Page 40 of The Night Vision
“That, I agree with,” Smoak said. “Dùbhghlas always assumes he’ll get what he wants and everything will go his way. He’ll have a backup plan and an escape ready because he’s a coward but his ego is too big to fathom anything other than victory. And when something doesn’t go his way, there is hell to pay and it’s often blamed on Merlin Oglethorpe.”
That got a pleased humph out of Merlin. “I’ve taken great pleasure from being a thorn in Dùbhghlas’s side. I only regret that I didn’t do more before, when I had the chance. I was sure he murdered his mother but I couldn’t prove it and at the time, no one wanted to believe he was capable. Nox’s father, Lucas, and I were eventually able to show that Dùbhghlas was practicing dark magick and necromancy and he was shunned. I had hoped that shame and isolation would have changedhis heart, but Dùbhghlas has only grown more devious and desperate.”
“His grudge against you and the MacIlwraiths will follow Dùbhghlas to his grave. It will be his demise or bring destruction and havoc upon the world of men,” Smoak said, his eyes taking on a blue glow.
“It could also bring about your end,” Merlin mused with a wicked smirk. “Demons can be undone and Tighe isn’t the only one on the brink of a threefold death, if I recall correctly.”
“Don’t threaten me with a good time. I’mtired, Oglethorpe, and Niall is about the only thing keeping me from challenging the young sun god myself.”
Merlin stiffened, his glare hardened. “That would be foolish.”
“That would be a blaze of glory. Let someone else be Father of Demons. Hell, let Dùbhghlas wear the crown,” Smoak said with an eye roll. “Hedeservesto be dead and empty.”
Niall gave him another swift jab. “Stop it! You don’t mean that.”
“Of course not,” Smoak said in a placating tone but nodded at Merlin.
“I’m going upstairs. You should join me,” Niall said as he calmly set down his cup and saucer. “This has been very informative, thank you.”
With that, Niall left, Smoak trailing after him. Merlin and Tighe both suppressed surprised giggles.
“I have a feeling that young Niall will be reminding his lordship that he has much to be grateful for and his life is not as empty as he suggests,” Merlin said, then waved his hands. “How would you like to make your very own tea blend?”
“My own!” Tighe replied, nodding rapidly.
“Come this way!” Merlin said as he ushered Tighe out of the study. “What could be more fun than playing in the pantry and decorating your own tin?”
Tighe was torn, because he wasthrilledat the prospect of picking out his own herbs and flowers and inventing a new tea… “Kittens,” he said, making Merlin gasp.
“Oh, yes! Kittens are the most fun but playing with tea is a close second.”
Chapter Seventeen
“Isn’t DC that way?” Silas asked, turning in his seat to check for street signs when he noticed they were heading west.
“Have to make a short detour to Adelphi to pick up something for Merlin. Won’t take too long, unless Howard goes on one of his tangents.”
“Howard?” Silas had heard the name mentioned a few times in the study and had been curious.
“He’s a good friend. He owns Bippity Boppity Books, an occult bookshop. I drop in once or twice a week to pick up Merlin’s and Nox’s orders.”
“Bippity Boppity Books,” Silas said with an amused snort. “I love it already.”
“It’s fine,” Nelson said in his even rumble.
But he seemed pleased when he parked in front of the charmingly spooky storefront and scanned the window display. The theme was Samhain and numerous books, candles, crystals, teacups, and skulls were skillfully arranged in cozy-looking piles as paper bats and stars dangled from above.
“That’s cute,” Silas declared, earning a nod from Nelson.
“It is, but Nox will be disappointed because he’s been looking for a few hours to sneak away and help. The Samhain display is his favorite and Nox feels like he’s been neglecting Howard and the shop.”
Silas groaned, feeling somewhat responsible. “We have kept him busy.”
“It’s for a good cause,” Nelson said as he went to get the door but it opened before he could grasp the knob.
A bouncing elderly man with downy white hair greeted them. “Hello, Agent Nelson! Come in!” he hopped and raised his arms and Silas bit down on a grin as Nelson dutifully lowered and allowed the old man to kiss his cheek.
Silas used the moment to admire the store’s romantic goth decor. The walls and ceilings were black as were most of the store’s fixtures and bookshelves, but an elegant seating area in rich purple upholstery invited guests to sit as candelabras and a cauldron-shaped wax warmer gave the space a comforting glow. Silas smiled at an embroidered throw pillow that said “Sit For A Spell!”
