Curse of The Jade Cat: The Dark City Chronicles, #2

By A. E. Churchyard

Kai Lynn Riordan is a Diviner– she can touch something and look through the eyes of the person who held it last. This is mostly a useful ability, something that allows her to tell fortunes and find lost people and objects.
 

Te Ling is a huge, bustling city and there are always cases for her to earn money from, lost puppies, stolen family heirlooms and telling tourists their fortunes. However, Kai's easy, profitable life becomes full of danger when she's handed the case of a missing Mage, and she's dropped into a world that holds more secrets than she ever thought existed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kira Morgana
• Release date: Jun 30, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201000813

A. E. Churchyard

A.E. Churchyard thought she was a Teacher, until Life pointed out to her that she is actually a writer. As her Cats, Kids and Partner approved, she decided to agree with Life. Currently she is working on a paranormal novella and a science fiction novel. As “Kira Morgana” she is in the middle of a five book Fantasy Novella Series, as well as a number of other projects, including a Children’s Rhyming Story Series collaboration with Maria K. As if that weren’t enough, she volunteers at local Guide and Brownie Units She does all this from a body in South Wales, UK. Where her mind is, she hasn’t yet worked out, but it must be somewhere pretty scary…

Book preview

Chapter 1

From above, the park looked like it had been coated in a thick blanket of pink and white snow. Tourists strolled in the spring sunshine, taking photos and picnicking in the specially created tree viewing areas. Children were throwing handfuls of fallen blossom petals at each other, screeching with laughter.

Kai smiled at the view from her East Uptown loft’s tiny balcony. I’ve been in Te Ling for five years now and the parks in spring never fail to amaze me. This is the first time I have seen the view from above though. She stretched and went back inside, shutting and locking the door behind her. The face of the door fitter flashed into her mind, his lined face frowning in concentration.

Almost as soon as she turned round, she tripped over a box. Damn. I really have got to find the time to unpack properly.

Picking the box up, she stacked it on another off to one side of the kitchen counter, ignoring the image of her Old Town cottage that flashed across her mind when she touched the box. Briefly she felt homesick.

I’d better put my gloves on before I get too distracted. I hope that Amira has finished those lightweight ones; it’s getting too warm to wear the leather ones. She picked up the pale tan leather gloves that rested on the kitchen counter and slid them on, getting a flash of Amira’s smiling face before the embedded magic cut it off. She sighed, That’s better.

Her phone buzzed and she picked it up, sliding through the options until she came to the calendar. Five clients this afternoon. Three locals and two referrals from the Park Hotel. I hope they’re not expecting much, I didn’t get a lot of sleep last night; that vampire proved tricky to track down. She turned the alert off, slipped the phone into the inside pocket of her black leather jacket and added her Hunter’s License and wallet to it.

With a huge yawn, she swung the jacket over her shoulder, picked up the loft keys and left, locking all three locks carefully. The corridor outside was deserted and her footfalls echoed from the high marble clad ceiling and hardwood flooring. I wish they’d put carpet down out here. She muttered to herself, I know it’s supposed to be a luxury block, but it’s so noisy.

The lift dinged as she approached. Shall I do stairs or lift? The doors slid open to reveal the handsome, silver haired owner of the other loft on the floor.

Hello. He stepped out, How are you settling in?

Kai smiled back, I’m fine, just having trouble finding the time to unpack.

You certainly don’t seem to spend much time at home, that’s for certain. He pulled his keys out of his pocket, I’d better get in before my wife thinks I’ve gone missing.

Kai laughed and stepped into the lift.

By the time she’d got down to the ground floor, Kai had slipped into her jacket and fielded a phone call from her panicky new Personal Assistant. He’d better get a hang of my office system quickly; I can’t afford to spend too much time training him.

The lobby had the same marble ceiling and hardwood floor as the rest of the building, but here, a thick carpet runner led from the bank of lifts to the reception desk.

Good Afternoon, Miss Riordan. There aren’t any messages or post for you today. The receptionist’s voice was as bright as her orange and yellow blouse.

Thanks Lucy. Kai murmured.

Michael is the Night Guard on duty tonight, I assume that you won’t be back until midnight again? she said, one eyebrow raising with the question.

