Missing Magic by Karen Whiddon Read Free Book Online Page B

be where we left it.”
    They rejoined the Oracle, who’d remained on
the other side of the pool.
    Without a word, the Oracle clapped her hands.
“Go,” she ordered.
    And just like that, they went.
    This time, millions of stars rushed past
them, and the wind roared before their feet touched solid
ground.
    Back in the cricket-surrounded field, the
night seemed much the same.
    Dee glanced first at the sky, then at her
watch. “You were right. It’s working again, though I’ll have to
reset it, once I find out the correct time.”
    “Probably not. All the time we spent in Rune
was less than a heartbeat here.”
    She looked doubtful, but didn’t argue.
Rubbing her hands together, she took note of the position of the
moon. “Maybe you’re right. That’s pretty cool.”
    He smiled. “I know.”
    She turned a slow circle. “Now to find my
pistol.”
    Though he couldn’t touch the metal, he helped
her look.
    Finally, they located the weapon in the tall
grass near where they’d been standing earlier. With a sound of
satisfaction, she scooped up the black revolver and inspected it
before slipping it back into her holster. When she’d finished, she
rubbed her hands together. “All right, then. Well, it was nice
meeting you.”
    She began to walk away.
    Stunned, he stared after her. Then, realizing
she meant to simply go her own way, he ran after her.
    “Wait.”
    Though she glanced at him, she continued
walking.
    “Didn’t you hear the Oracle? We’ve got to
work together. I told you the truth, as you requested. You agreed
to help me.”
    “Did I?” Stopping, she faced him, arms
crossed. “Maybe I’ve changed my mind.”
    “You can’t.” How could he explain gut
instinct. Perhaps he could – she was a cop, after all. “I have a
feeling we can help each other. Help Mick and help my people.”
    Her expression didn’t soften. “You want us to
become partners?”
    “Exactly.”
    Staring at him, her narrowed gaze gave
nothing away. Finally, she gave a small shrug. “Fine. But if we’re
going to work together, we’ve got to develop a plan.”
    “I agree.” Letting out breath he hadn’t even
been aware he was holding, he nodded. “Any ideas?”
    “I was on my way to visit Jack.”
    “Jack?”
    “Yes, Mick’s significant other. Though they
don’t live together, he and Mick are very close. If anyone can tell
us what’s going on with Mick, he can.”
    He fell into step beside her. “Will he talk
to you?”
    “Of course he’ll talk to me.” Her fierce
voice seemed at odds with the vulnerability in her eyes. “Jack
likes me. I’m Mick’s best friend.”
    “ Were . You were Mick’s best
friend.”
    “No, that’s where you’re wrong. I don’t toss
away my friendships that easily. He’s in some kind of trouble and,
though he won’t admit it, he needs me.”
    He had to admire her loyalty. They’d reached
her car and she unlocked the doors, motioning him to get in.
    Slipping on his gloves, Cenrick did.
    Dee waited until he’d fastened his seat belt
before turning the key.
    “Jack lives near downtown, in those new
condos they built off the river. Twenty minutes max by car.”
    He settled back to enjoy the ride. “Maybe
he’ll have something new to tell us.”

Chapter Four
     
     
    WATCHING THE way Cenrick prepared to get into
her car made Dee curious. First he pulled on long, black gloves.
Then he adjusted his sleeves, making sure every inch of exposed
skin was covered. He checked his trousers, or leggings, whatever
they were, tugging them and tucking them into the top of his boots.
She couldn’t help but notice everything was made of cloth – he wore
no leather. Maybe he was allergic.
    Finally, he settled in his seat and fastened
the seat belt.”
    She turned the key, still watching him. “What
was all that? The gloves, the adjusting of your clothes,
everything?”
    He looked a bit sheepish. “I can’t touch
steel, so I have to make sure I’m well-covered.”
    “Oh. That makes