said before I could, and Zack frowned. “I mean, I’m sure you could,” Trent amended. “But until we can get elf magic working enough to at least make a decent circle, I’d prefer it if you stay here.”
Zack leaned back, chair creaking as his arms went over his chest. “I can take care of myself,” he said, but being still wet behind his ears and in a borrowed robe kind of ruined it.
“No question about it,” Trent said, ignoring Zack’s ire. “Anyone who can live on the streets for a week in the Hollows has enough smarts and skills to take care of themselves.”
It seemed to satisfy Zack, but I had my doubts. The I.S. had probably had a pool going as to when I’d find Zack squatting in my church and how badly I’d break his nose. Honestly, the entire I.S. force was pretty loose on what laws it enforced when there was no one complaining.
“But the real reason is that I don’t want you anywhere near Landon until I know you’re not working with him to bring me down,” Trent said, and Zack’s expression fell.
“Oh.” Zack eased his chair back onto four legs. “That would be easier to prove if you let me do something.”
“True.” Trent glanced at me, and I shook my head. I wasn’t going to have him with me when I was spelling. Mistakes happened, especially when you thought you had everything under control. “I could use some help in trying to get the Goddess to look on us more favorably,” Trent said, and Zack made a sour face. “Being from the dewar, you might have a few ideas I’ve not thought of.”
“Trent,” I whispered, and smiling, he gave my hand a squeeze and let go. Zack had no idea how ruthless Trent could be when pushed. If Zack betrayed him, the kid might end up dead, and that would haunt Trent forever. This wasn’t any safer than spelling with me.
“I’ll get a fire going in my spelling hut,” Trent said as he folded his napkin and set it aside. “That way, Rachel won’t be in any danger if the Goddess puts in an appearance.”
Zack laughed, then went ashen when he realized Trent was serious.
“Give me ten minutes to get a fire started.” Trent stood, his motion slowing when he glanced at the small stack of journals waiting on a side table.
“Go ahead,” I said as I saw his dilemma. “I’ll ask Ivy to meet me at the church.”
Trent jerked to a quick halt. “I thought you’d be working here. Do you want the spelling hut? Zack and I can find somewhere else. I’ve got six kitchens on the grounds, and that’s not including the stables.”
I shook my head, wincing at the thought. Spelling and horses did not mix.
“What’s wrong with my spelling hut?” Trent rocked back, arms over his front. “It’s a nice area to work in.”
“In the summer,” I said, loving Trent but not his appreciation for the old ways. “If you don’t mind not having any air-conditioning or running water. Or a bathroom,” I finished, and Zack choked on his last swallow of coffee.
“You don’t have running water in your spelling lab?” he said when he could talk again.
Trent’s ears colored. “If it was good enough for my mother, it is good enough for me,” he said. “It’s highly secure. Zack, you wouldn’t even be able to find it if I didn’t show it to you.”
Zack’s eyes lit up and he stood. “Cool.”
But I had already made my choice, and I set my bowl of sweet milk on the floor for Buddy. “Thanks for the offer, but no. I probably have everything I need in my old room, salvaged from the kitchen. And the garden is right there if I don’t. Hodin left a slate table in the sanctuary, and there won’t be any Weres since we didn’t pay them last week.” I hesitated, seeing Trent’s misgivings. “Running water in the bathroom,” I added, thinking, Peace and quiet.
“It’s too cold for Jenks,” Trent warned. “You need someone to watch your back.”
“The heat is on. Jenks will be fine.” I poured myself a last cup of coffee to take with me. I could leave the mug at the gatehouse, five miles down the road. “I’ll call Ivy before she leaves work and see if she can get me some blood samples from the suspects, and maybe a few ringers to sanction the results. Do a blind study.”