Magic Misled (Lizzie Grace #7) - Keri Arthur Page 0,105
young and had little control over her power ten years ago. That is not the case now.”
“And have you unleashed her on a temporary or permanent basis?” Ashworth said.
“Given the current situation, I think we both know my ties to the woman have been severed.” A faint smile touched his lips. “That will, of course, make her more dangerous. Do not, under any circumstances, underestimate her.”
“Oh, I make a habit of never underestimating anyone.”
“Which is why, like me, you have lived to a grand age.” He collected his phone and then rose. “It’s been a pleasure talking to you. If you’d be so kind as to take care of my tab, it would be appreciated.”
“One more question before you leave,” Ashworth said. “Have you any suggestion as to how we track her down given her familiarity with magic and protection?”
Henry smiled. It was a cold, dark, and cruel thing to behold. “How do you think? With blood and bait.”
With that, he left. My legs buckled as relief swept through me, and I hastily sat down. “Fucking hell, he was scary. More so than the one we dealt with on the reservation.”
“And canny too, given it’s doubtful he ever made it onto the Heretic Investigations Center’s fifteen most wanted list.”
I frowned. “What makes you say that?”
He motioned for the bill. “The fact he had no fear of meeting us here today.”
“Except he did make you swear not to take action against him on this matter.”
“He wouldn’t have agreed to providing any information on any matter if he’d in any way feared it getting back into HIC’s hands.”
Huh. “What did he mean when he said his severing ties would make her more dangerous? I’d have thought the opposite.”
“It would suggest his hold over her—via his magic and his demons—was the only thing keeping her on an even keel. She’ll either go full psycho or slip into full incoherence and be unable to function.”
“I’m hoping for the latter, but I’m thinking we’ll get the former.”
“On that, we agree.” He paid the bill and then rose. “We’d best be getting back. The rangers will need a full report on what we’ve learned.”
“I’ll ring Aiden now and get him to meet us at the café.”
Ashworth opened the door and ushered me through. “Why there and not the ranger station?”
“Because it feels like I’ve been bathing in a slick of evil. I need a long hot shower followed by several large glasses of whiskey to feel normal again.” I glanced at him as we moved toward his truck. “I was under the impression dark or blood witches were all eventually consumed by the forces and the demons they did business with, so why has Henry been able to retire?”
“Because he obviously made a far better contract with his demons than many others.” Ashworth said. “As I’ve said, he’s a canny one.”
“And someone I hope we never have to go near again.”
“Indeed.”
We jumped into his truck and headed out of Melbourne. My call to Aiden went to voicemail, so I left a message saying Ashworth and I had information about the rogue and needed him—or one of his rangers—to meet us at the café at three. I then sent a similar message to Monty.
It was near two-thirty by the time we made it back to Castle Rock. Ashworth dropped me off with a promise he’d be back in half an hour. There were half a dozen customers inside the café, which was pretty good given it was that awkward midpoint between lunch and afternoon tea. I wound my way through the tables, greeting everyone I knew, and then bounded up the stairs to the apartment.
“Well, someone’s in a hurry—” Ava’s gaze widened. “That’s a rather nasty magical aftertaste you’ve got lingering around you, Lizzie.”
“Yeah, and I’m about to do something about it.” I glanced past her. “Belle, Aiden, Ashworth, and Monty will be here at three.”
She nodded. “You wanting alcohol after the shower?”
“Hell, yes.”
By the time I was clean and dressed, it was close to three. I raked a brush through my hair, then twisted it up into a ponytail and headed out into the living area.
Belle handed me a large glass of whiskey. “I’ve asked Penny to stay back and close up for us. She’ll send the men up when they arrive.”
“Excellent thinking, Ninety-Nine.” The ice clinked softly as I took a long drink and then sighed in happiness. “That feels decidedly better.”
Ava laughed. “Drink the rest of that so fast, and we won’t be getting