Rage

By Stephanie Staudacher

Working for the families that make up the shadow world created a place for Vanessa Parker (a fairly skilled witch) and her best friend, James Oria (a resourceful human). They clawed their way up from the streets to running a successful private investigation business in Kadence. Vanessa has always fallen back on flashy shows of magic and sarcasm to get things done, and James has become an expert in providing her whatever she needs. Whether it's an escape route or a cup of coffee, he can almost read her mind.
They still help find lost objects and people, keep tabs on romantic partners, and take on cases Enforcement was unable (or unwilling) to, but now they manage the business dealings for the most powerful and feared shadow world figures in Aleiant. They handle everything from keeping an eye on anyone moving in on their territory, checking on employees, and finding the best routes for... products.
However, when a young woman (and Were) comes to them for help, and protection after attempts on her life, it sends them down a path they won't be able to come back from. The backing of the shadow world carries a lot of weight, but even calling in all her favors, Vanessa may be in over her head. Not that it's ever stopped her before.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stephanie Staudacher
• Release date: Oct 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215873809

Stephanie Staudacher

Avid reader, writer, and nature enthusiast. I write somewhere in the fantasy genre: little bit of urban, little bit of high, little bit of supernatural. The Justified series is at the forefront of my projects, but I am reworking a previously released (and currently unavailable for purchase) book too! After finally finding my voice as a writer, it's almost painful for me to read what I sounded like way back when. Without the rework I wouldn't be able to finish out Harley's story (as I've been told I'm required to do). I worked in freelance for a while before I turned my attention to my own projects. Freelancing has given me a lot of strange information that makes me pretty decent at trivia.I have a daughter, Naomi. She is a lot like me in almost every way. It's a blessing and a curse. I get to relive my high school days, and it's just as fun as it was the first time around. She's a talented artist, and a lover of all things horror. I've dubbed her room the murder cave. If I wasn't afraid of clowns, I'd think it was cool.We currently live in Flint, MI. Copious amounts of coffee and having my office on my porch (well, from April-ish to October-ish anyway) is what keeps me sane. Fall is by far the best season, and this is a hill I will die on.I wear flip flops and t-shirts in the winter, and there is nothing better than sitting by a fire (except maybe watching and listening to a thunderstorm). I am positive all ailments can be cured with some herbal tea and honey (I'm only half serious, talk to your doctor... I never thought I'd need to add this disclaimer, but here we are).Sundays, Monday nights, and Thursday nights are for football and long conversations about football with my sister. Yes, I'm a Lion fan. Yes, I tell myself it will be different this year only to suffer horrible disappointment. Yes, it's tragic.

Book preview

Spirit of Fire:

1. Into the Flames

2. Matchstick (February 2024)

Justified:

1. Rage

Exclusive excerpts, fun facts, occasional side or backstories, and general updates are posted on my blog throughout the writing process.

FallingPlace.blogspot.com

For, my mom.

Thank you for everything.

I don’t know what I would do without you.

Probably spiral into madness.

Map of Aleiant

Government of Aleiant

Cabinet:

Governing body of Aleiant. The Cabinet maintains the few nationwide laws and policies. The people have very little trust in distant government. Any new nationwide laws receive a great deal of pushback in favor of more localized laws. They also settle disputes between territories and foreign relations.

Committee:

Governing body for each territory. Charged with maintaining most of the laws as well as the Guard. The Guard protects government buildings and meetings, and can be summoned to cities if Enforcement is unable to solve, detain, or manage a situation. Committees also handle disputes between cities.

Conclave:

Governing body of the Were community. There are seven Packs. The Alpha of each makes up the Conclave. To become an Alpha, a Were must challenge the existing Alpha. A challenge is a sparring match in wolf form. Purposely causing serious injury results in immediate disqualification due to lack of discipline.

High Council:

Governing body of the witch community. Every year three of the seats become open. Any witch, including those with ending terms, may compete in skills and competency tests to fill the position for the next three years. There are no limits to the amount of terms a witch can serve.

Ministry:

Governing body of the fae community. At the creation of the Ministry, the fae blessed the blood of the chosen leader. Anyone born of the blessed blood is considered the royal family. Members of the royal family have additional abilities, though some of which are closely guarded. Rule is passed from mother to daughter. If there is no daughter to ascend, the next closest woman with royal blood takes the position.

