience at Memorial Hospital of Tampa. I assure you, I am qualified for this position.”
Acceptable response. Her lying skills were improving. He looked back at Steve.
Steve held up his hands. “No offense intended.” He opened the door.
Quinlin stepping aside, allowing Keren into the room first. Steve closed the door behind them. She rushed to the woman’s bedside.
He positioned himself behind Keren, close enough to hear the conversation but not giving that woman a clear line of sight to him.
“Hey, it’s Keren.” Her voice purred as she cupped that woman’s face in her hand.
“Keren?” That woman’s eyes blinked.
“Yes, it’s me.”
“We have to stop them… information… can’t let them have it…”
“Stop whom?” Keren sat on the bed. “I don’t understand.”
“Important… tea.” That woman’s voice faded.
“Don’t worry about the tea.” She pulled the woman’s hand to her chest. “I want you to know I have a lawyer to represent you. And I have information on the Dark Guild that might help your case.”
Quinlin raised an eyebrow. Alarm bells rang in his head. What information could Keren have related to the Dark Guild? He knew what had to be done. After stepping back, he raised his hands for the attack.
“Praeminiodo,” he said, focusing on the two women. A white light circled each hand. The light spun until it formed one swirling ball. He took a deep breath, reveling in the power surging through him. Sparks shot out from the ball as it flew toward the women.
Before impact, Keren’s body lit up like floodlights in a ballpark. A creature appeared between her and the magic blast. Its bat-like wings reached toward opposite walls and air pulsed in smooth, regular waves around them.
He’d seen nothing like it. Where did it come from? Was it connected somehow to Keren’s light? Was that woman involved?
When the blast struck the creature, the e
nergy ball broke in two, one piece traveling across each of the creature’s wings. The right half struck the windows, causing shattered glass to rain down on them. The left half exploded on the wall, leaving a gaping hole in the corridor.
The impact’s recoil tossed Quinlin backward. He slammed into the wall, knocking the breath out of him.
“Protegioum.”
An invisible barrier covered him, blocking the rubble ricocheting through the room. Alarms blared and screams erupted in the corridor.
From under his shield, he focused on the creature. It must use air elemental magic to generate a shield, protecting the women. He’d thought they had destroyed air elemental magic in the Dragon War, along with the dragon shifters. How was this possible? His pulse raced, thinking of the possibilities if he controlled air elemental magic.
As the debris settled, he choked dust from his lungs. While looking at Keren, he noticed she no longer glowed and was slumped over that woman. When just moments ago he wanted them dead, now he needed them alive, at least until his questions about the creature were answered.
He crawled over debris, making his way to the hospital bed. After checking both women’s pulses to confirm they were alive, he realized he needed help to get them to safety. He reached down, gathering powdery smut. After rubbing it over his hands to hide the telltale black spots, he smeared some across his face.
While crawling through the hole made by the blast, he saw Steve trapped under a concrete chunk. Only his upper body was visible, at least what was left of it. His left arm had been torn off, along with half his chest. Blood drained from multiple cuts and gashes in his skin. After pressing his hands into the pool of blood, Quinlin smeared it over his scrubs and down his arms.
Just as he gained his feet, an unexpected blast of water hit him in the chest. He fell back, tripping over the rubble. A hand grabbed the front of his scrubs, yanking him to his feet.
“Who are you? What are you doing here?”
Quinlin held up both bloody palms. “I’m a nurses’ aide. I was doing my rounds when the explosion happened.” The eyes of a fox shifter inquisitor stared at him. Quinlin did his best to look frightened while stifling the silent scream in his head, protesting the touch of a dirty shifter. “There are two women who need help in that room.”