Industrial Magic
Page 110

Wonderful, she said.
I think so, Lucas said.
Faye laughed. You should. You couldnt do better. Now, what do you have for me?
Lucas told her the details, particularly those about Edward. He also gave her a photo of Edward and Natasha that hed taken from their house, plus a shirt hed removed from Edwards laundry hamper. I hadnt known hed taken either. He must have already been considering contacting Faye.
As Faye listened, the sheen of perspiration spread to her cheeks and jaw, then beaded into rivulets of sweat. The room was cool, with a faint air-conditioned breeze that set goose bumps springing up on my bare arms, but obviously that wasnt enough for Faye. When Lucas finished, I offered to find Oscar and see if we could get Faye a fan or a cold drink.
Its not the temperature, hon, she said. Its me. Keeping the old brain clear takes some effort.
I remembered something my mother had done for a necromancer friend when shed begun losing her battle with the spirit world.
Can I try something? I asked. A spell?
Youre welcome to try.
I cast a calming spell, then recast it for added strength. Faye closed her eyes. Her lips moved soundlessly, then she peeked one eye open.
Not bad, she said, then opened the other eye. She smiled and rolled her shoulders. Well, that gives a bit of relief. What was it?
Just a calming spell. Any witch can do one. Im surprised they dont have a witch here. Shamans are great caretakers, but for a nurse, you really should have a witch.
Faye snorted. Try telling that to those damned sorcerers.
I will, I said. Ill speak to Benicio next time I see him.
Fayes eyebrows shot up, and her lips curved just a fraction, as if waiting to burst into a laugh when I acknowledged the joke.
Shes quite serious, Lucas said. Shell tell him and, even more shocking, hell probably listen.
I have leverage, I said, slanting a look toward Lucas.
Faye threw back her head, laughter filling the room. You found the bastards weakness, did you? Clever girl. If you can get me a witch, youll move to the top of my approved visitors list. Now, lets see what I can do for you.
Faye laid Edwards photo on her lap and stared down at it. I took a chair slightly behind Faye, knowing it was always easier to concentrate when your audience was out of sight. Lucas pulled a chair over beside mine.
After a moment, Fayes shoulders dropped and she slouched forward. I glanced at Lucas. He nodded, telling me this was normal. At least ten minutes of silence passed. Then Fayes body tensed. Her mouth opened.
I have
Shegasped and her body jerked upright, eyes rolling to the whites. Lucas leapt up. She blinked, recovering, and shooed Lucas away.
Sorry, she said. Wrong tactic. I was too open. Got an emotional shock wave.
You found him? Lucas said.
Big black hole of hate? Thatd be him. Damn thing nearly sucked me right in. She shivered, then straightened. Okay, round two coming up. This time, Ill turn off the emotional radar and stick to the visuals.
Faye dropped her head and, this time, took only a minute to hone in on Edward.
Hes sitting on the edge of a bed, staring at the wall. That doesnt help you much. Let me look around. Bed, dresser, television, two doorswait, theres something on the back of the door. A fire escape plan. So were talking motel or hotel. No surprise there. Details, detailsI see a window. Looks out over the top of buildings, so lets narrow that down to hotel, something with at least three floors, hes probably on the third or fourth. The rooms clean. Not so much as a sock on the floor. Okay, start directing.
Back to the window, Lucas said. Describe the buildings you see outside.
Two. Both concrete, lots of windows. A tall one in the far distance, the shorter one in front of it, maybe fifty feet from the window. Doesnt leave much of a view.
Any distinguishing marks on either?
Nowait, theres a sign on the farther one, on the roof, but its too far to read.
Do you see the sun?
No.
Shadows?
Theres one cast by the window.
Which direction is the shadow falling?
Faye smiled. Clever boy. The shadow slants straight into the room, meaning the window points south.
Back to the fire evacuation notice. Can you get close enough to read it?
Yes, but it doesnt list the hotel name or room number. Already thought of that.
Does it have the room rate?
Ah, yes. One hundred dollars even.
Good.
Lucas directed Faye around the room some more, but found nothing useful. Though I cast the occasional calming spell, she was starting to sweat again, so Lucas concluded the search.
One last thing, Faye said. Let me do a quick read. Hes still sitting there, so he must be thinking. If hes planning something, I might be able to give you a heads up.
She went quiet, dropping her head to her chest again. A minute of silence passed, then she shuddered and her head jerked back, pupils flicking like someone in REM sleep. Lucas laid his hand on her shoulder. After a moment, she shuddered again.