Convocation:

Governing body of the elves. All matters are voted on by the masses. Once a year, any elf can put themselves forward to be chosen to make emergency decisions. All elves cast three votes. The three that receive the most votes are elected. However, if any of the chosen can be proven to be a hindrance to the community, they can be voted out by the masses and will never be eligible again. If an emergency decision is made when it should have been presented to the whole, all three leaders are removed and can never be eligible to serve again. All others may serve a maximum of five years.

Assembly:

The governing body of humans. All humans can cast five votes. The five candidates that receive the most votes serve for three years. There are no limits on how many terms they can serve.

Prologue

It had been a long day of meetings, and she was exhausted. She wanted to collapse into bed. After hours in stiff formal dresses, fake smiles, and laughing at jokes that weren’t funny, her whole body was sore. He had been so excited to have dinner she couldn’t bear to ask him if they could do it the next night.

If she was honest with herself, even with the exhaustion coursing through her body, she was still excited to see him. Thinking of their stolen moments was the only thing that kept her sane most days. At least it was cooling down. The setting Autumn sun not quite as harsh as Torrid was. She wished she had time to shower. She couldn’t shake the sensation the nobility gave her, and their perfume still clung to her skin. Even after changing her clothes, it was cloying, but she was running late as it was.

The park he wanted to meet in was in neutral territory. They wouldn’t have to worry as much about prying eyes. The last several years had been rough, a whirlwind she had been unwittingly pulled into. They hadn’t meant to fall in love, after all. In all honesty, they didn’t even like each other much at first.

He thought she was haughty and arrogant. She thought he was crass and barbaric. His retorts had been brutish, indignant, and rude. She knew he was nothing more than an uneducated savage. Months of tossing thinly veiled insults back and forth gave way to small conversations.

Their first serious conversation was the day he found her in tears behind the dress shop. Her mother was overbearing to the point of cruel sometimes. Her words were sharp and unyielding, even amongst strangers. Reducing her to tears was an art her mother had perfected. He didn’t have much family to speak of. Before his father died, he had been kind. His mother could not be bothered with him now. They spent hours learning, talking, about their lives. It was that conversation that changed them. They didn’t know the sort of chaos it would bring, the havoc it would rain down on them.

When the park came into view, she wasn’t sure what she was seeing. There were lights strung up over all the trees. They twinkled pale blues and yellows. An archway had been erected just inside the gate. Snapdragons flourished at its base, with lilac and trumpet vine weaving through the wooden spokes. She took a deep breath and held it as she stepped under the beautiful arch. The flowers leaned into her as she caressed them. The flickering of numerous candles cast an array of dancing shadows. There were candles and snapdragons everywhere. The vibrant colors of the snapdragons, her favorites, dotting the grass made it all the more lovely by the twilight.

Randle stepped forward, his presence surprising her, to pull her into a tight hug. Her cousin being here explained having so many off-season flowers looking so lovely. He held on a little longer than normal for fairies. When he stepped back, his eyes were shining, tears barely contained.

"You are a very lucky woman. I am always on your side," he said softly, leading her to a table she hadn’t noticed before.

The metal looked delicate, twining around itself in ornate patterns that reminded her of lace. The soft light from the floating candles at its center only enhanced the effects. She tried to ask him what was happening, but Randle shook his head slightly and pulled out a chair. She sat down, wide-eyed as she took in every detail, so meticulously planned and carefully orchestrated.

†

He stood near the park’s other entrance, mostly shielded by a tree. The look of awe on her face made everything worth it. Her eyes twinkled in the candlelight. The joy that swept over her as she lovingly connected with the flowers was one of his favorite things. Without her cousin’s help, he wouldn’t’ve been able to create this for her. He watched Randle get her settled into a chair and slip out of the park. He took a deep breath and walked out from his hiding spot. His heart was racing, and he rubbed his palms over his pants, a futile attempt to dry them.

She was breathtaking, as always. Her wheat-colored hair was piled haphazardly on top of her head. She would say she looked like a wreck, but this was how she was the most beautiful to him. No formalities, customs, or pleasantries. No fake smiles or polite nods. She was more beautiful than ever when a genuine smile graced her lips, and she could be unapologetically herself. He ambled over to her; his smile portrayed more confidence than he felt, his hands trembled slightly at his sides.

