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“But still, there is this amplifying phenomenon going on,” Osric added. He sounded like the surprise of Xander’s extreme blurring had sobered him up a fair bit. “Ceci, do you feel any different when you cause these effects on others?”
I shrugged but felt like I had to emphasize something. “I don’t, but my mom did have us moving around a heck of a lot until recently, and over the years my curiosity’s grown over that. She never told me why. Now that I see this happening, I do wonder if it’s all connected: these amplifications, my moving from place to place so often, my mom going missing. I just don’t know.”
Osric’s glazed eyes were now showing keen, sober interest. “Fascinating. And very intriguing, Cecilia. I think there’s more to this story to be revealed.”
“Speaking of fascinating.” Xander picked up the TV remote, unmuting the news channel that had been playing on silent on the screen all morning. “This guy is quite a conundrum. Maybe the biggest in New Nebraska. I wonder what he’s been up to.”
It was a story about a major business takeover by New Nebraska’s largest corporation, Midas International. There was an image of their CEO, Bryce Harding, posted on the screen. Dressed in a tailored pinstripe suit and jade tie, his eyes and hair a dark brown, he smiled with a square jaw swathed in stubble.
Thathunk was a multi-billionaire? He looked far too young to be so rich. “Is he New Nebraska’s richest man?”
Sitting forward and staring at the screen, Jax said, “Most likely. I wouldn’t want to swap places with him though. Not for a gazillion dollars.”
“What do you mean?”
“You don’t know about him?”
“No. What about him?”
Aaron chimed in. “He can’t be touched.”
“Can’t be touched? You mean like he hasn’t, he decided not to…” I glanced downwards at my thighs.
The guys all laughed. Even Mr. Scowly Osric.
Xander explained, as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder and kissed my forehead again. “No, my little orchid. He’s not a monk. He’s not taken a vow of chastity.” There were more chuckles from the guys. “He can’t be touched at all. Suffers horrendous agony from even the slightest touch, so everyone says.”
“How awful? Never to feel touch, a hug or a kiss? Never?”
“Never ever.”
“Isn’t there a cure?”
Xander scoffed. “Orchid, you know—”
Aaron butted in again. “I, uh, think if there was a cure, this guy would have paid for it by now, love.” He shook his head. “Imagine having all that money, but in some ways, you’re the poorest guy in the world.”
The report ended and a new story came up. It was about Jack 2.
Osric clicked his fingers at Xander, poking his palm tip upwards in the air as he said, “Put the sound up, blur boy.”
The volume went up and the reporter, a very glamorous lady with long, platinum blonde hair, was giving an update on the killings, and what had happened at the coven party. She said that a letter had been sent anonymously to police this morning, thought to be from Jack 2. I nuzzled into Xander, and he held me close. The reminder of Jack 2 still being out there, prowling, hunting, sent a shiver across my body.
The letter’s content was posted on the screen, and she read the words out in her soft, feminine chimes.
All I heard was evil emanating from the message.
I give praise to the Temple of the Pure Breed for their impeccable teachings. Their devotion to paranormal purity of breed inspires me, drives me forward always. I am blessed by the mission they have inspired me to undertake.
More sin will be washed away in the coming days. More sacrifices are sure to follow.
Including the one that got away.
The reporter then talked about how much good the temple did in the community, and that the letter shouldn’t be seen as a reflection of any fault within temple teachings. She simpered a bit, saying the temple fought for the betterment of society, not the destruction of it. Having seen their behavior in New Bellevue and listening to Osric’s story, I had serious doubts about that.
“Oh no. This guy thinks he’s on a mission,” I said, my voice quaking.
Osric met my gaze, his face and voice strong and sincere. “His mission will fail, Ceci. I give you my word.”
