“I have a full case load.”
“I’ll triple your normal fee to be your priority case.”
If we didn’t so desperately need money, I’d have dumped him off on the Wolf Agency. They could handle this case just as well as we could.
“Triple? You’ve got yourself a deal. And, can you clear time for me to interview the donors and the household? I also need to speak with any of your vampires who were sickened?”
“I can agree to the first two. I’ll need permission for the last request. Come two hours before dark falls. You can meet with the donors then.”
“And Marty.”
“Yes?”
“The donors smell just like you.”
“So they have suddenly become irresistible?”
“No, they smell of decay.”
Xavier left and I returned to my desk puzzling over what he said. I smelled of something dying. Why am I in any way connected to his donors? I avoided them and vamps as much as possible. Xavier was the first vamp I’d had contact with in months.
“So Marty, the vampire says you stink,” said Callie, who giggled.
“Sure, cue the jokes now. It’s better than him going rabid every time he sees me and wanting to drain me dry,” I said.
Sterling walked through the door. “Did I just see Xavier? I can take care of him for you Marty. Did he touch you?”
“No, he says she stinks,” said Callie, who dissolved into laughter.
I rolled my eyes.
“What?”
“Sterling, I need to run out to the Dark Side. We can chat later,” I said.
“I have perfect timing then,” said Lochlan from behind me.
I’ll admit, I jumped just the tiniest bit. He smiled at me and I darn near melted. Stupid hormones.
“I saw King Kazar,” said Lochlan.
“Wait, did you see Zander?” I asked.
“I did and he’s …”
“He’s what?” asked Sterling.
“Zander is well enough, but he’s managed to get himself tied to a female djinn.”
“Tell me you’re kidding,” I said.
“I wish I was. How much do you all know about djinns?” asked Lochlan.
“I doubt any of us know anything about them,” said Sterling.
“I’ll start at the basics then. Djinns are a secretive group and guard their kingdom well. They are known to be both kind and good as well as mean and evil.”
“How can they be both?”
“It’s part of their dual natures. I don’t completely understand it myself. When they form a connection with someone, it’s until they fulfill three wishes for that person.”
“That should be easy. Zander should be back any day then,” I said.
“He’s resisting, which is creating problems for the djinn.”
“Leave it to Zander to create upheaval for an entire realm,” I said.
“They will not hurt him. That bond is part of a sacred and honored tradition. He’ll come back only once it’s complete. Aside from that, I got an interesting lead. Remember that visit to the Sisterhood you wanted to make? It turns out the Sisterhood sent that female djinn to my house. Evidently, there is a connection between seers and djinn,” said Lochlan.
“They are on my shit list now. I didn’t like them much before, but now I want to kick all of their crazy, future-seeing butts. Why send a djinn after Zander?” I asked. “And since when do the Sisters have allies. As far as I knew, they never form alliances. Aren’t they supposed to be neutral?”
“That’s how it’s always been. The Sisterhood was apart from everything. Do you think this could have something to do with Zander’s curse?” asked Lochlan.
“It’s possible,” said Sterling. “And, I know you are working your cases, but visiting the Sisterhood needs to be top priority, Marty. Lochlan can be your partner for that.”
I inwardly groaned. Those Sisters were crazy. Last time I’d been there, they attacked us and nearly killed Zander. But, this time I had magic, so I wasn’t defenseless. And I’d be damned if I’d show up weaponless again. Oh, and having Lochlan didn’t hurt either. He packed some serious power.
“I’ll head out now, but I’m also going to the Dark Side. I can knock out both visits before nightfall,” I said.
“Very well. Are you accompanying her, Lochlan?” asked Sterling.
Lochlan moved to stand behind me, “I sure am.”
“Guess it’s decided, should we be off?” I asked.
Lochlan and I piled into Betty and drove to the access point for the Dark Side. The last time I’d gone to the Dark Side was to get help from Livinia to save Jennica, when she was missing. I’d also seen Garen, the Rune Mage. I’d asked him about the runes I’d seen on the shadow mage, who I now knew was my father. I’d have to visit both of them again on this trip.
“As much as I like working with you, I didn’t see shopping as part of our partnership. Why are we at a Pawn Shop?” asked Lochlan.
“Because I feel the need to buy some second-hand things. Do you think they sell boots? I miss my boots and these are darn near damaged beyond repair. And we still aren’t partners, you’re assisting me.”
“Be serious, Marty.”
“What makes you think I’m not serious?”
“Call it what you like, but we work well together. I’m sure that’s not all we could do well with each other.”
If he leered, I was punching him.
When I didn’t respond and instead headed for the counter, Lochlan stayed quiet. He followed me like a good assistant. There might be hope for him yet.
“Slav, old buddy, old pal, old chap.”
The ogre blinked slowly in an uncomprehending manner. Great, he is playing stupid today. I didn’t have the time or patience for this crap.
Slav didn’t like me much, so the friendly greeting probably pissed him off. Then, his eyes locked in on Muffin and his face bleached to color of bone. His body started shaking violently. What on earth?
“No … no, dogs. And never devil dogs. Bad, bad dogs. Keep him away.”
“The dog comes with me. Get over yourself and let us pass.”
Slav took a step back to compose himself, although he was still a sickly
