Unfortunately, those two human “pets” would be little help if things turned magically ugly. They had strength, military training, and good looks, but no supernatural abilities.
Joell, still deep in trance, barely nodded.
“The Magician card is on the East Coast with the other four models. A major city. New York. They’re still in Manhattan. I’m sensing them more clearly than the ones heading West.”
Her brow furrowed. “There’s definitely magic involved in the East, but not the West.”
Lioness leaned forward. “Thank the Goddess for small favors. As soon as I finish these sketches, scan them, and send them to all of you, I’ll head out.”
“Thanks,” Joell said. “Fax mine, please. My printer’s acting like a little bitch. And be careful, everyone. There are dark, mystical forces in play. I should get involved myself. Not only because I’m nearly on top of the models here in New Yor—” She stopped. “Damnit. I forgot for a moment that the mansion moved.”
“Magic is probably how they captured eight muscular men in the first place,” Sahara said smoothly.
Crystal spoke up. “What can I do from Saint Petersburg?”
“Just stand by,” Joell said. “If Lioness or Victoria need you on the West Coast, perhaps you can cross the strait to Alaska and head down to California.”
“But I’m in Saint Petersburg, Florida,” Crystal said. “I finished my Russian assignment early.”
Joell blinked. “Oh? Why didn’t we hear about that?”
Crystal rolled her eyes. “It was supposed to be a surprise. I was going to invite everyone down to my beach house for the week.”
Lioness smiled warmly. “That’s sweet. Not much of a surprise now.”
Even in trance, Joell managed a pout.
Victoria tilted her head. “What about helping Joell with the kidnapped models on the East Coast, Crystal?”
Joell suddenly straightened. “Yes! Crystal and I should interview the agent immediately. He might be withholding information. So, Crystal,” Joell asked, “are you available to help me?”
“Officially under protest,” Crystal replied. “You know this is the week we lock up the weapons. That means no staff, no bow and arrow, no spear, no sword, no Harpoon, and not even my trumpet.”
“Shit,” Rayna shouted. “You mean we’re still handing everything over to my pets, so they can hide our weapons and hold onto the key?”
“I’m sorry,” Joell said. “Chad insists. If we’re distracted and off our game, innocent people could get hurt.”
“How the hell are we supposed to apprehend anyone?”
Joell sighed. “We work with the police.”
Six simultaneous groans erupted over the call.
Crystal eyed her suspiciously. “So, you’re surrendering your cute little Derringer with the pink mother-of-pearl handle?”
Several witches snickered.
Joell scowled. “Stop calling my weapon of choice ‘cute.’ It’s easy to hide. I had special holsters added to my belt, my boots, and my Louis Vuitton bag. And yes. It goes in the safe with everything else. We’ll call the police only for the arrest.”
Victoria nodded. “I’ll head toward the West Coast and back up Lioness.”
“Thanks,” Lioness said.
“And I can fix your printer,” Sahara added. “Give me a few minutes to access it remotely.”
Crystal nodded, “I can reach New York this afternoon to help you.”
“Good,” Joell said. “Speed matters. If anyone needs magical backup, just ask. I’ll get there as soon as I can. Meanwhile, we can all infiltrate the romance convention. Are any of you registered attendees?”
