Glenn turned to the phone. Would you mind if I listened to his messages? he asked.
Sara Janes laugh was bitter. Go ahead. Theyre from me.
The snap of the hard case was loud as I put my glasses away. Glenn punched the button, and I winced as Sara Janes recorded voice came into the silent apartment. Hey, Dan. I waited an hour. It was Carew Tower, right? There was a hesitation, then a distant, Well, give me a call. And youd better get some chocolate. Her voice turned playful. Youve got some serious groveling to do, farm boy.
The second was even more uncomfortable. Hi, Dan. If youre there, pick up. Again a pause. Um, I was just kidding about the chocolate. Ill see you tomorrow. Love you. Bye.
Sara Jane stood in the living room, her face frozen. He wasnt here when I came over, and I havent seen him since, she said softly.
Well, Glenn said as the machine clicked off, we havent found his car yet, and his toothbrush and razor are still here. Wherever he is, he hadnt planned on staying. It looks like something has happened.
She bit her lip and turned away. Amazed at his lack of tact, I gave Glenn a murderous look. You have the sensitivity of a dog in heat, you know that? I whispered.
Glenn glanced at Sara Janes hunched shoulders. Sorry, maam.
She turned, a miserable smile on her. Maybe I should take Sarcophagus home
No, I quickly assured her. Not yet. I touched her shoulder in sympathy, and the smell of her lilac perfume pulled from me the chalky taste-memory of drugged carrots. I glanced at Glenn, knowing he wouldnt leave so I could talk to her alone. Sara Jane, I asked hesitantly. I have to ask you this, and I apologize. Do you know if anyone has threatened Dan?
No, she said, her hand rising to her collar and her face going still. No one.
How about you? I asked. Have you been threatened any way? Any way at all?
No. No of course not, she said quickly, her eyes dropping and her pale features going even whiter. I didnt need an amulet to know she was lying, and the silence grew uncomfortable as I gave her a moment to change her mind and tell me. But she didnt.
A-Are we done? she stammered, and nodding, I adjusted my bag on my shoulder. Sara Jane headed to the door, her steps quick and stilted. Glenn and I followed her out onto the cement landing. It was too cold for bugs, but a broken spiderweb stretched by the porch light.
Thank you for letting us look at his apartment, I said as she checked the door with trembling fingers. Ill be talking with his classmates tomorrow. Perhaps one of them will know something. Whatever it is, I can help, I said, trying to put more meaning into my voice.
Yes. Thank you. Her eyes went everywhere but to mine, and she had fallen into her professional office tone again. I appreciate you coming over. I wish I could be more help.
Maam, Glenn said in parting. Sara Janes heels clicked smartly on the pavement as she walked away. I followed Glenn to his car, glancing back to see Sarcophagus sitting in an upstairs window watching us.
Sara Janes car gave a happy chirp before she set her purse inside, got in, and drove away. I stood in the dark beside my open door and watched her taillights vanish around a corner. Glenn was facing me, standing at the driver side with his arms resting on the roof of the car. His brown eyes were featureless in the buzz of the street lamp.
Kalamack must pay his secretaries very well for the car she has, he said softly.
I stiffened. I know for a fact he does, I said hotly, not liking what he was implying. Shes very good at her job. And she still has enough money to send home for her family to live like veritable kings compared to the rest of the farms employees.
He grunted and opened his door. I got in, sighing as I fastened my belt and settled into the leather seats. I stared out the window at the dark lot, growing more depressed. Sara Jane didnt trust me. But from her point of view, why should she?
Taking this kind of personal, arent you? Glenn asked as he started the car.
You think because shes a warlock she doesnt deserve help? I said sharply.
Slow down. Thats not what I meant. Glenn shot me a quick look as he backed the car into motion. He flipped the heater on full before he shifted into drive, and a strand of hair tickled my face. Im just saying youre acting like you have a stake in the outcome.
I ran a hand over my eyes. Sorry.
Its okay, he said, sounding as if he understood. So He hesitated. What gives?
