Part 27 (1/2)

It feels like a waste, she complained, to go to all this trouble for one paranormal. Is it someone whos important to Dacer?

Maybe, I said. I honestly couldnt figure out what Dacer wanted. He had been strange about it since he had told me about this latest mission. She was a professor here, so he probably knew her, or maybe his mother did.

Sip nodded. Whats the name?

He didnt tell me, I said.

If it had been anyone but Dacer, that would have made me nervous. But I had forgotten to ask at the time, and Dacer, who was usually very forthcoming with information about these missions, hadnt offered.

We took brooms. Sip, who hated flying, and I, who hated heights, were not happy about it, but there was no quicker way to get there.

Lough had his own broom and was having a delightful time zooming around and laughing.

Lough, if you cant be serious you shouldnt be here, said Sip irritably. Lough ignored her.

We left just as dusk arrived on Sat.u.r.day night. We usually worked through the night, missing the ma.s.sive parties that were now commonplace at Public.

I cant believe Oliva lets them happen, Sip had said the last time we pa.s.sed a group of Starters carrying what I was sure was alcohol.

Hes always with Caid, I said, frowning, looking for the Key.

Sip nodded. Does Oliva really think that if Faci finds it, hes just going to turn it over to the paranormals?

As far as hes concerned, Faci is just a student at Public, I said worriedly. Theres no reason for him to believe Faci wouldnt.

Sip snorted. We all knew that Faci was a Nocturn. We also had reason to believe that Dobrov still had the Key, though we hadnt seen him since the night of Tactical and we couldnt even hazard a guess as to what he intended to do with it.

We were soaring high over the treetops. It was nearly December and the air was cold, but it had yet to snow. With winter coming and the days getting darker, I was glad Sip and Lough had moved into Astra. Lough had claimed his own apartment right off the kitchen and said that he never planned to leave, while Sip had taken the bedroom across the hall from mine. She had left the room as it was, decorated in patterns of fire. She said that when Lisabelle came back they would both return to Airlee, and I didnt have the heart to tell her that I didnt think that was ever going to happen.

We landed on a dirt road halfway up the mountainside. I wasnt sure Dacer had informed the professor that we were coming; he usually gave the people we were scheduled to visit a warning, but he also didnt always tell us whether he had or not, and I didnt want to give the old woman a fright.

Sip, Lough, and I started to trudge up the dirt path.

After what felt like hours of walking, Lough said, There, and pointed to a cottage nestled in the trees. There was smoke coming out of the chimney.

How idyllic, Sip murmured. Although it was long past the season for a garden, there were flower beds and a perfectly tended vegetable patch out front. The cottage was painted white with brown shutters and blended well into the side of the mountain. Id kept my eyes out for any signs of demons, but there were none. We were in a very remote area. Why, oh why, would Dacer want us to come here?

Chapter Thirty-Eight.

Come on, said Lough, stepping up to the front door. He had just raised his hand to knock when it swung open to reveal an elderly woman. She might have been about the age of Dacers mother, but she didnt look anywhere near as agile.

If youve come to kill me, you might as well get it over with, said the woman in a raspy voice. She didnt look the least bit afraid.

We exchanged glances and I stepped forward. We arent here to kill you, I said.

The womans face instantly brightened, but I thought it was from the sound of my voice more than from what I had said.

Ah, Charlotte, she murmured. You sound just like your mother. I knew Dacer would get you here eventually. How did he manage it?

I was too stunned to speak. It was only now, in the dim light, that I realized that the woman was half-blind.

Did you think we were demons? Sip asked.

The woman chuckled. No, I knew you werent. I could sense you from a mile away, but I didnt know you were friends, either. I cant get news up here, but Dacer promised to send Charlotte when he could. I had started to think he had forgotten about me.

The woman was dressed simply, all in black, as if she were in mourning, with a sheer black veil covering her gray hair. Her wrinkled hands were laid over a black cane, and she was so hunched over that she was nearly as short as Sip. Clearly, though, her mind was still sharp.

Dacer said you were a professor at Public at one time? I asked.

The old woman nodded, still eyeing me strangely.

For many years, she said.

What were you a professor of?

Inter-paranormal relations, she said dryly. Speaking of which, are you here to fix my Power of Five or arent you?

I nodded. We are.

And youll stay for dinner afterward? she asked crisply, ushering us in.

I suppose, I said. I wasnt sure that had been the plan; it was already late, and I didnt want Rake to be at a loss as to what to do about our absence. But she seemed insistent.

Im Evellin Earls, she said. Professor Earls. Dont bother introducing yourselves. I know who you all are. She waved Loughs outstretched hand away. Very good, she said. Ill be in the kitchen.

She moved slowly, using her cane. Unlike with Dacers mother, she seemed to need it. It wasnt just for show.

Her tiny cottage was spotless. There was a worn blue rug just inside the door and a crackling fire in the sitting room.

Where do you need to be? Lough asked me, looking around skeptically.

Anywhere, I said. The magic of the Power of Five is all around the house. If the s.h.i.+eld were operating, it might be better if I touched it, like when I strengthened the s.h.i.+elds around Public. But here Ill just sit in the living room.

I like it better not having to sneak in, Sip commented, pacing around the room and looking at all the pictures.

I have a feeling we couldnt sneak up on her if we tried, I whispered.

Sip grinned and nodded. I wonder why Dacer sent us here.

I shrugged. Im going to strengthen the Power and then figure it out.

Im going to go help her with dinner, said Lough thoughtfully. She shouldnt have to do it all on her own.

By help you mean see if she has snacks? Sip asked sternly, fixing him with a purple-eyed stare.

Yes, said Lough. That too.