Industrial Magic
Page 58

That only opened the floodgates to more finger-pointing. Within minutes, everyone had a theory on who was behind the murders, and they all involved another Cabal. The Cortezes had covered up Webers innocence because the real killer was one of their own. The Nasts lived nearest to Weber, so theyd planted evidence and launched the SWAT attack, again to hide the real killer in their midst. The Boyds were the only Cabal the killer hadnt attacked, so they were obviously behind it. And the St. Cloud Cabal? Well, no evidence pointed to them as the culprits, which was only proof that they were.
In the midst of all this, Lucas quietly retrieved our notepad and helped me sneak out the door. My incision still felt as if it had been ripped open and stuffed with hot coals, so I had to lean heavily on Lucas, and our progress was slow. Once again we made it halfway across the parking lot before someone hailed us.
Where do you think youre going? William called.
Dont stop, I murmured to Lucas.
I wasnt going to.
William strode around and blocked our path. You cant just run out on this.
Sadly, no, I said. But I can hobble, and believe me, Im hobbling as fast as I can.
Lucas started to skirt his brother, but William stepped in front of us.
Move, I said. Now.
William glared at me. Dont you
Dont you, I snarled back. I just saw a boy die because you people executed the wrong man. Im mad as hell and my pain medication ran out hours ago, so get out of my way or Ill blast your ass back into that courtroom.
A whoop of laughter, and Carlos sauntered over to us. Whoo-hoo. Youve got a real spitfire there, Lucas. I gotta hand it to you. You done good.
Shes had a difficult day, William, Lucas said. Id get out of her way.
William strode toward me. No little witch is going to
I flicked my fingers and he stumbled backward.
Carlos laughed. The girl knows sorcerer magic. Maybe you should listen to her, Will.
Maybe Lucas shouldnt be teaching her tricks, William said, bearing down on me again. Sorcerer magic is for sorcerers.
And witch magic is for witches, I said.
I recited an incantation and William inhaled sharply as the air was sucked from his lungs. His mouth opened and closed, struggling to breathe. I mentally counted to twenty, then ended the spell. He doubled over, gasping.
Shit, Carlos said. Never seen witch magic like that.
And, on that note, well take our leave, Lucas said. Good night.
He led me around William and out of the courthouse parking lot.
Weneed to stay on this case, I said as Lucas lowered me onto the hotel room bed. Now more than ever. If the Cabals keep bickering, the killer will have a heyday.
Um-hmm.
Lucas bent to tug off my pumps. I pulled my leg back to do it myself, but he waved me away and removed them, then folded back the covers. I started unbuttoning my blouse. He nudged my hands aside and did it for me.
Weber didnt just coincidentally create that list of potential victims, I said. He did it for someone. He had access to the files and knew how to extract the data. If we can contact his spirit, he should be able to lead us to the killeror point us in the right direction.
Um-hmm. Lucas tugged off my skirt and folded it.
I know a few good necros. We can call one in the morning.
Lucas tucked my legs under the covers. Um-hmm.
First thing we need to do is
I crashed into sleep.
I was in a forest, doing a ceremony with Lucas. Someone banged on a door, which, of course, seemed odd under the circumstances, but my brain, perhaps recognizing I was asleep, overlooked the illogic, and my dream-self yelled at the intruder to leave us alone.
Another triple knock, louder this time. The forest evaporated and I clawed up from bed. Lucass arms went around me, gently restraining.
Shhh, he whispered. Go back to sleep.
Another knock. I jumped, but he ignored it.
Theyll go away, he said.
And they did. I snuggled against his bare chest. Sleep tugged at me. I surrendered and felt myself drifting under again when the bedside phone buzzed.
Ignore it, Lucas whispered.
Five rings. Then silence. I relaxed again, stretched outDa-da-di. Da-da-di.
Isnt that I mumbled into a yawn.
My cell phone. A sigh rippled through him. I should have turned it off. Ill answer it and get rid of him. Perhaps I can reach He twisted and sighed again. Of course not.
He slid from the bed and retrieved the cell phone from his suit coat. When his tone changed, I knew it wasnt Benicio. I propped myself up on the pillow. His gaze shunted to me, brows knitting. I mouthed, Who is it?
Yes, well, your timing isinteresting, he said into the phone. Just a moment, please. He covered the mouthpiece. Its Jaime.
Did you call her?
He shook his head. She heard what happened today and thinks she might be able to help. Shes outside.
I pushed back the covers and swung out my feet. Perfect. Not my first choice, but the sooner we can contact Weber, the better.