Page 80 of Death Warden
I shake off the thoughts as I enter the room. Logan, Curo, Wendall, and the rest of our enforcement team are present.
“I’ve sorted transport for the Circle,” Logan says as I enter. “A bus will pick them up at nine.”
“They should have come straight away.” Curo’s eyes flash with impatience.
“They have jobs and lives, Curo,” Logan reminds him.
“We’re the MC, our orders trump all of that.”
“Enough,” Dax says. “A few more hours won’t matter.”
“Why that particular mage, though?” Logan ponders. “Why her and not anyone else?”
It takes a moment to realize he’s referring to Magda Scorch, the victim.
Wendall answers. “The Circle mages we interviewed told us that Magda Scorch was the oldest and most powerful of them. She was the holder of the golden apple. Their Circle power was channeled via the artifact, through her, and into the Circle. To be honest, they seemed more cut up about losing their link and having to re-establish it than with her death.”
Curo rakes his hand through his hair in agitation. “He’s out there. We need to find him.”
“We will,” Logan soothes. “I’ve sent the Circle the address to the hotspot.”
“Where is that?” Curo asks.
Logan taps a location on the map and spreads it out on the table. “It’s one of two convergences. The closest one to us.” He taps another spot. “This is the other.”
Curo’s brow furrows. “I was at that second spot earlier with Adi.”
The way he says her name, the soft inflection…something has happened. Something’s changed.
My chest begins to vibrate, and I cut off the sound. I need to focus on the job.
“The Circle was there too,” Curo continues. “Magda, the victim, was pretty vocal.”
“You think it’s connected?” Dax asks.
Curo plucks at his bottom lip in thought. “I can’t see how.”
“In that case, focus on what we know. We have a killer on the loose. Most likely the trader or someone associated.”
“It’s him,” Curo says. “It has to be.”
Logan has filled me in already via phone. I can’t imagine what Curo’s feeling right now. We’ve kept in touch over the past two weeks, and he told me Adi’s theory that his soul isn’t gone. That it’s still here somewhere and now he has a chance to get it back.
“Spectre, you’ll liaise with the Bay Water Circle at the hotspot,” Dax says.
“I should go,” Curo says. “I’m head enforcer.”
“You’re also too close to this case. They know Spectre and are comfortable with him. Wendall. You’ll go with Spectre.”
Wendall nods.
Curo’s jaw ticks but he doesn’t argue. Wise man.
“Now everyone get some rest,” Dax says. “I have a feeling we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.” He looks at his watch. “Which is actually later today.”
Everyone heads for the door, and I make to follow, but Dax stalls me with a look.
Fuck. “What now?”