This is beautiful, she said softly.

I’m glad you think so. It looks like I’m off to a good start, he replied. He dropped to one knee and took both of her hands in his, hoping she would forgive how clammy they were. The last few years with you have been beyond my wildest dreams. Even with only stolen moments and secret dates, it’s been the greatest part of my life.

I love you, she breathed.

I love you, he said with a warm smile, eyes softening even more for her. I want all of my days to be spent with you. Run away with me, Issy. Run away and become bound with me.

It could never work. I love you deeply, but the fairies – my mother – will never condone a coalescence. We can never be truly free.

It could. Randle has been helping me. We can slip into the woods outside the city. It would take a few days, but we could make our way to Kadence. Randle found a witch that earned the attention of Raffe. She could help us.

Raffe? The gangster that owns almost all the docks in Hearth? How can anyone associated with him be of any meaningful help to us? she asked, her eyebrows knitted together.

She had been trying to open herself up to the world, leave some of the harsh judgments and opinions behind her, but they still came out from time to time. As much as she rebelled, she was still trapped in the embrace of a sheltered life. He brought her hand up to his lips; her skin was soft and delicate, but she didn’t mind how rough and calloused his were. He was always gentle with her.

She has connections that could help, plus she already has a reputation for being bold and defiant.

I… is it really possible? she asked tentatively.

She bit her lip. She had always wanted to fly, to be free. Standing on her balcony as the moonlight danced over her skin, the world looked so peaceful, like a bubble just out of her reach. She dreamed of becoming a firefly, drifting around to every place, looking at every city, to know all of the beautiful things the world had to offer. Kadence was the city she idolized most. A dream never to be realized. It didn’t feel real or possible. There were too many factors, too much importance to who they both were.

It is if you want it to be. Run away with me and make me the happiest man in existence.

Her eyes drifted over the park as she took in everything he had set up for her. She drank in the small details. The dominance of the orange snapdragons. The twinkle of the lights that brought the stars to her. She studied his face. She had long ago memorized all the planes of it, how the smallest movements would tell her exactly what he was thinking. When her gaze met his again, she knew he was everything she ever wanted.

Yes, she laughed as tears sprang to her eyes. She felt her magic come alive inside her, anticipating a life with him, away from the oppressiveness here. Yes, we can do it! When can we leave?

Right now. Randle packed a bag for you, hoping you’d say yes, and will meet us at the wall whenever we’re ready.

He pulled her close and kissed her softly. She leaned into him. She fit perfectly in his arms. She clung to him, the excitement palpable in the air swirling around them. He promised himself that he would always do right by her. He laced his fingers with hers, her hand dwarfed by his, and led her through the trees and out a different gate.

He pulled on his magic to conceal her as much as possible. This close to the fairy court, he didn’t dare pull enough for total invisibility. Fairy walls listen, after all. Some special material they created that he didn’t understand. He knew it whispered and rippled all it heard back to her royal highness. They didn’t need anyone to find out they were gone until they were a safe distance from the city.

He concentrated on masking her magical imprint. They wouldn’t care where he was going, but for her… the walls were definitely paying attention.

Hurry now, Randle said as they approached. I cannot obscure your path indefinitely. The faster you get away from Briar, the better.

She threw her arms around Randle, taking him by surprise and almost sending them both tumbling to the ground. She thanked him profusely for everything. They knew she’d probably never see him again. It pulled at her heart. She loved Randle dearly. He was the only person she had been able to be herself with for most of her life.

Be careful, cousin, Randle said to her. My love will always be with you. Go and be blissful.

She squeezed him one last time before slipping out of the city and into the woods.

1

I sighed softly, my skin flushed from the sunlight streaming in the window. I rolled over and snuggled into my plush comforter, flicking my wrist slightly to draw the curtains a little tighter. I wasn’t ready to get up yet, but I knew I couldn’t put it off much longer. I had cases waiting, and my partner would probably be here soon to drag me off to work. Just as I started to drift off again, my phone rang. I reached for it, fumbling under the pillows to find it, with a sad sigh.

Parker, I answered.

G’morning, sunshine! I scowled at my phone. I hated it when he called me sunshine, and he knew it. Oh, come on, V, you know you are always happy to hear my voice, his smooth baritone purred through the phone.