He pulled into traffic, and in the light of a street lamp I glanced at him, wondering if I wanted to be that open with him. I know Sara Jane, I said slowly.
You mean you know her type, Glenn said.
No. I know her.
The FIB detective frowned. She doesnt know you.
Yeah. I rolled the window all the way down to get rid of the smell of my perfume. I couldnt stand it anymore. My thoughts kept returning to Ivys eyes, black and frightened. Thats what makes it hard.
The brakes made a slow squeak as we stopped at a light. Glenns brow was furrowed, and his beard and mustache made deep shadows on him. Would you talk human, please?
I gave him a quick mirthless smile. Did your dad tell you about how we nearly brought Trent Kalamack in as a dealer and manufacture of genetic drugs?
Yeah. That was before I transferred to his department. He said the only witness was an I.S. runner who died in a car bombing. The light changed, and we moved forward.
I nodded. Edden had told him the basics. Let me tell you about Trent Kalamack, I said as the wind pushed against my hand. When he caught me rifling through his office looking for a way to bring him into the courts, he didnt turn me in to the I.S., he offered me a job. Anything I wanted. Cold, I angled the vent toward me. Hed pay off my I.S. death threat, set me up as an independent runner, give me a small staff, everythingif I worked for him. He wanted me to run the same system I had spent my entire professional life fighting. He offered me what looked like freedom. I wanted it so badly, I might have said yes.
Glenn was silent, wisely not saying anything. There wasnt a cop alive who hadnt been tempted, and I was proud that I had passed that test. When I turned him down, his offer became a threat. I was spelled into a mink at the time, and he was going to torture me mentally and physically until I would do anything to get it to stop. If he couldnt have me willingly, hed be satisfied with a warped shadow eager to please him. I was helpless. Just like Sara Jane is.
I hesitated to gather my resolve. I had never admitted that aloud beforethat I had been helpless. She thought I was a mink, but she gave me more dignity as an animal than Trent gave me as a person. I have to get her away from him. Before its too late. Unless we can find Dan and get him safe, she doesnt have a chance.
Mr. Kalamack is just a man, Glenn said.
Really! I said with a bark of sarcastic laughter. Tell me, Mr. FIB Detective, is he human or Inderlander? His family has been quietly running a good slice of Cincinnati for two generations, and no one knows what he is. Jenks cant tell what he smells like, and neither can the fairies. He destroys people by giving them exactly what they wantand he enjoys it. I watched the passing buildings without seeing them.
Glenns continued silence pulled my eyes up. You really think Dans disappearance has nothing to do with the witch hunter murders? he asked.
Yeah. I resettled myself, not comfortable with having told him so much. I only took this run to help Sara Jane and pull Trent down. You going to run tattling to your dad now?
The lights from oncoming traffic illuminated him. He took a breath and let it out. You do anything in your little vendetta to jeopardize me proving Dr. Anders is the murderer, and Ill tie you to a bonfire in Fountain Square, he said softly in threat. You will go to the university tomorrow, and you will tell me everything you learn. His shoulders eased. Just be careful.
I eyed him, the passing lights illuminating him in flashes that seemed to mirror my uncertainty. It sounded as if he understood. Imagine that. Fair enough, I said, settling back. My head turned as we turned left instead of right. I glanced at him with a feeling of déjà vu. Where are we going? My office is the other way.
Pizza Piscarys, he said. Theres no reason to wait until tomorrow.
I eyed him, not wanting to admit Id promised Ivy I wouldnt go out there without her. Piscarys doesnt open until midnight, I lied. They cater to Inderlanders. I mean, how often does a human order a pizza? Glenns face went still in understanding, and I picked at my nail polish. It will be at least two before they slow down enough to be able to talk to us.
Thats two in the morning, right? he asked.
Well, duh, I thought. That was when most Inderlanders were hitting their stride, especially the dead ones. Why dont you go home, sleep in, and well all go out tomorrow?
He shook his head. Youll go tonight without me.