Kai didn’t stop walking, I hope I’ll be in before then, but you never know in my job.

Hmm. Lucy sounded slightly disapproving.

Have a good afternoon. Kai waved as she passed through the slowly spinning revolving door.

The walk to work didn’t take long, but because her office was in one of the small octagon shaped buildings dotted around the park, it was a beautiful one. Kai slowed down deliberately, enjoying the cool, flower scented air.

She crossed a red bridge arching over one of the brooks that fed the park’s lake and strolled through the blooming peach trees on the other side, to a grove of plum trees that surrounded her office and entered the building through the side door.

Sebastian, her new Personal Assistant was waiting for her as she stepped into the main reception area, Miss Riordan, I found the files on the three repeat clients and created new ones for the referrals.

She nodded and walked past him into her private office. He followed her laying the electronic tablet he was carrying on the desk as she hung her jacket up on the coat rack.

The three repeat clients are all human, as are the two referrals. Sebastian stood in front of the desk as she sat down.

I am capable of reading their files, you know, She sighed, and I told you that I wanted the files in hardcopy form, not electronic. Kai raised her hands and spread her leather encased fingers out, These aren’t exactly good for touch sensitive devices, too thick and I can’t touch the thing barehanded.

He looked confused.

I connect with whoever touched the item last remember? As that’s you, I don’t think you’d want me looking out through your eyes every time I needed to check something in a file. It’s also the reason I don’t use a computer; too many people have touched or worked on them, even the brand-new ones.

Realisation dawned and he snatched up the tablet, I’ll find the hard copies of the locals and create hardcopy files for the two referrals.

Thank you. She watched him march out of the office and sighed, And another one bites the dust because they don’t want to do any ‘old fashioned’ filing.

She studied the gloves. I wonder if Amira can make me thin gauze gloves? They might be thin enough to make using touchscreens feasible.

Sebastian came back in with three green folders, Here are the local files for you. What colour do I use for the referrals?

It depends on if they are business clients or tourists. Tourists get yellow, business get black, she said, It’s all in that folder I gave you, the one with ‘Office Procedures’ on the spine.

The tips of his ears turned red, Oh, of course, Miss Riordan. He put the folders down on the desk, Is there anything else you need me to do?

She pulled the folders toward her, Just remember to tell me when the first client gets here. She pointed at the office intercom, an antique wooden box with a speaker and four buttons on the top, Yours is slightly different to mine; Red to buzz and speak to me, white to put the phone line on hold and black to connect to the phone system so you can pass phone calls across.

Why do you have a blue button? he said.

So, I can block your speaker if I need to.

And the green?

Kai took a deep breath and changed the subject, What time is the first appointment due?

In about ten minutes. It’s one of the locals; the second client is a referral, so I’d better get on and create their file. He spun on his heel and strode out.

Remember to bring them into the Scrying Chamber, not in here! she called after him.

He waved one hand in acknowledgement.

Kai spent five minutes reading the record of the last meeting with the client, then put the file to one side and pressed the green button on her intercom. A red LED lit up next to the speaker. I’ve just got time to make sure the Scrying Chamber is connected and ready.

She stood up, and crossed to the other door into the office, turning the silver knob under the handle to unlock it.

The room on the other side could not have been more different to her private office, the deep red painted walls were hung with purple velvet drapes, which matched the purple velvet tablecloth on the centre table. There was only one small window, the glass covered with a dark red blind and swathed in red drapes. It was so dark that she had to turn the main light on to light the thick white candles that were dotted around the room.

Then she turned to the intercom box that sat on a side table and pressed the green button and looked through the door into her office at the other intercom. The LED was blinking slowly. Turning the main light off, the candles sparkled off the crystal geodes and carvings and the large crystal glass ball on its mahogany wheeled stand, glowed a pale green.

Good. That’s the candles lit and the session recording. Just need to get changed now. She stepped back into her office as the intercom buzzed.

Yes? Kai answered as she pulled on a dark purple velvet robe, tying the gold silk sash to one side.

Your first client is here, Mis... Sebastian paused, obviously remembering that Kai worked under a different name and that the client was listening, Lady Starwind.

