Page 36 of Shadow Dreaming

“When can I drop Coco off?”

“Go ahead and bring her over now. You know my address.”

I hung up and started the car. We had also taken a good supply of dog food from Terrence’s apartment, and what appeared to be a well loved doggy bed.

“You have an interesting life,” Duran said. “How did you decide to become an investigator?”

“I knew I didn’t have the nature for a typical 9-to-5 job. And, given what happened to my mother, I decided I wanted to help others who were in trouble. I’m not very nurturing, so investigating seemed to be the best choice.”

I turned around and drove back north on Tenth Avenue until I reached West Crockett Street, then turned right. I continued until we reached Third Ave West, made a right, and then finally made another right onto West Howe, pulling into the driveway of Sophia’s home.

I turned off the ignition, and asked Duran to bring in the dog food and dog bed. I lifted Coco out of the car, making sure her leash was firmly attached to her collar.

As we headed up the steps, Sophia met us at the door. She invited us in and I set Coco down. The shiatzu began to bark as two other mop dogs came running into the room. They bounced around her, yapping their heads off, but they seemed more excited than upset. Coco sniffed their butts, and they sniffed hers, and suddenly the three bounded away, falling over one another.

“Looks like they’ll get along,” Sophia said, as I gave her the food.

“Good. Poor little mutt. She’ll miss her daddy for now. I hope he gives in and changes sides. We could use someone on the inside of Brim Fire,” I said.

“But could you trust him, if he does?”

“That, I don’t know. Maybe there’s something magical that can be done to ensure his loyalty. I won’t brainwash the man, but damn it…I feel like we’re floundering around in a pool like a bunch of fish who know there are piranhas in with us, but who can’t see where they are.”

And I did. It felt like we were alone, trying to work against a force intending on destroying the world as we knew it. And we had no leaders, no guidance, no help.

“I know,” Sophia said. “Coco will be fine here. I’ll give her love and care as long as she’s with me. Let me take that worry off your shoulders.”

“Thanks,” I said, sighing. “I wonder… Penn is a priestess of Hecate. Is there a way to petition the goddess for help?”

Sophia paused. She exchanged looks with Duran. Then, slowly, she said, “Yes, there is. I can act as an intermediary.”

“Will Zeus be able to trace you?”

Zeus had cast Sophia out, when she refused to sleep with him.

She sighed. “Let me ask Pythia. I follow her lead, though I’ve never been a pledged priestess. I think she might even help. She has her own grievances against Zeus. Why don’t you come in and I’ll see what I can do.”

As we followed her into her living room, I felt an instant sense of peace. Sophia wasn’t a witch, but her house felt magically protected. Decorated in muted shades of blue and cream, it reminded me of the ocean.

Several of the paintings on her walls were of the seas—tranquil and calm, stormy and wind-tossed, and endless like a silver mirror that stretched forever on the horizon. The furniture was cream colored with blue throws, and the walls were a pale blue, like the first hints of morning sky on a spring day. While not minimalist, the affect was mindful, with everything placed thoughtfully.

“Every time I visit, I remember how much I love your house,” I said. “I always feel at peace here.”

“Oracles need a calm, uncluttered environment for our powers to work,” Sophia said. “Clutter interferes with our focus.”

“That’s the same with most magic, too,” Duran said. “It really is a peaceful place. You must have it warded to high hell. I can’t sense any of the outer world’s issues pressing in.”

“I do,” Sophia said. “It’s my refuge. And with Zeus still pissed at me, even after all this time, I want a warning if he shows up.”

“Shows up?” I said, staring at her. “Zeus might show up here?” I wasn’t sure if I’d heard her right.

“Yes, why?” Sophia gave me a puzzled look.

“I just…” I’d never heard of the gods showing up in our world. I wasn’t sure what to think about that. “You’re saying that Zeus could show up here in the flesh?”

Sophia nodded, as though it was an everyday occurrence. “As could any other god. Why?” She paused, then added, “You really didn’t know about this?”

“How could I? I’m not pledged to a god. I have no clue how they work.” I sat down, aimlessly petting Coco who waddled up and rubbed against my leg.

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