She laughed at the absurdity of it all. Until they took care of his brother, one way or another, he’d need to get used to being alone.
Her phone rang, breaking her out of the thoughts, and she pulled it out of her purse. She’d expected it to be the bounty hunter but was surprised by a different, albeit familiar, number.
“Hey, Professor. Didn’t expect a call from you at this time of night.”
“Good evening, Miz Carson. I never know when you’re going to be available, so I figured it’s always best to call as soon as I’m interested.
“That’s a good policy.”
The Professor chuckled. “Ah, right then. I called to tell you I’d like to meet with you tomorrow evening to discuss another job opportunity, one that is time-sensitive.”
“Is it the one you were talking about before?”
“Aye. I’ve finally gathered all the details I need, and I’d like to get on it sooner rather than later. We potentially have a narrow window.”
“Nothing new about that,” Shay observed. “I’m assuming you want me to meet you at the same place?”
“Aye. I feel most comfortable at the pub.” The Professor laughed.
Curiosity bubbled up. “Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why do you feel so comfortable at some Irish pub discussing serious business instead of some locked-down office or something somewhere?
“I can see how that might confuse a person.” The Professor exhaled loudly. “Do you know the legend of the Leanan Sídhe?”
“Your bar has a legend? I imagine it involves some old tomb raider who once drank from a magical infinite beer glass but managed to empty it. Or that Bard of Filth thing.”
The Professor laughed. “The first would be truly a wondrous thing, and the second is grand, but no, I was speaking of the eponymous faerie.”
“Don’t know a lot about Leanan Sídhe. They are Celtic faeries. They take a lover and drain their lifeforce, but it’s not totally a parasitic thing because they can act as a muse and provide inspiration to artists. Their lovers will die young, but their work will leave a great impact.” She blew out a breath. “I don’t know if they are real. I’ve run into too many legendary creatures to assume they aren’t.”
“Aye, that about covers it. There are variations to the legends, but you mentioned all the most important points.”
Shay furrowed her brow. “Why are we suddenly having a quiz on Celtic faeries? Does the job involve one, or do you just really like the name of the bar?”
“I do like the name, but it goes deeper than that.” The Professor chuckled. “Because I’m going to grant you a gift, rare insight into my background. I like the place because, first and foremost, the beer is of excellent quality, and secondly, because the name is a reminder that greatness often has a cost. Few people accomplish anything of merit without sacrifice.”
Shay shrugged. “True enough, but some people don’t seek greatness.”
“Alas, sometimes greatness is thrust upon people.”
“Not if people are hiding well enough.”
The Professor chuckled. “I suppose. We’ll talk again tomorrow, Miz Carson.” He ended the call before she could reply.
Shay stared at the phone.
I think I like happy Father O’Banion more than the brooding, philosophical Professor.
Shay wondered which of Smite-Williams’ faces she was going to have to deal with as she pushed into the pub and made her way through the crowd to the Professor’s preferred booth in the back. He gave her a slight wave and took a sip of his beer as she sat across from him.
“Good evening, Miz Carson.”
His cheeks weren’t all that red, which was a good sign. Or maybe it wasn’t. It was hard to be sure about the man.
Not only that, she assumed Smite-Williams used his drunken reputation and persona to manipulate people’s perceptions of him when it suited his needs. The man reeked of competence and danger in a way even Brownstone didn’t.
Shay nodded. “What do you have for me, Professor?”
“A simple job.”
“Simple jobs don’t require tomb raiders, especially ones who want as much money as I do.”
The Professor laughed. “It’s simple in that no one else is looking for the artifact and it’s not being defended. It’s just in a difficult and dangerous location to access.”
Shay nodded. “’Simpler,’ then. Not ‘simple.’”
“Aye.” The Professor downed some more beer before continuing. “There are subterranean caves connected to Lake Michigan near Chicago. Normally, the caves aren’t accessible except under certain conditions. I’ve become aware that the caves are currently passable and will be for a short period, which is why I spoke of this job being time-sensitive.”
Shay narrowed her eyes. “What conditions? I need to know what I’m getting into.”
“Cold, mostly. It interfaces with a magical spell that normally both blocks and cloaks the caves. Even when they are exposed, the spell keeps the water out.”
Cold? Yulia better not show up. Actually, no, I hope she does so I can show her who is more dangerous.
“Neat trick. So, you want me to swim into some caves from Lake Michigan? Sounds like fun.”
“Aye. These caves will be flooded, so you’ll need to be extra careful.”
Shay chuckled. “Pretty damn cold in Lake Michigan right now.”
“Says the woman who dove into a lake in the Alps.” He punctuated his sentence with a sip of his beer. “I’m sure it won’t prove much of a problem for a woman of your experience and talents.”
“Not saying it will be, but also not saying I love swimming in cold water, even geared up.”
“Understandable,” the Professor replied.
Shay wasn’t that worried about the water, all bitching aside. She was more concerned about her target.
“What’s in the caves?”
“A small stone with symbols on it. Very small. Very portable, unlike large ancient Chinese weapons.” The Professor set down his beer and pulled out his phone. “You might find something else there, but this job—and the money—is focused on this stone. That’s what I’m paying you to find.”
Shay’s face twitched. A black and white photo of a familiar-looking stone filled the screen. The shape was slightly different than the one she’d recovered
