“I can see why the witch said you were useless.”
“Oh, very funny,” said Phoenix.
“Actually, you can be of some use. How about helping me get some more revenge on this mortal I’m after?”
“Now that sounds like something right up my alley. What did you have in mind? We can’t murder him, you know. It’s against the rules. Sadly.”
Andy shook his head. “No murder. But I’ll take sheer terror.”
“I like it,” said Phoenix. “Phoenix and Andromalius, the team of terror.” He spread his hands before him like a film director framing a shot.
“Like you said, we can’t actually harm him. Physically. But”—here he flashed a grin—“there’s no saying we can’t make him think he’s in serious trouble.”
“You know, I can’t say I understand your work ethic, but even I can appreciate your dedication to the craft.” Phoenix leveled a small bow in Andy’s direction.
“Thank you,” said Andy.
“He seems like a right bastard, anyway,” said Phoenix.
Both demons looked out across the water in silence, their wings hunched behind their backs.
Andy stood. “I should go.”
“I think I’ll stay here a while,” said Phoenix. “I’m going to think of horrible things to do to her ex-husband.”
“Good. I need some fresh ideas. Will you meet me here again tomorrow night?”
“Let me check my calendar.” Phoenix pretended to page through an imaginary calendar. “As a matter of fact, I seem to be free for—oh, the next millennium.” He closed the imaginary calendar and cocked his head at Andy.
Andy smiled, unfurled his wings, and flew into the night.
24
The smell of freshly baked chocolate cake filled the house. Andy smoothed chocolate frosting onto the cooled cake layers, lost in the meditative motions of baking.
Nancy Drew sat on her haunches and watched from a short distance away.
“No chocolate for you, doggo,” said Andy.
Nancy sneezed.
“That’s right. Dogs are allergic to chocolate.” In lieu of cake, Andy tossed the dog a biscuit.
Erin walked into the kitchen. “Are there free samples?”
“Not for her. But for you, I might be persuaded.”
“Please?”
“All right, I’m persuaded,” said Andy. He scooped up frosting on a spoon and pressed it into a small pile of cake trimmings. “Here you go.” He presented the spoonful of frosting and cake.
“That was easy,” said Erin. “I hardly had to persuade you at all.” She winked at him, then popped the spoon into her mouth.
Andy watched as she sampled the chocolate cake and frosting.
Her eyes closed, and she smiled. “Chocolate heaven.”
“It’s devil’s food cake, you know,” he said.
