Page 49 of Deadly Lineage
“My neighbor, Mrs. Hart, and her dog Miss Pattycakes.”
Pops’s sigh was long and deep. “I have no idea what is happening at this human’s home.”
I made a mental note to ask Pops to ward Mrs. Hart’s house in the future. It had been an oversight on my part. Pops would likely complain, but he’d do it if I asked.
“There is a flight that leaves in less than an hour. They will hold it for me if I ask.”
There were a few perks to being the most powerful warlock on the West Coast. “Let us figure out what’s going on first. Detective O’Hare is with me and I’ve got it on good authority that he doesn’t plan on letting me charge into the fire without knowing what’s going on first.” Franklin glanced at me before his eyes focused back on the road.
“That is somewhat reassuring. However, I would feel better if you had more substantial backup.”
Substantialwas code for magical.
“I promise I won’t do anything too stupid. Franklin won’t let me.”
“Your humorous attempts are wasted on me. You do realize this, correct?”
“I know, Pops.” That didn’t mean I planned on stopping anytime soon.
“We’re almost there,” Franklin said. I’d been concentrating on my conversation and hadn’t realized how close we were.
“I’ve gotta go. I’ll call when I know more.”
“Erasmus, youwillbe careful.” Pops couldn’t instill his will into his words like I did, at least not when it came to controlling others. But I still felt its weight.
“I’ll do my best. Love you, Pops.”
“I love you too,” he answered before ending the call.
Franklin’s car came to a gravel-crunching stop about a block away from my home. Outward appearances didn’t indicate that anything was amiss.
“They are leaving.”
Franklin jumped while I simply twisted. I wasn’t as reactive to Aurelia’s comings and goings as I once had been.
Sitting in the middle of the rear seat, Aurelia pushed her arm between Franklin and me, pointing to a spot down the road. “They are in that vehicle. If you wish to catch them, I suggest you hurry.”
“Shit,” Franklin swore before throwing the car into drive and quickly blasting through the residential speed limit.
“Careful, there are kids in this neighborhood.” They rode their bikes and bounced basketballs down streets and sidewalks.
“I know.” Those two words barely gritted past Franklins teeth. “I don’t think our prey will take that into consideration.”
I figured Franklin was correct considering their increased speed. Thankfully, the car we were chasing quickly exited my quaint neighborhood. I figured they’d head for the highway, but that’s not the direction they chose.
“Where in the hell are they going?” I asked, voice increasing as I grabbed the “oh shit handle” when Franklin took a turn faster than was healthy.
“Country,” Franklin grunted.
He was right. Homes grew sparser and fields stretched out to our right and left. Franklin hit a dip in the road too fast and the car jumped. My seatbelt grew taut and laughter filled the rear seat. Despite our speed and questionable roads, I managed to turn my head enough to see an amazing sight.
Aurelia was still in the back of the car, fingers clinging to the front seats. A wild, nearly maniacal grin stretched her lips, but it was her eyes that were the true stars. They sparkled and glowed with what could only be described as pure, unmitigated joy. I’d never seen that level of emotion from her before. It lit her up from the inside and made her glow.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, I found myself grinning in turn. Franklin glanced in his review mirror a couple of times. If the uncertain scowl marring his face was anything to go by, he found Aurelia’s glee more disturbing than humorous.
We hit another dip in the road that rocked the car, bottoming it out.
“If I’d known we were going to be in a chase like this, I would have grabbed a SUV or a Jeep.” Franklin grimaced. “Their vehicle is a lot more suited for this terrain.”