Yep, it’s always a pleasure, I said flatly.

Well, don’t get too excited, he said with a laugh. I brought coffee.

Alright, alright, I’m up.

I ended the call and tossed my phone on the bed. I slid to my feet and stretched before stomping to the front door in the oversized t-shirt I always slept in and flung the door open.

There she is! James said in an annoyingly patronizing voice. Look what I brought you! Some coffee!

He was at the bottom of the stairs, grinning, with his hip propped up against the wrought iron railing. His chestnut hair was tousled like it always was. He said it was a fine art getting it to look like that. I sighed at him, held out my hand, and the coffee he brought me lifted out of his hand and drifted up to mine. The smell of it alone was heavenly. It was from Carly’s, too, which made it even better.

Don’t make me slam the door in your face, J. You know I will, I said as I took a sip. I closed my eyes briefly as the caffeine-laced warmth spread throughout my body.

He ambled up the stone steps and slipped past me into the house, completely unfazed by the murderous look I was shooting him. The look had never worked on him. Sometimes, I wished it would.

Go shower, get dressed, and we can get going, he said as he flung himself onto my couch.

How does Thomas put up with you? I grumbled under my breath as I headed back to my bedroom.

James lived here with me for years. When he and Thomas got serious, they got a place together. I didn’t know how I would be able to be here alone. Now, having space to myself was one of my favorite things. I still missed having James around all the time, but he was still my business partner.

He loves me just like you do, he said matter-of-factly. Well, a lot more than you do, actually.

What meetings are today again? I called out to the living room, cutting off what was sure to be way too much information about his relationship for this early in the morning. I peeled the t-shirt off and tossed it into the corner of the room where the other dirty clothes were. I grabbed a clean bra and panties, matching, of course, and traipsed into the adjoining bathroom, setting my coffee on the counter. And come in here so I can hear you while I shower.

Leaving the bathroom door open, I flipped on the shower. I wanted a bigger one. It was on my to-do list. This one was on the small side and didn’t have a tub. Having the option would be nice, even though I preferred showers.

Vanessa, it always amazes me that you can’t remember your own schedule.

Lucky for me, you always remember it for me.

I could almost hear him rolling his eyes at me.

We have a meeting with Donaldson first. That should be quick and painless, he said sarcastically.

I scrubbed my hands over my face. I’d forgotten it was that time of the year. He was a nice man, but… exhausting.

Why did we schedule that first thing again? I asked as I poked my head out of the bathroom.

To get it over with, he replied.

I rolled my eyes and stepped into the shower, tipping my head back and letting the heat seep into my body. Showers, aside from coffee, were the greatest things.

We only have one other meeting, a new client, then we can go out and kick ass or whatever.

New clients have a tendency to be a pain in the ass, I groaned.

That’s an interesting business model; ‘All new customers are a pain in the ass. Avoid whenever possible.’ That should really increase profits.

You’re lucky looks can’t kill, I said, scowling at the door.

You couldn’t hurt me. Your life would be so much less fun without me in it. Plus, the quicker we get there, the quicker we can get out and do the parts you love, he replied much too cheerily.

He was always chipper in the morning. There should be no such thing before several cups of coffee. He knew it, too. He was one of the only people who could get away with it, and he liked to take full advantage.

"J, do you have to be in such a good mood so early?"

I finished the rest of my shower and wrapped my hair in a towel. Standing in front of the mirror, I sighed. I just wanted to crawl into bed for a few more glorious hours. I quickly lined my eyes with black eyeliner and painted my lips a deep shade of red. I pulled the towel from my hair and tossed it haphazardly toward the shower.

My hair tumbled down around my shoulders. It was usually a dark-ish brown, but the Torrid sun had faded it several shades. It was more of a chestnut now to match James. We could almost pass as siblings when my hair lightened. I pulled on the matching crimson bra and panties, took a drink of the coffee, and stalked back to my bedroom. James was lounging on my bed with his ankles crossed, doing something on his phone.

About time you got out, he said without looking up.

You just wanted to see me in my underwear, I purred, putting a little extra shimmy in my hips.