Thank you, Sebastian. Take them into the Scrying Chamber and I’ll be with them directly.

Of course, Lady Starwind. The intercom went silent.

Kai put a gold lace mask on and pulled the hood of the robe up. I need to get Amira to make a pair of gold lace gloves as well... the pale tan leather works, but it’s just too warm to wear them at work.

She stepped through the adjoining door into the Scrying Chamber.

The first appointment was a regular business client, asking about the opportunities he might face in the conference he was going to. Kai had him handle the runes while they talked about the journey and the people he was going to see at the conference, then she slipped her gloves off and he pushed the bowl of runes across the table to her.

As she picked out each rune, she had a flash of thought from her client. From there it was easy enough to give him an interpretation that fitted his personal intentions and reinforced the nebulous plan that had come through from his thoughts.

He was happy enough with her reading and Kai knew that enough would come true that her reputation was safe.

The second was a tourist and for this one, she asked for an item that the woman wore all the time. She used the crystal ball and by wearing the bracelet the woman gave her, spun a tale of enjoyment and a mysterious stranger, using the images that flashed from the client’s mind to create the stranger’s appearance.

The third and fourth appointments were mundane tarot readings. She always used the cheapest type of Ryder-Waite cards to do the readings and then gifted the pack to the client at the end, wrapped in a locally produced silk scarf with the instruction that if they were to return, they should bring the pack with them.

The third client was a local who had been coming to her for readings for three years. The pack was in perfect condition and the local obviously had been attempting her own readings because the strength of the signal from the cards made it very easy to form a good reading for her.

The fourth appointment was the second hotel referral, another tourist that was absolutely delighted with the reading and the gift of scarf wrapped cards. He promised to sing her praises to everyone he met, clutching the cards to his heart as he left.

The last appointment before dinner was another regular client. This lady wore a full burqa and Sebastian sounded slightly scandalised as he introduced her to Kai, Mrs Sharifi refused to allow me to confirm her identity, Lady Starwind.

Kai smiled and moved closer to the client, recognising the tiny spiral tattoo at the corner of her left eye, Don’t worry, Sebastian. As Mrs Sharifi is the last appointment of the day, you can head off. I will lock up.

The eyes behind the mesh panel crinkled.

As you wish, Lady Starwind. Her PA sighed and left the room.

I apologise for Sebastian, Mrs Sharifi. He’s new to the office. Kai shut the door behind her PA and locked it, We are completely private now.

Thank heaven for that, Mrs Sharifi said, removing the Burqa, My husband would have a fit if he thought that young man had seen my face.

Is there anything in particular that you would like today? Kai led the way back to the table.

The other woman sighed, Not really, Kai-Lynn. I’m more interested in a cup of coffee and a chat.

In that case Aa’eesha, shall we go through into my office and relax? Kai turned the recording off and opened the adjoining door.

I’d really appreciate that.

Chapter 2

At the end of the session time, Kai let Aa’eesha out of the building, extinguished the candles and locked everything up. I feel sorry for Aa’eesha sometimes, her husband sounds like such a dinosaur, but she’s happy with him. She put her leather jacket back on as she left, doing it up against the cooler air.

The scenery is the same, but Te Ling feels so different in the evening. Kai’s stomach rumbled. Time for lunch. She headed for her favourite bar/restaurant.

The tourists were still around, but the families had disappeared. As she left the park, she spotted a tourist family still eating at one of the park side cafés. A pair of police approached them and spoke to the parents.

Kai passed the café and caught a snatch of the conversation.

Surely, it’s no more dangerous here than in New York? the mother said, looking worried.

I’m afraid it is, Ma’am, the older policeman said, The underworld of New York is younger than Te Ling’s.

You mean the criminals? the Father laughed, You don’t get targeted by them unless you’re stupid.

I wish he meant the criminals, the younger policeman said, unfortunately the Underworld is a lot more dangerous than just criminals.

Kai smiled at the wistful expression on the younger man’s face. He must be new to the job, but he’s definitely a local. I can tell from here that he wants to explain it properly. She crossed the road and walked into the restaurant and theatre area of the Tourist District.

