Chapter Sixteen
It was really happening. Puma was officially letting Jordy take Trish’s place. The head of Ops was saying something about how it was an amazing amount of trust, but something made him feel like he could count on Jordy.
Yeah,somethingall right. That spell that Cadmus had given Jordy had overcome any resistance that Puma normally would have had. Compelled him to do things he ordinarily wouldn’t, same with Trish. Like a freaking love spell on the most heartless person, or the voodoo from the movies that made people follow your every command. It was worth every drop of blood, every piece of whatever soul Jordy had to cast it. Definitely not a ritual you’d find in any of those ‘hug-a-tree’ spellbooks for witches.
The cut on Jordy’s wrist was healing nicely. Too bad Trish wasn’t, although Jordy had heard through the grapevine that due to the circumstances around Trish’s accident, she wouldn’t be working there again anyway. Jordy smirked, and then remembered to quirk the other side of her mouth so it would look like an actual smile.
You know, like she couldn’tbelievethis unexpected elevation in responsibilities. And that she felt sympathy for Trish.Sucha shame so many bones were broken, and who knew how long it would take before she would be able to work, or even walk, again.
Couldn’t happen to a better person standing in her way.
Puma’s massive key ring jangled as he removed a smaller set from it. That, along with the new, supercharged electronic all-access backstage pass key card, was now hers. The keys to the kingdom, almost literally, since as Puma’s new Second on the Ops team, Jordy would have access to virtually anything, anywhere at the Faire.
And then Puma handed Jordy her own customized utility vest, just like the one most long-timers or senior team members on Ops wore, with the letters spelling out OPS on the back and her name embroidered above it.
She eagerly turned it over to see.
An explosion of petulant anger flared through her.
Ohhellzno.
Instead of HADEEZ, the bright red thread proclaimed JORDY.
“Not to your liking?” Puma asked, with a faint undertone of annoyance. Jordy knew better than to make a stink about it with Puma. Her promotion wasn’t even a minute old, and he could still just as easily give it to someone else, spell or no spell.
Magickingwasn’t strong enough to cover stupid. For evidence, refer to Billy Bob.
“I love it.” Jordy said, with a fake shit-eating grin on her face, but Puma had already turned away. Besides, Jordy thought, as the new Second she could have a new vest made. She could have a vest made for each day of the week.
She wasn’t going to sweat it one more second, especially as Puma turned back to give her some more welcome news.
“You’re also moving into Trish’s room, which should be cleared out in the next few hours. Check with Rika on that, and for the other changes to your employment package.” Puma said.
Jordy was genuinely surprised. Turns out the spell Cadmus gave her was a gift that kept on giving. Everyone knew that Trish’s—now her room, was larger, filled with better furniture and situated in a more choice location at the Faire, unlike the converted motel where she had been grateful to share a bunk with Shady Roomie with the hidden ID, janky stuffed turd, and a boatload of secrets that made Shady Roomie somewhat interesting.
Jordy was going places, fast. Cadmus was the bomb.
* * *
Cadmus held up the pendulum from the ceramic saucer on which it lay, soaking up the moonlight on the windowsill of his rental. It felt potent in his hand, but would it do the job? Had there been enough of that man-wolf’s blood?
The only way to find out was to use it, but he would only have one shot at it.
He let the pendulum twist and turn from its chain in the morning light. It seemed to say,put me to use!
“I suppose I have to trust in the Infernal Gods,” he mused out loud. Just as he talked himself into activating the tracking, he heard the crunch of gravel in front of his rental house, as if a car had come to a stop.
“What the—?” He was not expecting Billy Bob, nor Jordy, until much later in the day. Perhaps it was some errant fool who had lost his way, or perhaps even another worthy sacrifice for His Terrible Majesty.
He shut his eyes, tapping into his senses, but they were still obscured. He opened his eyes, exhaling with frustration, and then the doorbell rang.
“We’re not meant to go on our journey just yet,” he said to the pendulum, as he settled it back onto the dish. He went downstairs as the fool at the door began pounding on it. Cadmus uttered curses under his breath as the pounding became louder. He hoped it would be a sacrifice, he’d love to show that idiot what he really thought of—
He opened the door to reveal the unwelcome, mocking face of Micah. Wearing a Gucci tracksuit, and carrying a leather carryall with the distinct markings of Louis Vuitton.
“Surprise, Cadmus! What’s up?”
Infernal Gods, if only he could make Micah splatter all over into assorted viscera and liquefied organs.
