Page 42 of Equalizer
“Yeah. I will be.” His voice sounded unsteady, even to his own ears.
“What just happened?”
Owen took a few deep breaths to still himself. “I think Winston used magic to break a wheel or two and snap the traces to set the horses loose on the other carriage. Then the ghosts attacked. I didn’t intend for them to kill…but I didn’t count on how angry they were or how much they needed vengeance. I’m pretty sure whoever was in that carriage didn’t survive.”
“The people chasing us probably would have killed us if they caught us,” Calvin reminded him. “I can’t say I’m sorry if that was the choice.”
The carriage slowed from its breakneck speed. Owen let go of the strap, but his fingers cramped from the tight grip. He heard the concern in Calvin’s voice and appreciated the absolution he offered, but the raw hatred he had felt from the ghosts still made him vibrate with its intensity.
“I know,” Owen managed. “But…those ghosts had been waiting to make someone pay for their deaths. I should have been more careful. They could have just as easily turned on us.”
“But they didn’t,” Calvin said in a gentle tone. “You and Winston saved us. Take the win.”
It took longer to get back to the station, and Owen guessed Winston had taken a circuitous route to ensure there were no other pursuers.
Calvin and Owen insisted on going with Winston to the stable, given that it was well past midnight. Fortunately, the barn was only a block from the train, but they didn’t want to take any chances after tonight’s chase. Winston paid the man almost double and apologized for tiring the horses and the damage to the carriage from the bullets. They walked to the Pullman on high alert, guns in hand and Winston primed for magic, but no one tried to stop them.
“That’s far too much excitement for one night,” Calvin said once the door was locked behind them.
Owen poured brandy for all three of them and motioned for Winston to join them. They all needed for the adrenaline to fade, and Owen suspected it would take more than one shot of alcohol to slow his pounding heart.
“To us.” Owen raised his glass in a toast. “One hell of a team.”
“To us,” Calvin and Winston echoed.
“Quite a memorable end to the evening,” Winston said, although his usual jocularity sounded forced.
“That was some fantastic magic and driving,” Calvin praised.
“All in a night’s work,” Winston deflected with a smile.
“Who was following us? The Mob? Which faction? Humphries’s people? Someone we don’t even know about yet?” Now that the danger was past, Owen felt his anger surge. “Were both sets of pursuers working for the same people, or is there more than one group out to get us?”
“Whoever was in charge sent henchmen, not witches, so that’s telling,” Calvin mused. “Either they didn’t realize we also had some tricks up our sleeves, or they badly underestimated us.”
“I’m all for being underestimated.” Winston sipped his brandy.
“It definitely has benefits,” Owen agreed. “We know about Humphries, but there’s nothing to indicate he knows about us. The Contis are, at least in theory, on our side. The Russos don’t have a reason to go after us and would probably avoid the risk of angering the Contis. Then again, it could be someone who caught wind that the Secret Service was poking around and wanted to let us know we aren’t welcome.”
“I don’t know if the aftermath will make the newspaper, but I will check when the morning edition comes out.” Winston finished his brandy and checked the time.
“We’re likely to meet ourselves on our way to breakfast if we don’t go to bed soon,” he said, managing a tired joke. Winston was usually unflappable, but Owen thought he heard an edge of tiredness in the valet’s voice.
Magic takes a toll, and he saved our asses. He’s probably exhausted.
“I’m all for that.” Calvin caught Owen’s eye in agreement that they should all turn in.
“See you in the morning. Sleep well.” Winston collected their glasses and took them to the galley.
Calvin turned the lights down and took Owen’s hand as they headed to bed. “Are you okay?”
Owen leaned against him, taking comfort in his solid frame and the warmth of his strong arms. “We got back to the train. And for now, we’re safe and together. We’ll figure it all out in the morning.”
Chapter 7
Calvin
Winston greeted them at breakfast with a cheery welcome. “Good morning. Time to shake off the remainders of last night.”