Down here the streets were brightly lit and there was a police presence on every junction. The business owners paid a premium in City Rates to ensure the safety of the tourists that ventured away from the Hotels. Very few locals ate in the area because of the prices but Kai’s favourite place was right in the middle of it and now she was earning enough to eat there as often as she wanted.

Good Evening, Miss Riordan. The Maître d said as she entered, I’m afraid that your usual corner table is still occupied, but I have one by the window if you like? he indicated the main restaurant with a wave of his hand

Kai shook her head, I’ll wait in the bar for my usual one, thank you Jai-Lo.

He nodded and made a note in the appointments book. Kai trotted down the steps into the bar area. There weren’t many people in here this early, so she took her normal stool at the far end of the bar, her back against the wall.

Hiya Kai-Lynn, hungry or thirsty? the Jiǔbǎo asked.

Evening Maaike. I’m hungry tonight; just a European beer please.

Maaike poured out the beer, swiped the excess head of foam off the top with a black handled beer scraper and passed it over, placing a disposable coaster on the polished wood before she put the glass down, Did you hear the latest about the Black Dragon?

Which bit? Kai took a long drink of her beer, I heard a lot of things about the Black Dragon recently.

Well, today’s rumour is that the Black Dragon has had children. Mai took one of the glasses from the tiny dishwasher under the counter and began polishing it with a clean cloth.

What’s so exciting about that?

Considering that the Black Dragon is supposed to be a Vampire at the moment... Maaike raised an eyebrow and lowered her tone so that the tourists that had just entered the bar didn’t hear her, How can a Vampire have children? Wolf Clan can have cubs, but Vampires Rebirth Humans to procreate.

Hmm, good point. Kai drank some more, But even if it’s true, it’s none of our business.

Maaike nodded and was about to say something more, but a waiter appeared on the bottom step.

Miss Riordan, your table is ready for you. He called out.

Kai slid down from her stool and picked up her glass, Thanks for the chat, Maaike.

The Jiǔbǎo waved a hand and moved along the bar to serve the tourists. Kai followed the waiter upstairs.

After her meal, Kai paid her tab and stepped back out into the tourist district. Something feels different about this place. She looked around. The lights were still bright and adult tourists still thronged the streets here, but the police presence had doubled.

Spotting an officer she knew by name, she wandered over, Hi Zhao Li... what are you doing out here tonight? Isn’t there a murder or major crime that you should be investigating?

The policeman laughed, I’m not super glued to my desk chair you know, Kai-Lynn.

Smiling, she shrugged, I’m just wondering why there are so many police around this evening.

I shouldn’t really tell you anything... his voice trailed off, his eyes no longer laughing.

Is it something that is going to end up in my office later tonight? Kai said.

He sighed.

That would be a yes then. I’ll clear my schedule for this evening. Kai moved away, as if she’d just been exchanging pleasantries with him, I’ll see you when I see you.

He raised a hand as she walked away, but she could feel his unhappiness and irritation. I’d better tell Edward to rearrange any appointments, I suspect this one is going mean a late night.

The walk to her other office took slightly longer than the walk from her loft to the park office. She skirted the park this time; the paths were well lit but the spaces between them were dark, and Kai knew from experience that it was a bad idea to interrupt anything that might be happening in there.

Her office was on the second floor of an old building in the heart of the eastern side of the City District. Edward manned the outer office and was at his desk when she walked in through the front door. Any hope of being able to clear her schedule disappeared when she realised there were three people already waiting for her.

Can I see you in my office, Edward? Kai asked, without stopping at his desk.

Of course, Miss Riordan. I’ll just get your coffee. He disappeared into the little kitchenette.

Once inside, Kai slung her jacket over the back of her chair and sat down. Two files were already in the middle of the desk. I should have called ahead... my own fault. She sighed and flipped open the top one, the black band on the spine telling her that it was a business client.

Here you are, Miss Riordan, Edward said as he came into the office with her coffee, shutting the door behind him.

Thank you. Can you cancel any other appointments please? I get the feeling that something big is going to land in my lap shortly.

Already done. Detective Zhao called in about five minutes ago. He put the mug down on the desk in front of her and Kai automatically moved it to the stained leather coaster she had on her right.

What would I do without you, Ed? she smiled at him.