James and I had been best friends since we were two. He had olive skin, beautiful blue eyes, sandy brown hair (that darkened as we got older), and the cutest grin. He still had that boyish grin, his eyes were striking, and he could always be charming when he wanted to be. Very few people could resist it.

Oh, how well you know me, he replied dryly, barely glancing up.

I stuck my tongue out at him as I pulled on a short black skirt, silky red tank top, and shrugged into a tailored black jacket. I had to dig around in my closet for a pair of strappy black heels. The shoe pile kept falling over. James wanted me to get a shoe rack, but I balked at the idea. It would take up too much room, and nothing would end up back on it.

What’s the point of owning my own PI firm if I can’t sleep in on a Monday morning sometimes, I grumbled.

"Well, you get to spend all of your time with me, and you get to dress like that. Never mind that you’re a crazy powerful witch no one should mess with; you know any other company would balk at you wearing a skirt that short into the office."

That’s very true, but I like this skirt! I’ve never understood all the rules around dressing. Would I be any better at my job if I threw on a pantsuit with boring shoes?

You could always try it and see how it works out, he said with a smirk.

Hard pass. AND I’m not a ‘crazy powerful witch,’ I’m an average witch that just so happens to be good at finding things, I replied as I slipped the heels on. Ok, I think I’m ready. Grab my phone off the bed, and we can head into the office, I guess.

We made our way back through the house, and I grabbed my keys off the coffee table with a scowl. I missed the days of just using my magic to lock and unlock doors. Now that I’m in possession of quite a bit of sensitive information belonging to various powerful people, the specially charmed key provided more protection. All wards that aren’t yours are hard to break, but a ward plus an enchanted key is as close to a security guarantee as you can get. So I was stuck with them.

Hey, James said as he bumped his shoulder into mine and flashed me one of his grins. If you give that look to the clients, we won’t have a business for much longer.

Oh, shut up, and let’s go, I laughed, bumping my shoulder back into his.

†

Kadence wasn’t known for clean lines in their architecture. Most buildings had rough-hewn stone walls with weathered wooden beams or logs jutting out. The roofs were mixed with swirls, spires, and arches. Fences and railings were constructed with a variety of metals, twisted in fantastical ways that almost made them look weightless. The streets were made up of cobblestone in some places and flagstone in others, and moss wove its way between them, bringing brilliant color to otherwise neutral color palates.

The fairies on this side of the city took pride in nurturing the large, twisted trees and wildflowers. It was one of the defining qualities. Everyone knew about those trees. I didn’t know how they did it. Rainbow eucalyptus and purple jacaranda trees had grown taller than the buildings, and the branches swirled, curled, and almost danced through the air.

Our office was in a newly restored dark stone building in downtown Kadence. It was only a couple blocks from where the trees stopped. You could see them from the front windows. We had to clean up the stone façade, and we replaced the fire escape with a staircase that matched the building. Having a level of boldness is how I gained a reputation in the city. In keeping with that, I decided to randomly paint a handful of stones on each side of the building crimson. It was one way to make our building memorable. That, and every other step of the staircase was painted the same color red.

The inside had needed a lot of work. It sat vacant for years and had flooded a few times. We bought the building two years ago for almost nothing since it was about to fall down. I had always loved it and couldn’t stand the thought of it being torn down. Old buildings always meant something more to me. I didn’t have many soft spots, but that was one of them. So, we bought it, fixed it up, and it has been operational for the last year and a half.

The first floor is where we run our private investigation firm. A small conference room is in the front, just off to the right. The main room had two desks, about a dozen feet from the windows, and a round table opposite the conference room. It wasn’t hard to tell our desks apart. James’s was meticulous. Mine was… not.

A counter ran, recessed into the wall, along the right half of the back wall, with a variety of coffee and coffee accessories scattered around it. The coffee bar was my favorite part of the office. Just to the left of the counter was the door to our back room. Most of our clients never went in there. It was reserved for a few specific clients requiring more discretion in their business dealings. These were the clients that kept the place running the way it did. Shadow world clients paid better, but they were much more demanding.

James and I were the only employees. I liked it that way. We took on whatever we felt we had time for, we turned down anyone too ridiculous, and I didn’t have to worry about how things were done. I was not good at delegating. It also allowed for some of the more unsavory things we take care of, like what takes place in the back room; keeping secrets got harder the more people got involved. James handled the clients for the most part. I’ve never been much of a people person. I still had to take meetings and pass along information sometimes; James just did the talking.

