“So we lost everything because of me?”
“It wasn’t your fault,” said Callie. She still looked scared, but she’d come close enough to pat my hand awkwardly before ducking out of my reach.
“It is,” I insisted.
“Marty, what’s happened can’t be changed. We already knew that getting Reginald to agree to return was a long shot. I’ll start searching out new locations tomorrow. We can’t stay here long and we need a place to work out of. Clients can’t easily reach us here in the Fae Realm,” said Sterling.
“I may have a solution to that,” said Lochlan. “There is space at the Wolf Agency’s office. We recently expanded it to bring in more investigators. You can rent the extra rooms there.”
“You’d have us relying on your charity even more. What do you get out of it?” I asked.
“Who said I got anything out of it?” said Lochlan.
“So you made this offer out of good will?” I asked.
“Why couldn’t that be true?”
“Because that’s not how things work and you darn well know it. So, I repeat, what are you getting out of it?”
“Marty, that’s enough,” interrupted Sterling.
“No, let me address this. I’m not putting you under my control or offering you charity. You’ll pay for the space and can pay for rent at one of my residences until you find a place. Unless you’d rather live on the streets and peddle your services there. I doubt many people will hire an investigator off the street,” said Lochlan.
“Why –”
“The choice isn’t yours, it’s mine. We’ll accept if the terms are agreeable. I’ll chat with you separately about this,” said Sterling.
“But –”
“Enough, Marty. We have more things to worry about than whatever petty grievance you have against Lochlan,” said Sterling.
Lochlan’s eyes bored into mine, pleading for understanding. I didn’t give my trust away freely, it had to be earned. Lochlan managed to weasel his way into my life, first with forcing me to partner with him on the missing necklace and grimoire cases. Now, he was offering us the chance to co-locate at his work in addition to staying at his home.
I seethed and waited to see if Lochlan told us what his news was. Lochlan broke away from the staring contest we were in.
“I do have news, but I wish it was better news. King Kazar and his council agreed to hear my petition, but they won’t convene until the next full moon,” said Lochlan.
“That’s almost a month away!” I shouted. “Anything can happen to Zander in that time. He’s defenseless.”
“This isn’t good news. Is there anything we can do to get into their realm sooner?” asked Sterling.
“Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do. We can pursue more about the Shadow Realm. Someone still needs to have a chat with the Sisterhood,” said Lochlan.
“I suggest we retire for what’s left of the day. It’s been a trying couple of days. In the morning, we can discuss who visits the Sisterhood,” said Sterling. “Lochlan, let’s chat outside.”
They left us and I trudged down to the basement unsure how to handle my competing emotions.
12
The following morning, I met Miles at the Enforcers Training Academy, once again without my canine companion. When we got to the training area, a half a dozen mages were scattered around it. I felt their magic charged and ready for use.
“I see you’re taking precautions,” I said.
“Now that I know what I’m dealing with and your unique challenges, I’m taking a different approach to your training,” said Miles.
“I feel all warm and fuzzy when you say those things. Do you really think I’m special?”
Miles’ face flushed and he clenched his fists, but he kept his temper in check. Must be part of the enforcer training – learning to be stoic in the face of anything.
Training wasn’t any better than the first time. When it came time to use my magic in training, I felt the addictive pull of it. A small and dark side of me, didn’t want to stop. Even the littlest opening of my magic created an uncontrollable and unstoppable rush. Only this time, I wasn’t immobilized and in need of a healer.
Once training wrapped up, I set out to finally make some progress on my cases. We needed the money, but finding out how my father was connected to the ripple in the realm, the weird deal with the shadows and how to protect against him was still a top priority.
I made my way to the Vertical Horizons Community Center. The Center was tucked in between a laundry mat and a park. The park was really more of a playground than anything and it was connected to the Center by a fence. There was a semi-rusted playground set and some mulch scattered around it.
Once inside the center, I approached the receptionist. She was a motherly type with hair lightly sprinkled with silver and warm brown eyes. She looked at me and smiled.
“Do you need some assistance, Miss?” she asked.
I didn’t want to lead with being a PI. Not everyone was fond of us and revealing my job tended to close more doors than it opened.
“One of my friends told me about the art lessons here. She said that they were amazing and it’s something I always wanted to try.”
The woman looked me up and down probably taking note of the leather I wore and the sword and gun strapped to me. She wasn’t buying my story, but good manners dictated that she couldn’t call me out on it.
“I know that I totally don’t seem the type. My mom was an artist, God rest her soul. She always wanted me to paint. I refused and now it’s too late.”
The woman’s expression softened and her eyes got glossy with unshed tears.
“I can’t leave the desk, but I’ll call someone who can show you to the art room.”
“I’d appreciate that. This means a lot to me.”
“I’m sure it does, dearie.”
She spoke