Let’s hope you don’t have to find out. Can I show the first client in? Edward pointed to the black banded folder, It’s actually a rather easy one.

Kai scanned the summary sheet, So I see. Yes, bring him in.

Her PA left the office and came back in with a western man wearing a black business suit, pale blue shirt and bright blue tie.

Kai stood up and moved round the desk, holding her right hand out, Welcome to my office, Mr Derwin-Hepler.

The man hesitated.

I see that my reputation has preceded me, Kai smiled, It’s quite all right, I’m wearing gloves.

He took her offered hand gingerly and then breathed out heavily when nothing happened to him.

She shook his hand briefly before returning to her side of the desk, Please sit down.

Mr Derwin-Hepler sat down in one of the other chairs, Thank you for seeing me.

If you wouldn’t mind walking me through the problem...

Of course, he said, We’ve had a series of thefts from the petty cash. I’m trying to deal with it internally, but despite having narrowed it down to three particular employees, if you can’t shed any light on the situation, I’ll have to call in the police.

I see. Did you bring anything in that I can use remotely, or would you rather I came to your office tomorrow? Kai took a swallow of her coffee.

If you wouldn’t mind visiting the office. I’ve not yet told them they are under suspicion, although the whole company knows that we have a thief in the office. Derwin-Hepler shifted in his seat.

He’s very uncomfortable about this situation. Maybe there’s more to it than just these three? Kai drank some more coffee, letting the client sit silently.

He took a deep breath.

I’ll come to your office at midday and spend the afternoon with you, interviewing your employees on the matter. She said, putting her mug down, We’ll see what comes up and I’ll be able to have a better idea of how to proceed.

Mr Derwin-Hepler relaxed, Thank you, that would be perfect.

See my assistant on the way out to make the arrangements, if you wouldn’t mind. I have rather a lot of work to do this evening. Kai stood up and saw him to the office door, shaking his hand again.

Over his shoulder, she spotted Detective Zhao sipping coffee and leafing through what looked like a police file. He’s earlier than I expected. Should I reschedule the couple? She glanced at them and caught a feeling of severe anxiety and unhappiness from the woman. No, that’s something that needs taking care of quickly.

Edward looked up at her from his keyboard and his eyebrows drifted into his hairline, before he looked toward the absorbed policeman. She shook her head and shut the office door behind Mr Derwin-Hepler.

After she finished her coffee, she pressed the button on her intercom to buzz Edward. Instead of answering, he ushered the couple into the office, sat them down and asked if they needed anything.

He’s being very solicitous, but there wasn’t much in the file for me to go with. This may be a tricky one. Kai stood up, picked up her notebook and pen, then moved round the desk and grabbed the spare chair from beside the wall.

She placed it beside the couple and sat down, Mr & Mrs Smith, I understand that you are looking for your daughter, Tabatha?

Yes, Mrs Smith said, She was last seen on a flight to Te Ling, but she disappeared when she arrived.

How old is she? Kai made quick notes in shorthand as the woman spoke, and who was the last person to see her?

She’s eighteen. She was coming here to meet up with my brother and his wife before they all continued on to Japan. Mr Smith spoke this time.

Your brother and his wife?

Andrew and Melanie Reading-Smith. They live in Wuhan, but Te Ling was easier to fly to, so Tabatha was going to meet them at the Hilton and sight see for a couple of days before they left for Tokyo.

Who met her at the airport?

My brother sent his driver and car to meet her, but she didn’t arrive. Mr Smith said with a catch in his voice, I checked with the airline, and it said that she boarded in London and departed the aeroplane here. Customs have records of processing her, but somewhere between Customs and the pickup zone, she disappeared.

When was the flight due to arrive? Kai kept her voice calm, which was proving difficult with the level of anxiety the couple were giving off, And which flight to Japan were they going to take?

Mr Smith handed her a piece of paper, and she noted the details down on her pad.

You hear all sorts of stories about young women going missing. Andrew contacted the police when their driver reported that she was missing and we spoke to them when we arrived this morning, but they say they can’t do anything yet. Mrs Smith sobbed a little and her husband took her hand.

My brother suggested that we consult you while we were waiting for them. Mr Smith continued, His company has used your services before.

