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“Manipulating fire is as easy for them as breathing is for us,” he said, punctuating his words with a sharp stare that dared us to underestimate the threat. “And right now, this one’s playing with the city like it’s its personal bonfire.”
“Great,” I muttered, my thoughts already racing ahead to what we might need to take down a creature that could turn our hunt into a barbecue—with us as the main course. With a sigh, I pushed away the images of a fiery demise and focused back on Riker.
“Let me tell you about a hunter named Marco,” Riker continued. “He was good—damn good—but he got cocky. Thought he could take on a fire djinni solo.”
I leaned back in my chair and exchanged a glance with Elijah and Helen. They wore identical ‘this can’t be good’ expressions.
“Marco didn’t just underestimate the djinni; he underestimated the fire,” Riker continued, his voice dropping to a grave timbre that sent shivers down my spine. “By the time backup arrived, there wasn’t much left but ash and regret.”
“Note to self: Always bring marshmallows to a djinni fight,” I said, trying to slice through the tension thickening the air like smoke. No one laughed.
“Jokes aside, Tessa,” Riker said, locking eyes with me, “these creatures aren’t something you can charm or outwit. You need to be sharp, prepared, and most importantly, focused.”
“Right, focus. Got it.” I nodded, feeling the heat from his gaze as if it were a physical thing, baking the room in seriousness. “Precision and caution.”
“Good,” Riker said. “Because when dealing with supernatural creatures, especially fire-wielding ones, there’s a fine line between hunter and hunted.”
“Doesn’t help that they’re hotter than a habanero in a heatwave,” I muttered wishing I’d invested in some fireproof gear. “Got it. So, what’s the plan? Douse ourselves in holy water and hope for the best?” I asked, only half kidding.
“Something like that,” Riker replied, a ghost of a grin finally appearing. “But with a few more tricks up our sleeves.”
“Guess it’s time to roll up our sleeves then,” I said, standing up and meeting his solid stance with determination. “Let’s turn this bonfire into a campfire before it turns us into toast.”
“Before we go,” Riker began, pausing for effect as he always did when he had news that could potentially knock our socks off. “There’s a bounty out for info on the creature behind these fountain fires.”
I perked up. “A bounty? How substantial are we talking?”
“Let’s just say it’s enough to buy your mom the English-Spanish-Irish dictionary she’s always wanted, and then some,” he replied, the corner of his mouth twitching into what I liked to consider a smile. For Riker, anyway.
“Okay, you have my attention—and probably my greed too,” I admitted.
“Good. Because I want you on this,” Riker said. His gaze was intense, almost hypnotic. “With your... unique skill set.”
“Unique, huh? Is that code for ‘not very good’?” I teased.
“Let’s just say you bring a certain... flair to the hunt,” he conceded, and I decided to take that as a compliment.
“Flair I can do,” I agreed, even as my mind started churning. The risks were no joke—getting up close and personal with a fire djinni wasn’t exactly on my bucket list. But the reward...
“Think carefully, Tessa,” Elijah chimed in, his coffee cup halfway to his lips, eyes serious over the rim. “Apparently these creatures aren’t known for their gentle nature.”
“Or their sense of humor,” Helen added, setting down her own mug with a soft clink.
“Playing with fire might get me burned,” I mused aloud, “or it might just cauterize something that’s been bleeding out for too long.”
“Is that a yes?” Riker asked, standing as still as a gargoyle.
“Give me a minute,” I said, taking a deep breath. I had to balance the books here: on one side, the chance to fill my pockets and prove myself in the big leagues; on the other, the not-so-small possibility of an explosive end. Was it worth gambling with the lives I was supposed to protect?
“Mami always says, ‘Quien no arriesga, no gana,’” I murmured, recalling my mom’s words. Who dares nothing, needs hope for nothing. I let out a shaky laugh. “Guess it’s time to see if the Fury luck holds when playing with fire.” I squared my shoulders and looked Riker straight in the eye. “I’m in.” Hunting down a fire djinni? It was the kind of crazy that could either make or break me.
“Good.” His voice was granite solid, his nod approving. He tapped at his phone, and a moment later, my phone dinged. “There you go. Everything I have so far.”
I extended my hand, not just accepting his offer but sealing my commitment to the hunt. “Thanks for the opportunity, Riker.” My grasp was firm, attempting to convey confidence that I hoped would grow into reality. “I won’t let you down.”
“You’re welcome. Just remember, it’s not just about guts; it’s about smarts too.” He released my hand but didn’t step back, hovering in that space where professionalism meets the personal.
“Smarts, right.” I nodded, though my mind was already racing with the thought of facing off against a creature that could turn me into a Tessa torch if I made one wrong move.