A puff of affront escaped me. I dont work like that, Glenn. Besides, if I do, youll go out there alone, and I promised your dad Id try to keep you alive. Ill wait. Witches honor.
Lie, yes. Betray the trust of a partnereven unwelcome onesno.
He gave me a quick, suspicious glance. All right. Witches honor.
Seven
Rache, Jenks said from my earring. Take a squint at that guy. Is he trolling or what?
I tugged my bag up higher onto my shoulder and peered through the unseasonably warm September afternoon at the kid in question as I walked through the informal lounge. Music tickled my subconscious, the volume of his radio set too low to hear well. My first thought was that he must be hot. His hair was black, his clothes were black, his sunglasses were black, and his black duster was made of leather. He was leaning against a vending machine trying to look suave as he talked to a woman in a gothic black lace dress. But he was blowing it. No one looks sophisticated with a foam cup in his hand, no matter how sexy his two-day stubble is. And no one wore goth but out-of-control teen living vamps and pathetically sad vamp wannabes.
I snickered, feeling vastly better. The big campus and the conglomeration of youth had me on edge. I had gone to school at a small community college, taking the standard two-year program followed by a four-year internship with the I.S. My mother would have never been able to afford tuition at the University of Cincinnati on my dads pension, extra death benefit aside.
I glanced at the faded yellow receipt Edden had given me. It had the time and days my class met, and right down at the lower right-hand corner was the cost of it alltax, lab fees, and tuition all totaled up into one appalling sum. Just this one class was nearly as much as a semester at my alma mater. Nervous, I shoved the paper in my bag as I noticed a Were in the corner watching me. I looked out of place enough without wandering around with a class schedule in my grip. I might as well have hung a card around my neck saying, Continuing Adult Education Student. God help me, but I felt old. They werent much younger than I was, but their every move screamed innocence.
This is stupid, I muttered to Jenks as I left the informal commissary. I didnt even know why the pixy was with me. Must be Edden had sicked him on me to make sure I went to class. My vamp-made boots clicked smartly as I strode through the windowed, elevated walkway connecting the Business Arts building with Kantack Hall. A jolt went through me as I realized my feet were hitting the rhythm of Takatas Shattered Sight, and though I still couldnt really hear the music, the lyrics settled themselves deep into my head to drive me nuts. Sift the clues from the dust, from my lives, of my will./I loved you then. I love you still.
I should be with Glenn, interviewing Dans neighbors, I complained. I dont need to take the freaking class, just talk to Dans classmates.
My earring swung like a tire swing, and Jenkss wings tickled my neck. Edden doesnt want to give Dr. Anders any warning that shes a suspect. I think its a good idea.
I frowned, my steps growing muffled as I found the carpeted hallway and began watching the numbers on the doors count up. You think its a good idea, do you?
Yeah. But theres one thing he forgot. He snickered. Or maybe he didnt.
I slowed as I saw a group standing outside a door. It was probably mine. Whats that?
Well, he drawled, now that youre taking the class, you fit the profile.
Adrenaline zinged through me and vanished. How about that? I murmured. Damn Edden anyway.
Jenkss laughter was like wind chimes. I shifted my heavy book to my other hip, scanning the small gathering for the person most likely to spill the best gossip. A young woman looked up at me, or Jenks rather, smiling briefly before turning away. She was dressed in jeans like me, with an expensive-looking suede coat over her T-shirt. Casual yet sophisticated. Nice combination. Dropping my bag to the carpet tile, I leaned back against the wall like everyone else, a noncommittal four feet away.
I surreptitiously looked at the book by the womans feet. Noncontact Extensions Using Ley Lines. A tiny wash of relief went through me. I had the right book, at least. Maybe this wouldnt be so bad. I glanced at the frosted glass of the closed door, hearing a muted conversation from inside. Must be the previous class hadnt let out yet.
Jenks rocked my earring, pulling on it. I could ignore that, but when he started singing about inchworms and marigolds, I batted him off.
The woman beside me cleared her throat. Just transfer in? she asked.
Beg pardon? I asked as Jenks flitted back.
