Scholar of Magic (Art of the Adept #3) - Michael G. Manning Page 0,99

pass through, though they were locked and barred. On the far-left side was a smaller door of the more ordinary variety. It was also locked, so Will began vigorously pulling on a bell rope that had been mounted beside it.

After a couple of minutes, a voice shouted through the door. “Who is it?”

“A customer. I’m looking for Jorn,” said Will, speaking loudly to be heard through the heavy oak.

“This is a warehouse. Try his shop at the market.”

“They sent me here,” shouted Will. “Is he here or not?”

There was a long pause, then the voice replied, “He left the city last week.”

“Then why did you tell me to go to the shop? You already knew he wasn’t there.”

“They’re the ones that deal with customers. I’m just a loader. Go away.”

Will debated with himself, unsure how aggressive he should be. “You won’t even open the door? I don’t even know who I’m talking to!”

“Not my problem. Fuck off.”

Will glanced at the spot where Tiny was standing. Then he shook his head negatively. He wanted to use a force-lance to ruin the lock and enter, but the building was huge. If he forced his way in, they might not be able to handle the resistance if there were a lot of employees or worse, vampires, inside. Worse, if they tried and failed, he would have warned them that their location was no longer a secret. During the night they might relocate.

Reluctantly, he led Tiny away. Twenty minutes later, they were close to the school gates and Will canceled the camouflage spell so his friend could walk normally.

The big man had a suggestion. “Why don’t I wait out here?”

Will smiled. “You’re worried I’ll make you climb the wall if you come in and we leave after dark?”

Tiny nodded.

“It might be a while before I come back,” warned Will. “I have something else I intend to do before leaving, so you may have to wait a couple of hours.”

Tiny looked up at the wall. “It’s worth it if I don’t have to scale that damned wall again.”

“Have it your way.” He left Tiny there and headed for home, moving at a brisk pace. There wasn’t much time to waste. As soon as he reached the house, Blake greeted him at the door. “Welcome back. Where’s Tiny?”

“He’s waiting outside the school grounds. Is Janice here?”

“She’s using your study.”

“Perfect. I’ll need her help with something, and it may take a while. Make sure we aren’t interrupted.”

Blake’s brow twitched, though he kept his expression flat. “How long?”

“An hour or two possibly,” Will replied. “Unless there’s an emergency, don’t disturb us. Don’t even knock.” He paused when he saw the manservant’s face darken. “It’s nothing like that.”

“I didn’t say anything, sir,” responded Blake, his voice uncharacteristically toneless.

“Listen, you should know me better by now. That business this morning was just a misunderstanding.”

Blake nodded. “As I assumed, though if a pattern emerges your behavior will come under more scrutiny.”

Will groaned. “Whatever. I answer to my conscience and Selene. Think what you like.” He moved past the man and headed for the stairs. I don’t have time for propriety, he told himself. The door to the study was open, and he strode in without pausing to make any noise.

Janice started slightly when she saw him enter. “You’re back.”

“I need your help.”

She nodded. “Certainly. What is it?”

“Something only you can help me with.” He glanced around the study, examining the chairs and the floor. “Hmm, we could do it in here, but the bed might be more comfortable.”

Janice made no attempt to hide her reaction. One brow shot up immediately. “Exactly what sort of help are you asking me for?”

“It’s nothing like that. I need some peace and quiet to do some experimenting. Blake will make sure we aren’t disturbed, and with your help I think I have a way to release myself—”

“Excuse me?”

“From my physical bounds,” he finished.