scent of earth. After a quick check that no one else was around, he took the few steps to the crypt’s entrance and pulled on the rusted sconce beside it. Soundlessly, the door swung open.
He slipped in and used another sconce to close the door. Simultaneously, a section of the crypt’s floor slid back, revealing a set of worn steps leading into the earth. Into the Pelcrum. The headquarters for all the secret and not-so-secret dealings of the fae. He strode down into the cavern, the soft glow of the gas lamps along the wide hall welcoming him as he made his way past a number of doors to open the double set at the end.
Fenton waited at the grand meeting table in the war room, as did a large mug of coffee at Augustine’s place. “Morning. How are things?”
Augustine knew exactly what Fenton meant. He settled into his chair and took a drink of coffee before answering. “She finally left her room and came down to breakfast.”
Fenton’s brows lifted. “That’s… good. I guess. Any change other than that?”
Augustine shook his head. “No. Ava Mae is still running the show. She said she’s going out shopping today.”
“Maybe you should have one of the lieutenants trail her.”
“I planned to. I put a tracker on the car. Actually, let me call Cylo before we go any further.” As an ethos fae, Cy could mimic anyone so long as he’d seen them. So even though Ava Mae knew what he looked like, he could choose a new identity and keep himself perfectly hidden. In fact, he could change his look throughout the day, never giving her the slightest hint she was being watched. Augustine grabbed his Life Management Device, unlocked the screen and tapped Cy’s speed dial.
Fenton frowned. “Is your com cell not working?”
Augustine touched the tiny gray dot stuck behind his ear. “It’s fine. Just a little early for voices in my head.” Using the LMD manually turned the com cell off automatically.
Cy answered. “Hey boss, what’s up? How’s our girl?”
“She’s the same.” Cy and Harlow had bonded over their shared geek love of online gaming and a sci-fi show called Star Alliance. “She’s also why I’m calling you. Ava Mae plans to go out shopping today. I want you to tail her, make sure she doesn’t do anything to harm Harlow.”
“You got it. She’ll never know I’m there.”
“That’s the plan. Check in with me when you can; otherwise, just call me when she returns home.”
“You got it, boss. How do I find her?”
“She’s in Olivia’s red Bentley. The car has a tracker on it but so does her purse. As soon as we hang up, I’ll send you the links for both. You shouldn’t have any trouble locating her.”
“Cool. I’m on it.”
Augustine hung up, swiping his finger over the screen and sending the links as promised. Then he set his LMD down and picked up his coffee. “That’s one less thing to worry about today. What else is new? Any ideas on how to get Harlow back? Nekai turn anything up?”
Fenton’s slow nod was a sure sign there was something new. “I’ll get to what’s new in a moment. The best Nekai’s been able to come up with so far is a spell that would put her in a type of stasis.”
“You mean like a coma?” Augustine didn’t like the sound of that at all.
Fenton made a face, tipping his hand back and forth. “Sort of. Because it would be magically induced and not medically, it wouldn’t be as taxing on the body. More like a very restful sleep. But it’s a stopgap measure, not a cure.” He pushed his glasses back on the bridge of his nose. “At least we know it’s possible if Ava Mae gets out of control.”
“I guess. What’s the other news?”
“In my research on Harlow’s condition, it occurred to me that we fae may not be the most expert source of information on this type of possession.” He slanted his eyes at Augustine. “I was thinking you might talk to your mother, see if she knows of anyone who might be knowledgeable about exorcisms. If we get to that point.”
Augustine’s jaw tensed. “The last time I tried to talk to my mother, she refused to even see me. I am done trying to reach her.”
“But Harlow’s life is potentially at stake. I just thought—”
“There is nothing I wouldn’t do for Harlow.” Augustine hesitated. “Do you really think this is a path worth pursuing?”
Fenton shrugged. “It might