“So, they’re shape-shifters. I never thought the phoenix was anything other than legend.”
Kizzy shrugged. “Apparently there are a few pockets of them around the world. One group is in the Amazon. They’re distant relatives of the Fierros, but Antonio knows them well enough to get them involved if need be.”
“And what can they do?” Dr. Samuels asked. “Burn down the place and rise from the ashes?”
“Yes, although I’d never ask them to do that. It’s complicated. Phoenixes aren’t just a myth. They are real. As firefighters, they’re able to reincarnate if the worst happens.”
Aaron stroked his bearded chin.
“I can tell you something in confidence, Dad, right?”
“Of course.”
“I thought you didn’t want me dating a firefighter because he didn’t make enough money. He thought so too.”
Aaron’s posture straightened. “What? No. Of course not. I’d like any boyfriend of yours to have steady employment, but whatever his salary is isn’t an issue. You’ve seen plenty of burn victims. And many firefighters inhale toxic gases too. I imagine you’d be worried sick about him. But this…immortality, this changes things.”
“Yes, it does. And the possibility of getting rid of the entity, maybe even retrieving the last book, well, that changes everything!” She went to the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of wine. “Would you like a glass?”
Aaron reached for the bottle. “I think we all might need one for the rest of this conversation. Thanks.”
“I’ll give you Antonio’s phone number. When you’re ready, you can call him.”
“I’m ready right now. Just dial the number and hand me the phone.”
* * *
“Kizzy! How’s it going?” Mallory said.
“It’s going weird. I wouldn’t bother you, but my father and Mr. Fierro thought we should talk. Your dad was doing some construction in Brazil, and my family’s nemesis is hiding out there, probably in the same area.”
“Uh-huh. I remember the map thingy we did.”
“The Fierros are going to try to help us find their exact location. Since our situations are probably connected, you could pinpoint where they should start their search.”
“I thought you knew the exact spot from scrying.”
“No. Just the general area. Having them fly overhead and find it from a logical starting point could save a lot of time. How would you like to help put a stop to the jerks who put a curse on you?”
“Ifit’s the same group, you mean.”
“I’m pretty sure it is. Not many people would curse a total stranger. But these horrible asshats would.”
Mallory couldn’t help getting excited. She’d love to know who cursed her and why. More crucially, she’d like to be sure they wouldn’t do it again! “But I don’t know the exact location. I mean, I think it’s near a certain bend in the river, but I’m notexactlysure. Should I ask my father? He’s the one who could give precise coordinates, but he might ask why I need to know.”
“I talked to Mr. Fierro and my dad. They said if you didn’t know, they would approach your father. It’s tricky, because they don’t know him, and I assume he’s human?”
Mallory chuckled. “Sometimes I wonder, but yes. As far as I know, he’s human.”
“They said if he asks questions and they feel they can trust him, they might reveal their paranormal status.”
“Dante made me think they weren’t supposed to reveal themselves to humans.”
“Yes. And if he freaks out, they have friends who can erase his memory.”
Mallory took a deep breath. “Is that safe?”
“Yes. They did it to Noah. I wouldn’t have let them if they hadn’t assured me they could do it completely safely.”