She popped her gum, her heavily made-up eyes going from me to the pixy. There arent many of us ley line students. I dont remember seeing you. Do you usually take night classes?
Oh. I pushed myself away from the wall and faced her. No. Im taking a class to, ah, move ahead at work.
She laughed as she tucked her long hair back. Hey, Im right there with you. But by the time I get out of here, theres probably not going to be any jobs left for a film production manager with ley line experience. Everyone seems to be minoring in art these days.
Im Rachel. I extended my hand. And this is Jenks.
Nice to meet you, she said, taking it for an instant. Janine.
Jenks buzzed to her, alighting on her hastily raised hand. Pleasure is all mine, Janine, he said, actually making a bow.
She beamed, utterly delighted. Obviously she hadnt had much contact with pixies. Most stayed outside the city unless employed in the few areas pixies and fairies excelled in: camera maintenance, security, or good old-fashioned sneaking around. Even so, fairies were far more commonly employed, since they ate insects instead of nectar and their food supply was more readily available.
Uh, does Dr. Anders actually teach the class, or does she have an aide do it? I asked.
Janine chuckled, and Jenks flitted back to my earring. Youve heard about her? she asked. Yes, she teaches, seeing as theres not that many of us. Janines eyes pinched. Especially now. We started with more than a dozen, but we lost four when Dr. Anders told us the murderer was taking only ley line witches and to be careful. And then Dan went and quit. She slumped back against the wall, sighing.
The witch hunter? I asked, stifling my smile. I had chosen the right person to stand beside. I made my eyes wide. Youre kidding
Her face went worried. I think thats some of the reason why Dan left. And it was a shame, too. The man was so hot, he could make a sprinkler spark in a rainstorm. He had a big interview. Wouldnt tell me anything. I think he was afraid Id apply for it, too. Looks like he got the job.
My head bobbed as I wondered if this was the news he was going to tell Sara Jane on Saturday. But then a slow burn started in me that perhaps supper at Carew Tower had been a dump dinner, and he chickened out and left without telling her anything.
Are you sure he quit? I asked. Maybe the witch hunter I left my sentence open, and Janine smiled reassuringly.
Yes, he quit. He asked if I wanted to buy his magnetic chalk if he got the job. The bookstore wont take them back once you break the seal.
My face went slack in sudden, real alarm. I didnt know I needed chalk.
Oh, Ive got one you can borrow, she said as she rummaged in her purse. Dr. Anders usually has us sketching something or other: pentagrams, north/south apogeesyou name it, weve traced it. She lumps the lab in with the lecture. Thats why we meet here instead of a lecture hall.
Thanks, I said as I accepted the metallic stick and gripped it along with my book. Pentagrams? I hated pentagrams. My lines were always crooked. Id have to ask Edden if he would pay for a second trip to the bookstore. But then remembering the cost of the class he would probably never be reimbursed for, I decided to go pick up my old school supplies from my mom. Swell. Better give her a call.
Janine saw my sick look, and misunderstanding it, she rushed to say, Oh, dont worry, Rachel. The murderer isnt after us. Really. Dr. Anders said to be careful, but hes only going for experienced witches.
Yeah, I said, wondering if I would be considered experienced or not. I guess.
The conversations around us ceased as Dr. Anderss voice shrilled from behind the door, I dont know whos killing my students. Ive been to too many funerals this month to listen to your foul accusations. And Ill sue you from here back to the Turn if you slander my name!
Janine looked alarmed as she picked up her book and held it to her chest. The students in the hallway shifted from foot to foot and exchanged uneasy looks. From my earring Jenks whispered, So much for keeping Dr. Anders in the dark about her possible suspect status. I nodded, wondering if Edden would let me drop the class now. Its Denon in there with her, Jenks added, and I took a quick breath.
What?
I can smell Denon, he reiterated. Hes in there with Dr. Anders.
Denon? I thought, wondering what my old boss was doing out from behind his desk.
