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There was one question I had for Naomi. “Is The Corporation involved with Dr. Edmonds?”
“He is no longer in our employ. From what I understand, he was unhappy with his clearance level and left to pursue his interests elsewhere about a year ago.”
In other words, he knew The Corporation was creating avatars but didn’t know how and decided to branch out on his own when they wouldn’t tell him. Enter Magnarella.
“Let them know he’ll be pursuing those interests from scratch,” I said, unlocking the front door. “His lab may have experienced some technical difficulties.”
Naomi’s mouth quirked. “My employers will be happy to hear it.”
I looked at her. “I’m not like you, Naomi. What you saw during that fight was the elixir, and now that it’s left my body, I’m back to being me. Believe me or don’t, but please leave me out of any report to The Corporation. I just want to live a life in peace.”
Naomi considered me. “Very well. If you ever change your mind, give us a call. Good luck to you, Miss Clay.”
Weary and weak, I retreated inside my Castle. Relief washed over me at the sight of Renee descending the staircase in a stupor. Dr. Edmonds had chosen the baku, likely because he believed the creature was incapable of being killed and there was no danger of his victims’ minds being restored. It seemed I’d identified the flaw in his plan.
“You’re awake,” I said.
Renee gazed at me. “What on earth happened?”
“Long story.”
Alicia ran down the stairs behind her mother, still clad in the rumpled clothes she’d slept in. “Mom’s awake!”
I smiled. “I can see that.”
“What’d you do?” Alicia asked me.
Renee’s brow furrowed. “Honey, Lorelei isn’t a doctor.”
Alicia threw her arms around her mother’s waist and squeezed. “I’m so glad you’re awake.”
Renee kissed the top of her daughter’s head. “Me, too.”
I turned on my phone to see a series of messages from Gunther. Dusty was no longer a swan and Camryn was awake.
Hallelujah.
After a scalding shower, I was torn between sleep and food. Maybe I’d drag a chicken drumstick to my sleeping bag and call it a day.
I slept for the next ten hours. When I finally awoke, Renee and Alicia were gone. They’d left behind cartons of Chinese food for me. Very considerate.
My thoughts turned to Kane. I hated that the demon was angry with me. I never wanted that.
I picked up my phone and called the Devil’s Playground. Josie picked up on the second ring.
“Josie, it’s Lorelei. Can I please speak to Kane?”
“He isn’t here.”
“Do you know where he is?”
“Not here.”
I sighed. “Do you know when he’ll be back?”
“He didn’t say.”
“It’s important that I speak with him. If you know where he is…”