The second floor was an apartment. I had initially thought I might live there, but it didn’t take long to decide that was an awful idea. Besides my inability to leave things alone, clients had a habit of showing up if they knew you were always there. It somehow felt ok to them since my office was already there. It didn’t appear to matter if it was midnight. Now, I rented the place to an older woman, Ms. Claudette, and her four cats. She was stern but sweet, and always trying to set me up with her son.

Good morning, Vanessa, dear. How are you? she called from her balcony, where she drank her coffee every morning.

The balcony was barely big enough for a table and chair, but she had strung up lights and set up at least a dozen potted plants. It was cramped, but she loved it.

Morning came too early, as always, I called back to her with a smile. How are you?

Her long dark hair had pure silver streaks and was always in an elaborate braid of varying kinds. I had never seen her in anything other than floor-length sun dresses.

I’m wonderful. James, you are looking very handsome. How are you and your fellow, Thomas?

Why, thank you, Ms. Claudette, you are looking quite fetching yourself! Thomas is well. Still snoring, I believe, he said with a laugh.

Lucky bastard, I mumbled.

You flatter an old woman! I hope the three of you will come by for dinner sometime soon, Ms. Claudette answered.

She either didn’t hear me or pretended she didn’t, most likely the latter. It was probably for the best. Like James, she was a morning person.

Maybe tomorrow night, James answered. Dinner with you is always a pleasure!

I managed a half-smile before waving and slipping into the storefront. James was right behind me.

Why… Why did you have to say tomorrow? You know she uses those dinners to push her son on me! I bitched as I leaned against the wall and crossed my arms.

He seems nice; maybe you should give him a chance! he said, barely keeping himself from laughing.

Her son was nice… and nearly 30 years older than me. We weren’t interested, though. We met through his mom, and she immediately started planning our future. We had a weird friendship now, both very careful not to mention it around Ms. Claudette lest she get the wrong idea.

Anyway, Donaldson should be here in a few, right? I asked as I walked to my desk and dropped my keys in a drawer.

Actually, I’m here now. I’m a couple minutes early, Mr. Donaldson said from the door.

I forced a smile and turned around. He wasn’t much taller than me, and his dark hair was kept short. He was always well put together, which overstated his level of confidence. He was a very nervous man. He was constantly fidgeting, and his eyes seemed to be in constant search of a threat. He was nice enough, but he had never-ending questions and the inability to relax. It could be tiring to be in his presence for too long.

It was understandable, though. Six years ago, when I was still working out of my house (meeting clients in coffee shops, restaurants, and parks), his daughter went missing, and Enforcement was having no luck. We found the girl, but Mr. Donaldson would never be quite the same again. Now, he meets with us bi-annually to see if he’s in any danger. There hasn’t been any since. We tried not to hold it against him, but meetings with him could be painfully exhausting. His daughter used to come with him but was too embarrassed about the information we had about her. She decided to let him come on his own.

Good morning, Mr. Donaldson. It’s really no problem. Coffee? I asked him.

Umm, yes… yes, I think coffee would be good, he replied while dry-washing his hands.

I flashed him a smile and walked to the back of the office to get the coffee started. James directed him over to the small conference room and made small talk. While the coffee was brewing, I slipped into the back room to pull up some files. I turned the computer on and flopped down into the chair, blowing out a puff of air. I hated mornings. To top it off, the computer was loading more languidly than usual. It seemed like it knew it was Monday, too, and hated it just as much.

I was finally able to pull up the files I would need later and started the process of printing out the relevant pages. As I returned to the coffee maker, I heard the front door open. I groaned internally. The new client was an hour early. I hated it when they did that. It’s so inconsiderate! Now I have to rush around to be ready for them like it’s my fault they couldn’t just wait outside if they wanted to show up so early. It’s one of my biggest pet peeves. If you want to be early, fine, but only show up 10 minutes early, at most. The rest is a rude inconvenience for everyone else. These were the things I wasn’t supposed to say to the clients, no matter how badly I wanted to.