There was a soft murmur, followed by a loud pop. Everyone in the hall but Jenks and me jumped. Janine reached up and touched her ear as if she had just been knocked a good one. Didnt you feel that? she asked me, and I shook my head. She just set a circle without drawing a real one first.
I eyed the door along with everyone else. I didnt know you could set a circle without drawing it. I also didnt like that everybody but Jenks and I had been able to tell she had done it. Feeling as if I was in over my head, I picked my bag up.
The low rumble of my old bosss voice pulled a chill from me. Denon was a living vamp, like Ivy. But he was low-blood, rather than high, having been born a human and infected with the vamp virus later by one of the true undead. And where Ivy had political power because shed been born a vamp and thus was guaranteed to join the undead even if she should die alone with every drop of blood in her, Denon would always be second-class, having to trust that someone would bother to finish turning him after he died.
Get out of my room, Dr. Anders demanded. Before I file harassment charges.
The students all shifted nervously. I wasnt surprised when the frosted glass darkened with a shape behind it. I stiffened with the rest when the door opened and Denon walked out. The man almost had to turn sideways to clear the door frame.
I still maintained my belief that Denon had been a boulder in a previous lifea smooth, river-worn boulder massing about a ton maybe? Being low-blood and having only human strength, he had to work hard to keep up with his dead brethren. The results were a trim waist and oodles of bunching muscles. They pulled at his white dress shirt as he sauntered into the hallway. The stark cotton stood in sharp contrast with his complexion, drawing my eye and holding itjust as he wanted.
The class fell back as he eased past. A cold presence seemed to flow out of the room and pool about him, the remnants of the aura he had probably pulled on Dr. Anders. A confident, dominating smile curved over him as his eyes fastened on me.
Uh, Rachel? Jenks muttered as he flitted to Janine. Ill see you inside, okay?
I said nothing, suddenly feeling too thin and vulnerable.
Ill save you a seat, Janine said, but I didnt look from my old boss. There was a soft rustle as the hallway emptied.
I had been scared of the man, and I was ready and willing to be scared of him now, but something had changed. Though still moving with the grace of a predator, the ageless look he once carried was gone. The hungry cast in his eye, which he didnt bother to hide, told me he was still a practicing vamp, but I was guessing he had lost favor and was no longer tasting the undead, though they were probably still feeding upon him.
Morgan, he said, his words seeming to backwash against the brick wall behind me and give me a shove forward. His voice was just like him, practiced, powerful, and full of a heavy promise. I heard you were whoring for the FIB. Or are we just bettering ourselves?
Hello, Mr. Denon, I said, not dropping his pupil-black eyes. You get bumped down to runner? The hungry lust in his eyes faltered into anger, and I added, Looks like youre doing the runs you gave me. Rescuing familiars out of trees? Checking for valid licenses? How are those homeless bridge trolls doing, anyway?
Denon shifted forward, his eyes intent and his muscles tense. My face went cold, and I found my back against the wall. The sun streaming in from the distant walkway seemed to dim. Like a kaleidoscope, it swirled to look twice as far away as it was. My heart leapt, then settled back into its usual pace. He was trying to pull an aura, but I knew he couldnt do it without me giving him the fear to feed it. I wouldnt be afraid.
Cut the crap, Denon, I said boldly, my stomach knotting. I live with a vamp who could eat you for breakfast. Save the aura for someone who cares.
Still, he pressed close until he was the only thing I could see. I had to look up, and it ticked me off. His breath was warm, and I could smell the tang of blood on it. My pulse pounded, and I hated that he knew I was afraid of him still.
Anyone here but you and me? he said, his voice as smooth as chocolate milk.
Hand moving in a slow, controlled motion, I reached for the grip of my splat gun. The brick scraped my knuckles, but as my fingers touched the handle, my confidence raced back. Just you, me, and my splat gun. Touch me, and Ill drop you. I smiled right back at him. What do you suppose I put in my splat balls? Might be kind of hard to explain why someone from the I.S. had to come out here and hose you off with saltwater, huh? Id say that would be good for a laugh for at least a year. I watched his eyes shift to hate.
