Page 28 of Shadow Seeking

I turned to Carson. “Can you do some research on mandrakes and demons? See if there’s any connection?”

“Sure, I’ll see what I can dig up,” he said. “Give it to me so I can take some pictures.”

I handed it to him. “With pleasure.” I turned back to the others. “All right, where are we at with everything else?”

“Not much progress, but tomorrow we should be able to dig up more on some of these cases,” Orik said. “Meanwhile, while you were over at the school, I contacted Destiny about Rowan. She’s coming over tomorrow to take a report.”

“Sounds good,” I said, glancing at the clock. It was almost five and it felt like the day had been one headache after another. “Let’s knock off early,” I said. “We can pick up the research tomorrow.”

“Thanks,” Sophia said. “I’ve got a dinner date, so that gives me time to go home and dress.”

“Ooo, a date? With who?” Dante asked, grinning at her.

“You don’t want to know,” she said, sticking her tongue out at him. “Let’s say he’s got wealth, health, and a good sense of humor.”

Dante whistled, then walked me back to my office.

“What are you doing tonight?” I asked.

“I’m going over to Aunt Tilly’s for dinner,” he said.

“Oh, that’s right! Give her my love.”

Dante’s great aunt was a firecracker. She was old, even for a shifter, but she never let that stand in the way of anything. Unfortunately, she was also too naïve for her own good, and Dante had hinted that he was worried about her, given she was wealthy and single.

“I will. What about you?” he asked, stopping at his office door.

“I think I’ll see if Penn wants to meet me for dinner. I don’t feel like being alone tonight.”

“You’re welcome to come with me,” Dante said. “You know my aunt loves you.”

I laughed. “Your aunt loves everybody. She’s one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. Thanks, but I don’t think I’m quite up to a night at Aunt Tilly’s.”

He winked. “Oh, come on…All right. I’ll give her your love and I’ll save you a few of her world-famous dinner rolls.”

My mouth watered. “Please do. I love her baking.” As I entered my office, I pulled out my phone and texted Penn.you want to meet for a drink tonight or something? i’m tired and it’s been a long day.

She texted back in seconds.i’d rather buy a pizza and hang in front of the tv. you good with that?

as good as gold,I texted.i’ll pick up pizza on the way home. when do you close?

it’s dead right now. i’ll close up and meet you at your place…well…soon to be our place, in about half an hour. i’ll bring dessert.

Relieved, I pocketed my phone and tidied up my desk. I was the last one out, so I set the alarm and turned off the lights. As I drove home, I thought about the mandrake. Whywas there demonic energy on it? Granted, Letty specialized in demonology, but that didn’t explain what had happened to the root.

With those questions rolling around in my mind, I tried to turn my mind off as I navigated through the rain. It was pouring, with puddles already clogging the storm drains. If it didn’t let up, we’d be in the middle of an urban flooding situation. Luckily both my house and the office were on hills, higher up. But still, I was grateful I didn’t have a basement—basements in the Seattle area were flood-prone.

I finally pulled into my driveway and jumped out, bringing up my pizza app as I jogged up to the door and unlocked it. I ordered three pizzas—we might as well have variety—and some bread sticks and salad from Goldy Bear Pizza.

As I entered the house, Murdoch and Jangles looked up from where they were cuddled on the sofa, grooming each other. I punched in the security code. I was so relieved to be home. Penn was coming over, food was on the way, and I didn’t have to leave the house until morning. The day had been stressful, but at least tonight would end on a good note.

CHAPTER TEN

Penn showedup shortly before the pizza. She bustled in, wearing a blue and white polka dot swing dress with a black patent leather belt, a pair of chunky white pumps, a blue peacoat, and a bag full of goodies.

“I brought Cheetos, Oreos, a pint of cookies & cream ice cream, a box of Creamsicles, a bag of potato chips, and some spice drops.” She set the bag on the counter and began unpacking it, handing me the ice cream to put in the freezer.

“You trying to give us a sugar rush?” I laughed.

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