I closed my eyes briefly, took a deep breath, and stepped out into the main room with a smile. The girl who walked in couldn’t have been more than 16. She held herself with confidence, but I could see she didn’t feel as confident as she looked. One of the benefits of magic, I can pull on people’s auras. It’s the only thing I can do, magically, with living things. My magic only worked on inanimate objects. Fairies are the opposite. Their magic only worked on living things.

She was nervous but resigned, and… surprising. Seeing a Were without the Pack signature in their aura was rare. Her dark brown hair curled softly at her shoulders, and her dark eyes fixed on me instantly. She was dressed better than most adults I knew: dark blue, designer, silk blouse that crisscrossed her body. The color was set off by the dark, tawny tone of her skin. She was also wearing a crisp black skirt, not quite long enough to be professional but not quite short enough to be inappropriate, and four-inch black heels. It was a lot like how I dressed. I didn’t know why she would be here. It seemed unlikely she could afford our services at her age on her own.

Good Morning! Can I help you with something? I asked her, trying to sound as pleasant as possible. James was better at this sort of thing.

You’re Vanessa, correct? she asked with a firmness I wasn’t expecting.

Yes, I am. What can I do for you? I glanced over at James.

He gave me a sideways look from the conference room doorway. We weren’t always on the up and up. Sure, we helped find long-lost relatives on occasion, bounties paid really well, and we helped find the missing (like for Mr. Donaldson) when we could, but a lot of our clients had other kinds of interests and weren’t the lawful types. Then again, I never was, either. Living on the streets for years will do that to you.

I’m a little early, but I feel the situation calls for it. She straightened her spine, which I didn’t think was possible with how rigid and straight it had been before. Someone killed my parents, and now they are trying to kill me.

Mr. Donaldson whimpered from inside the conference room while James and I exchanged another look. The girl held her ground, keeping her gaze locked on me, her spine just as straight, and she didn’t fidget, but I could see the slight tremble in her fingers as she tried to will them to be still. It was impressive.

Uh, ok. J, can you assist our other client while I take Ms.…

Granger. Elise Granger, but everyone calls me Ellie.

While I take Ms. Granger to the back office?

Please, call me Ellie.

Sure thing, V. I’ll bring you anything we decide.

Thanks. Also, the coffee is brewing. Should be ready in just a moment, I said to no one in particular.

It was definitely a coffee kind of day. Well, every day was a coffee kind of day, but today, even more so. I led Ellie to the back room. While the front looked like an office, the backroom looked more like a living room. The kinds of meetings here required providing more comfort. The meetings were longer, and there was less paperwork. I wanted to ask her some questions about what I found in her aura, but I decided to wait for James for those. He was more tactful.

She sat down and, when asked, told me she would love some coffee, so I ducked back out to the coffee machine. James was already there getting himself and Mr. Donaldson a cup. He glanced sideways at me. I knew we were on the same page.

Preventing murder, huh? he whispered. That isn’t our normal purview. Finding someone to be… talked to fits better.

It’s definitely Monday, I grumbled back.

I turned toward the back office, and the front window shattered.

BOMB! Mr. Donaldson shrieked from his vantage point in the conference room.

I barely had time, and I knew it. I spun around, dropping my coffee in the process, and whipped my hand out. It wasn’t quite enough.

2

The explosion rocked the office. Papers had caught fire and were drifting through the air. Mr. Donaldson had been the closest and had been knocked down. It didn’t look like he was moving. The wall Ellie was behind appeared to hold reasonably well. That could have something to do with my attempt at containment. I could barely focus on anything. I squeezed my eyes shut before blinking rapidly. James and I were on the floor; my ears were ringing, but I needed to do something to contain the fire before the building came down.

I pushed myself off the floor but had to settle for being on my knees, my hand on the counter to steady me. I stretched my other hand out, focused on all the debris in the air, lowered it to the ground, and pulled the air away enough to smother the small blazes. There were a few spots of carpet I had to put out, some more stubborn than others. With all the destruction around us, I didn’t know where to focus next. Mr. Donaldson was stirring now. There wasn’t much I could do for him. He probably needed a healer.

I heard a voice from my right, but I couldn’t make it out. I kept my focus on searching out small fires as my hearing returned. I wasn’t finding any more. I checked again just to be sure.

…believe it…

That sounded like Ellie. I glanced over, and she looked terrified but thrilled. I shook my head and told her to wait. She was fidgeting, practically vibrating, with the need to talk to me, but I turned my attention back to the fires. The last thing I needed was the ceiling to cave in because I missed something.

