on the Order. He’s fried three computers so far, and the only thing he’s found is that they began as one of the human-only security groups that evolved in the first few years of the Turn. Most joined the FIB when it formed. The rest went underground. Their reach, I’m afraid to admit, is far beyond mine. And unlike the FIB, they have no qualms about using magic.”
Which explained that eagle amulet that Weast used to dampen my contact with a ley line. “At least they aren’t a hate group.” I watched the elevator, glad my back wasn’t to it, as was Zack’s. “They did lock up HAPA when we caught them.”
“True.” Trent grimaced. “But the farmer doesn’t hate his cows, even as he considers them inferior and keeps them in pens.” His eye twitched and his lips pressed together. “There he is.”
Zack turned, his face pale when he spun back around. “I’m not leaving with him.”
My jaw clenched, and I stood when Trent rose. Gawky, Zack got to his feet as well. I swear, Zack, if you are playing us, I will put a bow on you and give you to a demon.
Landon was in a suit, the purple ribbon of his office about his neck going well with his tie. He wore rings on his right hand, the one on his Jupiter finger looking like a more ornate version of Zack’s. I’d have been willing to bet that the amulet he had on held magic. And the pin on his lapel. And maybe his cuff links. But as I unfocused my attention and brought my second sight into play, it was his aura that was the most compelling. Zack was right. Something was wrong. It looked transparent, as if something was missing. It wasn’t nearly enough to go to the FIB or the I.S. with, though, and my fingers itched to do the curse and see the damage myself.
Landon’s security was all in black suits and sporting short military-style haircuts, even the woman. I couldn’t help but notice they all had that same pinkie ring, and I wondered if it was part of the security package. I met the woman’s eyes, reading in her quick assessment of me that she wouldn’t dismiss me as arm candy as the other two had, and I lifted my chin, telling her in language older than speech that I wouldn’t hurt her, if she didn’t hurt me.
But she shrugged and touched her sidearm. She’d do what she had to, and I sighed and fingered my splat gun through the supple leather of my purse. It was going to be like that, then.
“I’m not leaving with you,” Zack said before Landon could widen his pretend smile.
Landon ignored Zack, apart from a glance thick with annoyance, and my own eyes narrowed. “Good morning, Trent,” he said, ignoring me as well as his three security detail spread out, each taking a stance at a nearby table. The few people about had noticed, their conversations becoming tense.
“Trent, don’t shake his hand,” I said as I looked at Landon’s aura again, and Trent smoothly shifted his extended arm to a gesture inviting him to sit. Trent’s aura was just as bright and clear as always, the sparkles that he and Ivy shared trailing after him like pixy dust.
“Please. Have a seat,” Trent said. “Thank you for agreeing to meet with us.”
I stifled a shudder and dropped my second sight as Trent came around behind Zack to help me with my seat. Zack’s aura was bright green, sporting slashes of purple and those same damn red streaks that spoke of a troubled past. And sparkles. No wonder Trent liked him. I looked up as I finished scooting my chair in, surprised that Landon was still standing.
“I’m not staying,” he said as Trent returned to his seat. “I’m here to collect my acolyte.”
“No, you aren’t,” Zack said, chin high and cheeks red.
Trent paused, halfway down to his chair, and from above came Jenks’s wing snap.
“Yes, I am,” Landon said, and I cleared my throat as Trent pulled himself upright.
“Perhaps the gentlemen should sit down if they’re going to argue over where a nearly legal adult is going to park his ass,” I said with my most fetching smile. There were other people in this restaurant, and they all had phones. I’d had my fill of my bad temper landing on social media.
Landon smiled as he sat. It was fake, but Zack sighed in relief.