Back up, I said clearly. If I pull it, I use it.
He backed up. Walk away from this, Morgan, he threatened. This is my run.
That explains why the I.S. is spinning its wheels. Maybe you should go back to ticketing parked cars and let a professional take care of it.
His breath hissed out, and I found strength in his anger. Ivy was right. There was fear in the back of his soul. Fear that someday the undead vampires that fed on him would lose control and kill him. Fear that they wouldnt bring him back as one of their brothers.
He should be afraid.
This is an I.S. matter, he said. Interfere, and Ill have you down in lockup. He smiled, flashing me his human teeth. If you thought being in Kalamacks cage was bad, wait until you see mine.
My confidence cracked. The I.S. knew about that? Dont get your falsies in a twist, I said snidely. Im here on a missing person, not your murders.
Missing person, he mocked. Thats a good story. Id stick with it. Try to keep your tag alive this time. He gave me a final glance before he started down the hallway to the sun and the distant sound of the commissary. You wont be Tamwoods pet forever, he said, not turning around. Then, Im coming for you.
Yeah, whatever, I said even as a sliver of my old fear tried to surface. I quashed it as I pulled my hand away from the small of my back. I wasnt Ivys pet, though living with her gave me a heap of protection from Cincinnatis vamp population. She wasnt in a position of power, but as the last living member of the Tamwood family, she had a leader-in-waiting status honored by wise vamps both living and dead.
I took a deep breath to try to dispel the weakness in my knees. Great. Now I had to go into class after they had probably started.
Thinking my day couldnt possibly get any worse, I gathered myself and walked into the room lit brightly from the bank of windows overlooking the campus. As Janine had said, it was set up like a lab, with two people sitting on stools at each of the high slate tables. Janine was by herself talking to Jenks, clearly having saved me the spot next to her.
Ozone from Dr. Anderss hastily constructed circle caught at me. The circle was gone, but my sinuses tingled at the remnants of power. I glanced at its source at the front of the room.
Dr. Anders sat at an ugly metal desk before a traditional blackboard. She had her elbows on the table, her head in her hands. I could see her thin fingers trembling, and I wondered if it was from Denons accusations or that she had pulled upon the ever-after strong enough to make a circle without the aid of a physical manifestation. The class seemed unusually quiet.
Her hair was back in a severe bun, gray streaks making unflattering lines through the black. She looked older than my mother, dressed in a conservative pair of tan slacks and a tasteful blouse. Trying not to draw attention to myself, I slipped past the first two rows of tables and sat beside Janine. Thanks, I whispered.
Her eyes were wide as I tucked my bag under the table. You work for the I.S.?
I glanced at Dr. Anders. I used to. I quit last spring.
I didnt think you could quit the I.S., she said, her face going even more full of wonder.
Shrugging, I pushed my hair out of the way so Jenks could land on his usual spot. It wasnt easy. I followed her attention to the front of the room as Dr. Anders stood.
The tall woman was as scary as I remembered, with a long thin face, and a nose that wouldnt be out of place on a pre-Turn depiction of a witch. No wart, though, and her complexion wasnt green. She reeked of tenure, gathering the classs attention by simply standing. The tremor was gone from her hands as she took up a sheaf of papers.
Dropping a pair of wire-rimmed glasses down to perch on her nose, she made a show of studying her notes. Id have been willing to bet they had a spell on them to see through ley line charms as well as correct her sight, and I wished I had the gall to put my own glasses on and see if she used ley line magic to make her look that unattractive or if it was all her. A sigh shifted her narrow shoulders as she looked up, her gaze going right to mine through her spelled glasses. I see, she said, her voice making my spine crawl, that we have a new face today.
I gave her a false smile. It was obvious she recognized me; her face had scrunched up like a prune.
Rachel Morgan, she said.
Here, I said, my voice flat.
A wisp of annoyance flashed over her. I know who you are. Low heels clicking, she came to stand before me. Leaning forward, she peered at Jenks. Who might you be, pixy sir?