Nightfall (Pact Arcanum Integrated Serial Edition) by Arshad Ahsanuddin Read Free Book Online Page B

touring with him. I have some concerns. Do I really need to draw you a picture of how ugly this could become?”
    The security officer regarded him thoughtfully. “I could let you speak to the band’s executive assistant. He can make a decision as to whether you need to speak to Mr. Brennigan personally.”
    “Thank you.”
    The officer wrote him a temporary pass and directed him to one of the buses farther down the parking lot. Edgar followed his directions and found the bus with the correct number. He knocked on the door. Then, feeling something strange, he laid his hand flat against the cool metal. What the hell? The damn door was warded!
    The door opened, revealing Antonio, who stared at Edgar in shock. “Ed? What are you doing here?”
    Edgar shook off his surprise. “I could ask you the same question. I thought you lived in San Francisco?”
    “My duties took me in another direction.”
    “What are you talking about? The security office said you’re the executive assistant to Nightfall. What does that have to do with your duties? You’re one of the Winds, not a gopher!”
    Antonio waved him inside. “We can’t discuss this here. Come in.”
    Edgar followed him into the bus. “What’s your involvement with this tour?”
    Antonio frowned. “That is Sentinel business, which has no bearing on you.”
    “It’s my business as long as my son is a part of it!”
    Antonio’s jaw dropped. “Wait. Your son?”
    “He’s the lead singer of the opening act, Prussian Blue.”
    “Oh, damn. I knew his name was Jameson, but I didn’t make the connection. I’m sorry, Edgar. If I had realized, I would have advised the members of Nightfall to reject his application to open for them.”
    “Why? What does this band have to do with Sentinel business?”
    “I can’t tell you.”
    “What is that supposed to mean?”
    Edgar felt a ripple of magic as the perimeter ward shut down. He turned around to face the door, just in time to see it open to reveal Rory. For the first time, Edgar got a close look at the musician’s eyes.
    AIR.
    Rory stepped up into the bus, closing the door behind him. “Are you Mr. Jameson? The Security Office informs me that you have some kind of complaint.”
    Edgar shook his head. “No complaint. Your assistant just explained a misunderstanding.”
    Rory looked at Antonio. “What kind of misunderstanding?”
    Antonio took a deep breath. “It was a personal matter. I have assured Mr. Jameson that his concern is groundless, and he has nothing to fear.”
    Rory glanced back and forth between them, then shrugged. “Fine. Let me know if you need my input.” Then he turned around and walked out.
    Edgar faced Antonio. “The Wind of Air. Are the others here, too?”
    “Earth and Fire. We haven’t identified Water, yet.”
    “I’m pulling my son out.”
    “You can’t. It will draw attention to the Winds, which they can’t afford.”
    “I’m not going to stand by and let Nick get drawn into your damn war.”
    “Listen to me, Edgar. I cannot allow you to disrupt the tour. The Winds need to remain anonymous. If I have to get Takeshi down here to order you to back down, I will.”
    Edgar stood there fuming. He might be retired, but Sentinel programming wouldn’t allow him to disobey a direct order from one of the Winds. “Swear that you will personally guarantee his safety.”
    “He’s Sentinel latent. Just by existing, he’s at risk.”
    “Promise me. Give me your word that you’ll keep him from harm, and I won’t bring your camouflage down around your ears.”
    “I will do everything in my power to make sure he isn’t exposed.” Antonio sighed. “That’s honestly the best I can do. If you were anyone else, I’d have Rory wipe the knowledge out of your mind.”
    “Great. I feel honored.”
    “You should. I’m doing this for you.”
    Edgar frowned. “What?”
    “Takeshi’s strategy is paying off. He might do the enemy some real damage in his tenure, enough that your family