The police would have to wait to see if she surfaced amongst one of the Vampire Clans or in the Wolf Clan before they could register her missing officially. I’d better check with them first. Kai laid her pen down, Do you have something of Tabitha’s, something that she wore a lot or kept with her a lot?

Mrs Smith opened her handbag and pulled out a faded black t-shirt with a barely recognisable logo on. She usually slept in this. I persuaded her to buy some new pyjamas for the trip and she left it behind. I haven’t washed it yet.

Kai stood up, put her notebook and pen on the desk and retrieved a thick, clear polythene zip lock bag from a desk draw, Just put it in here.

Mr Smith dropped the t-shirt into the bag as Kai held it open. A whiff of dried sweat, fabric conditioner and perfume drifted up to her nose. Needs washing, but it’s much better for my purposes, especially as there’ll be DNA on it as well, should we need to identify a body.

I’ll need to make some enquiries before I start looking for her; how long are you staying in Te Ling? she closed the zip of the bag.

Until we’ve found her. I don’t intend to leave without her. Mr Smith said.

Give my assistant your contact details here and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can with anything that I find out.

Thank you. The husband said as he stood up and helped his wife to her feet, We look forward to good news.

Kai smiled, Of course. She showed them out of the office. In the outer office, Detective Zhao was still flipping through his file. I wonder how many times he’s read those pages now?

Edward, give me a five minute break and then I’ll see the Detective. She said clearly as the couple made their way to his desk.

Her assistant nodded and began speaking to the couple. Kai saw a vaguely annoyed look pass across Zhao Li’s face and suppressed a smile. You can wait a little more, detective. Be patient.

Chapter 3

I thought you were clearing your schedule? Zhao said as he sat down.

Kai shrugged, I forgot to call ahead. By the time I got here, you’d already called in and Edward dealt with it.

He laid the folder down in front of her, This is the case file, then he pulled a large evidence bag on top of it.

Through the window on the front, Kai saw a flash of bright blue. She pulled both toward her and opened the case file, pushing the evidence bag to one side. And this... Michael Chamberlain... is the reason for the extra police in the Tourist District?

We’re seeking him in connection with the death of a prominent member of the Wolf Clan. The detective said.

Kai read through the details a little more, He’s the murderer?

He was seen fleeing the scene.

Primary suspect then. Kai leafed through the rest of the file, A Mage? I haven’t gone up against one of those before; it should be interesting.

The scarf is something that we recovered from the suspect’s apartment in West Uptown. It looks like Chamberlain has dandruff and the scarf was covered with it. We tested it against the DNA Profile held on the Mage Register and it’s definitely his. Zhao said.

It’s been touched by someone else? Kai sighed, You know that always complicates the process.

He shook his head, Lady Amira from the Earth Temple sent us some special gloves. The Forensic Dept. received them this morning with a note that they were to always use them if there was a chance that you would be involved in the case.

I mentioned the problems I’d had with using evidence that the police had collected to Amira when? Three weeks ago? Kai smiled down at the scarf. She’s always a step ahead of me.

That changes things then. Shall we test her work out? She made a note of the time on her notebook and then ripped the sealing tape off the evidence envelope, removing the scarf in a shower of white flakes, Urgh, he’s definitely got a dandruff problem.

It’s a forensics dream though. Zhao grinned.

Kai laid the scarf on the envelope, then dusted the flakes off her gloves before she took the right glove off, Okay, here we go.

Lying her hand palm down on the scarf, Kai took a deep breath and closed her eyes. As it had during her fortune telling sessions, an image appeared in her mind. This time, however, instead of picking out an impression and backing away from the vision, she pushed herself into it...

I must find somewhere to hide. If the police start questioning me or worse, hand me straight to... the thoughts echoed through Chamberlain’s head as he skirted East Park and cut through the lower part of East Uptown. A picture of Zhao Li’s face. If I take the bridge into West Uptown and then... someone’s watching me, I can feel it.

Kai found herself thrown out of the vision, left with an indelible feeling of fear, He’s scared of being questioned by you.

Of course, he’s scared, all criminals are scared of us. Zhao shrugged.

"No. Of you specifically and what