Page 95 of Christmas Magic

“After all that,” she said, “I think I need a fresh cup of Earl Grey.”

Standing in the History section of Tails Bookstore, Dennis scrolled through the readouts on his phone and grinned. Powerful magic bearing the signatures of Molly and Lucian had just been used in Black Cat Antiquities.

A lovers’ spat?

Must have been a bad one, for them to have dared to use their magic.

Dennis walked out to the street. While his colleagues would have noticed the flare of magic and started analyzing the data, Dennis could get real time information. If he could confirm Molly and Lucian were no longer a couple, his work would be complete—and finally, he’d get to see his wife and son.

A bold idea tingled to life in his mind. Could he go into the store? He hadn’t thought to try before now, because no Dealer in his lifetime had managed to get past the shop’s protective wards. However, he had the invisible magical shield. If it tricked the protections on the antique store into thinking he was Molly, then he could walk right in.

What an incredible coup that would be. It would sure impress his superiors.

Even better if he could steal one of the dark magic antiques that Lucian and William kept locked away in the store.

“Hell, yes.” He headed down the sidewalk.

Approaching the front window of the antique shop, he peered in. The store’s main door was closed, not propped open, but he heard holiday music playing inside.

He didn’t see Lucian. At first, he didn’t see Molly, but she soon appeared, carrying a mug that she put on the counter. At least four cats followed her. No, five—plus a kitten with a limp.

As though sensing his gaze, Molly glanced in his direction.

A light sweat beaded on his forehead. What if she recognized him? He’d worked closely with Agnes when the sorceress had possessed Molly, so there was a chance, although he looked different now.

Don’t make her suspicious.

He feigned interest in the window display. Still no sign of Lucian. Dennis couldn’t sense him, either, since strong magic surrounded the building.

What the hell. He was going in.

Keeping his phone in his left hand, in case it sounded an alarm, Dennis walked to the doorway. He sensed the silently humming power of the numerous spells on the shop.

When he tried to enter, he might get zapped.

Or he might walk in without any problems.

Holding his breath, he grabbed the door handle.

The metal cooled his palm. Magical energy skittered against his skin, but it wasn’t painful. Triumph burned inside him. He was going to be able to enter. He’d be the first Dealer to—

Snap.

Powerful magic whipped up his arm. His scalp burned as though on fire. With a muffled yelp, he lurched back.

Inside the shop, Molly hurried toward him.

Damn.

He fought the urge to race away.

Opening the door, she asked, “What happened?” She gazed at him with pretty blue eyes the color of the winter sky.

Forcing a wry chuckle, he said, “I sprained my hand the other day. It twinged when I took hold of the door handle.”

“I see.” Her expression turned puzzled. “You look familiar. Have we met before?”

“No, no, I don’t think so.” Fresh sweat dampened his forehead. “I don’t live in Cat’s Paw Cove.”