Modern Sorcery: A Jonathan Shade Novel by Gary Jonas Read Free Book Online

the wall and the residual pain she might feel from the car crash now that the adrenaline was fading away and figured she could use the healing.   “All right,” I said.   “I’d love to be proven wrong.”
     
    “I’m going with you,” Kelly said.
     
    “Bring some beer, and we’ll have a party.”
     
    “Let me bring my sword,” Kelly said.   “ Then we’ll have a party.”
     

 

     

     

     
    CHAPTER SEVEN
     

     
    Lina lived in Five Points, an area near downtown the city was trying to develop into a nice neighborhood the way they’d done with LoDo, but for now it remained one of the bad parts of town.   Gang members constantly tagged buildings, and shootings were common.   It wasn’t the best place for a family to take an evening stroll.
     
    Kelly parked her black SUV at the curb half a block from Lina’s house.   It was the closest space she could find.   We all climbed out of the vehicle, and Kelly set the alarm.
     
    “If some gangbanger jacks with my truck, I’ll break some skulls.”
     
    “I’ll protect it,” Naomi said and faced the vehicle.   She moved her hands out to the sides then nodded.   “That should do it.”
     
    The truck didn’t look any different, but that was the point.   The protection spell would keep people away.   They wouldn’t know why they were passing up the opportunity to steal the truck, but they’d go after an easier target.   If they did try to mess with it, they’d find that they couldn’t touch it.   Every once in a while, magic does have practical uses.
     
    As we approached the house, Lina stepped onto the porch to meet us.   She was a large, Black woman with a jovial face.   She absolutely loved life and expected everyone to be happy around her.   Her positive emotions were contagious, and it was hard to be down when you were near her.   She should go in to social work.
     
    “Jonathan,” she said and bounded down the steps to pull me into a hug.   “It’s so good to see you.”
     
    I grimaced as she hugged me.   The pressure she put on my ribs sent waves of agony through me.   When she let go, I tried to give her a pleasant smile, but it was a bit forced.   “You’re looking well.”
     
    She grabbed Naomi into a big hug.   “Oh, sweetie, I’m so sorry about your parents.   If you need anything, anything at all, I’m here for you.”
     
    “Thanks, Lina.”
     
    Lina looked at Kelly, who shook her head.   Kelly didn’t like people to hug her.   Most of the time she didn’t even like people to touch her.   Lina didn’t try to engulf Kelly.   She simply extended a hand.   “I’m Lina.   You must be Kelly Chan.   I’ve heard a lot about you.”
     
    Kelly accepted the handshake, though she usually forgoes such things since she likes to keep her hands free in case of an attack.   “I’m sure you have.”
     
    “Let’s go inside and get you fixed up, Jonathan.”
     
    She led us into her house.   On the outside, it looked like the rest of the small houses on the block: a bit run down but kept up as best as possible on a low income.   The people who owned homes here worked hard to get and keep them.   They didn’t do much as far as landscaping, and the houses could certainly use fresh paint, but the owners did take pride in their residences.   Inside, Lina’s house felt like home.   The antique furniture was warm and welcoming.   The lighting was subdued but not dim.   I could smell pork chop casserole and fresh-baked bread.
     
    “Anybody hungry?   There’s plenty of food.”
     
    “Let’s get Jonathan healed first,” Naomi said.   She pulled out some cash and handed it to Lina.   While Lina didn’t make a big deal out of it and didn’t bother to count it, she did operate on the simple principle that if someone puts money in your hand, you close your hand.   She made it disappear into one of her pockets.
     
    “Of course.”   Lina led me to the sofa.   “Have a seat.”
     
    I sat