Page 101 of Stalk the Dark
“Not yet,” Padma said. “But the result of the tests on the residue came back. Check your emails.”
“Okay…” I logged in and pulled up the email, scanning the numbers that I didn’t quite understand till I got to the written bit.
Blood and clay and some unknown residue. “Unknown? That’s bloody helpful.”
“But we have a blood type,” Padma said. “It’s rare. RH null.”
“Did you cross-reference with what we have on file already?”
“Yeah, no matches yet. But we still have a bunch of files to input.”
“Okay, keep an eye.” I set the teapot aside and focused on my pile of paperwork.
Lunch time came and went with sandwiches from a little place down the street called Bitesize, and we were getting settled for more boring work when the bell above the door rang.
“Thank fuck!” Edwin said, pushing back his chair.
Padma caught my eye and smiled. Yeah, this was bad. This in-between phase where we had no new cases and the ones we had were at a stall sucked. IfLorenzo didn’t come through soon, I’d have to put the pressure on Micah.
Edwin popped his head back into the office. “It’s for you, Orina.”
“Me?” I joined him in reception where an excited Agatha in modern era clothes stood holding hands with a tall handsome man, which had to be her fiancé, Henry.
“Orina!” She dropped his hand to rush over to hug me. “I’m sorry for dropping in like this, but we were in the neighborhood, and I thought, hey, why not visit with my friend?”
“I’m glad you popped in. You on a day pass?”
“Yes, for now, but…” She bit her bottom lip and slid a glance Henry’s way. “I got approved for a permanent move to New Town.”
“Oh my God, that’s amazing! Congratulations.”
She squeezed my hands, her eyes bright with joy and excitement. “Oh, and this wonderful man”—she hooked an arm through Henry’s and drew him closer—“is Henry. My fiancé.” She said it proudly, and a warm smile broke out on his face.
“I’ve heard so much about you,” Henry said. “It’s good to put a face to a name.” He had a nice voice. Reassuring and steady, the kind of voice you’d like to hear in a crisis. One that would calm your nerves and help you focus.
“Likewise.” I returned his smile. “So what have you two been up to today?”
Agatha’s blush answered my question, but Henry replied smoothly with, “It’s been a lazy morning. But we’ll do some shopping, things for the house, and then get dinner before…” His smile dimmed. “Before I drop Agatha back to the carriage stables.”
“One week,” Agatha said to him. “I’ll be back for good in one week.” They turned toward each other, and his hand went to her abdomen, fingers spreading protectively over her stomach. I’d seen this move before. Knew what it might mean.
Agatha glanced at me and followed my gaze. Her cheeks pinkened once more.
I arched a brow, and her eyes widened. “Oh…no. At least, not yet. But we’re trying and we’re hopeful.” She chewed on her bottom lip. “I mean, we could be…we haven’t tested yet.” Her eyes twinkled with excitement.
Henry rolled his eyes and chuckled softly. “I thought we weren’t going to tell anyone we were trying so as not to jinx it.”
“You’re the one touching my stomach,” Agatha said. “Besides, I can’t help myself. I’m so excited.”
“Wait, what…What does that mean?” Edwin asked. “What are they trying to do?”
“Get pregnant,” Padma said, her voice soft and almost wistful.
“Honey, if you want to cover ground, then we should get going,” Henry said to Agatha.
“Yes, yes. I’ll see you at the Midnight Ball, I assume.” She made a long-suffering face.
Henry frowned. “Does she have to go? You’re thatthing’swatcher; is there anything you can do to get her out of it?”
