Page 111 of Lunar Diamonds
The one positive thing about this week had been learning more about the Brambles. All on the Aurora payroll, they each brought different flavor to the mansion, making it more homely. Safe.
April loved cars and cooking, while Alice enjoyed exercise. A true gym bunny for sure, and in charge of our physical prowess. As for Aaron, he loved maths, gaming, and crumpets. He also focused on the spell side of things. In fact, he got us to brew a potion called Rubberskin. It would protect us from bullets and other attacks but carried some risks due its unreliability. Still, I made sure to glug it with my pancakes.
Moving forward, Erin wanted us to brew more offensive potions. They could either be used to blast enemies with forceful energy or even conjure swords with the snap of finger.
I felt like I lived inside a video game.
After popping up, Drake followed me downstairs, the hairs on the back of my neck stirring. I considered turning, seeing if he wanted to break the silence now.
But a witch cop stopped me in my tracks.
A pale man looked at me, with his one blue eye—the other hidden by an eyepatch. His black hair was cut short in the symmetrical, military lines befitting a witchcop.
He put his teacup down and stood up.
Erin introduced us. “This is Agent Winter of the High Coven.”
“Jake is fine,” he said, extending a hand to each of us. “Good to meet you.” He spoke with an east London accent.
Isaac, already gaping, broke out of his trance, shaking his hand. I echoed him, Drake following me with the formalities.
“Nice to meet you,” Isaac and I said together, my palm sweaty.
“Pleasure is mine.”
“Agent Winter is our contact at the High Coven,” Erin explained. “And the best agent on this planet.”
He chortled lightly. “I’m flattered.”
“I trust him with my life.”
“You need to stop blowing smoke up my bum,” Agent Jake responded.
“It deserves the smoke,” Erin countered. “You’ve been an invaluable asset to this house.”
He shrugged, picking up his teacup to finish the dregs.
“Jake keeps me informed of High Coven activity as best he can,” Erin said. “As of now, we remain under the radar.”
Jake put his cup down. “Banging cuppa, that. But yes, everything is cool. I was worried those Kingwood bastards would put in an anonymous report about your return.” He shrugged. “The dickheads are quiet at the minute. But stay vigilant. Erin will give you my number. Feel free to contact me anytime with any questions or concerns. Everything is strictly on the down low, don’t worry.”
Contact a witchcop for a chin wag? Hmmm. Not sure about that one.
“Thank you so much,” Erin said.
We thanked him, too. Well, more of collective, cautious mumble.
“You’re welcome.” He glanced at the door and checked his watch. “I’d better go. I’ll be in touch as soon as I can.” He bowed at Isaac and me in turn. “It’s an honor.”
“Likewise,” I said, wishing I hadn’t.
Isaac chuckled, Jake also found it amusing.
Why the hell did I have to say that?
“I’ll get back to you on the diamond thing,” he told Erin.
“Excellent.”
