No More Black Magic by A. L. Kessler Read Free Book Online Page A

the hospital.” I took a bite of my pancake.
    He grunted. “I’ll let the morgue know you’re coming.”
    The line went dead in my hand and I stared at my screen for a moment.
    “Seriously, this job is going to be the death of me.” I put the phone down on the counter and picked up my fork.
    “Yeah, I’m sure it’ll be that job, not the one for Levi.” Simon snickered.
    I shrugged and dug into my pancakes. “Levi lets me work on my time. The state, however, does not.”
    “That’s what you get for working two different jobs.” Simon took a bite and chewed while keeping eye contact with me. I knew he had more to say and I waited.
    He swallowed. “You could quit the state. Levi pays you more than enough and if it’s about independence you could come work at the bar.”
    “The bar patrons hate me. They know I’m too powerful to be around and actually be liked.” I muttered. “Besides, I’m good at the state job.” It wasn’t about independence, it was about the chance to use my magic on a daily basis, but he wouldn’t understand that.
    We ate in silence for the rest of the meal and I let him drive me to the morgue. I had no idea how I was going to explain him being with me. Maybe I could say that it was doctor’s orders. Yeah, that was probably the best way to go.
    He pulled up to the morgue and I wrinkled my nose. Simon did the same. I could sense the death, but I was willing to bet that he could smell it. I got out of the car and started towards the old brick building. Simon was by my side within a minute, not touching, but there in case something happened to me. He seemed content to just be a protective presence. Even though neither one of us expected anything to happen, it was better to be safe.
    We walked up the concrete steps and into the building. The halls were white and bare. A desk sat in the small room that acted as the reception area.
    “Can I help you?” A young woman with her hair twisted up, thick-rimmed glasses and bright red lipstick asked. She didn’t bother to look away from the computer and my guess was she was playing on the Internet and not actually working.
    “I’m Agent Collins and I’m here to see a man about an arm.”
    She didn’t even crack a smile. She looked at me and handed me a clipboard. “And him?” She jabbed a finger at Simon.
    “He’s an associate, he’s here to advise on the case.”
    “Both of you sign in and I’ll get you badges.” She turned back to the computer and tapped a few keys before turning to get two white plastic visitor badges out of a plastic basket. She put them on the counter and then turned away from us. No ID checks, nothing.
    Simon and I took a badge and then continued down the hallway. We had no idea where we were going and started trying doorknobs.  Every door we walked by was stainless steel and locked.
    Finally, a short, fat, man with a bald head and thick-rimmed glasses stepped out from one of the doors. “Ah, Agent Collins, please come this way.” He opened the door that he stood in front of. His forced smile and the shadows around us reminded me of a horror movie.
    I glanced at Simon and he shrugged. He motioned for me to go through first and I had to wonder if he thought it was because the room would explode. The man stopped Simon at the door. “You can’t come in unless you’re an agent and we were only expecting one.”
    “He’s here to make sure I don’t pass out or drop into a seizure or something.” I crossed my arms. “Doctor’s orders, I can’t be alone and he’s got the affidavit for treatment.”
    He didn’t look happy, but Simon gave an award winning, I won’t eat you grin. The man stepped aside and let him in. Simon extended his hand. “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”
    “I’m Doctor Lambsburg. The arm you’re looking for is on the table for you to examine. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t use any magic while you were in my room.” He rubbed his hands together and his eyes darted