Ms. Claudette!

I stumbled the rest of the way to my feet. Ellie rushed to my side, but I shook off the last of the haze as best I could. I needed to be back to normal. If only I could force my senses to cooperate.

Vanessa, please let me help you, she said, the sound still distorted from the ringing in my ears.

You want to help? She nodded. Check for any holes or weak spots in the ceiling. There is a woman and several cats that live upstairs. I’m going up there to check on them. You check around down here.

She gave me one curt nod and set off. She needed something to do, a task to focus on, as much as I did. James had climbed to his feet and had a finger in one of his ears. I pointed to the ceiling before I took off for the stairs. James would take care of anything that needed immediate attention down here, including keeping an eye on Ellie.

The stairs inside the building had a door with a double-sided lock. It sounded like such a good idea. It prevented clients from wandering up and Ms. Claudette from wandering into a meeting by accident. Now, I was cursing the decision.

I raced out the front door and around the side of the building, but my equilibrium wasn’t quite right yet. I stumbled more than once, just trying to make it to the stairs. The heels weren’t helping, either. I had to pause to grab the railing twice so I wouldn’t fall back down the stairs. Having these stairs redone in stone to match the rest of the building was paying off; it was easier to sprint up… probably more so when your ears weren’t ringing.

I kicked in her front door, afraid of what I would find. She had been renting from me almost the whole time I’d owned the building. She’d become a member of the family. I needed her to be ok. Ms. Claudette was sitting on her couch, all four cats crowding around her.

I heard the explosion. Nothing here seems to be damaged… well, except the door you just kicked in, dear. I figured I would stay put until you gave me the all-clear.

Ms. Claudette! If there is an explosion, you should leave the building! I practically yelled at her. The building could have come down! The fires could have spread!

Despite what she said, my eyes drifted around the room. All of her much-loved furniture was unruffled. All her knickknacks were still perched prettily on the shelves. Not one of them even shifted.

Now, now, don’t you raise your voice at me, young lady. I know what all you do down there. The legal and the other. It was only a matter of time before something like this happened. I’m surprised it didn’t happen sooner.

I just stood there, gaping at her.

Close your mouth, honey, you’ll catch flies.

Ms. Claudette! How did you…

Know what goes on in that other conference room? she said with a small smile. I have my ways, and it’s not my first explosion. Some people just feel more comfortable expressing their displeasure that way.

I sat down. I couldn’t help it. I’d known this woman pretty well, and I’d run a background check on her.

What do you mean it’s not your first explosion? How can you be sitting here like it’s nothing? The building was almost blown up!

She was unmoved by all of it as she absentmindedly rubbed one of the cat's heads.

Later, dear. Come on, then, tell me what’s happening down there, she said.

There's some damage, small fire I put out, but I think the structure is ok. Are you? Honestly. I’m a little worried about how unworried you are…

She sighed and leaned back into the couch. She was weighing her answer. I was getting impatient. I needed to be sure she was ok.

Yes. I’m fine. For the sake of expediency, I am, or was, Claudette DiAnge. Now, what do you know about what’s happening?

Claudette DiAnge was an infamous… problem solver, or whatever you wanted to call her. There wasn’t a problem she couldn’t solve as needed. She also had ties to various mobs. She could be downright terrifying when she wasn’t awe-inspiring. Well, until she decided she would retire, no one heard from her again. That was close to 25 years ago. I looked up to the whispers of that woman. I couldn’t reconcile that with the woman in front of me.

Uh… I’m gunna need a minute.

There isn’t time for that, and you know it, dear. We can discuss my past another time.

She was right. I filed that revelation away for later. I had questions. A lot of them. I shook my head slightly and refocused myself.

Ok, so far, all we know is a grenade got launched through the office's front window. After I contained the fires down there, I ran up here to make sure you were ok.

Let’s go have a look then, she said. She stood up with unnerving grace for a human of roughly 70. Don’t dawdle.

I, much less gracefully, stood up and followed her down the stairs while she kept up idle chit-chat. It was baffling. I attributed my lack of grace to being blown up. In my line of work, showing your hand with something as careless as facial expressions was always costly.

When we walked in the new door, i.e., the former window, James had everything under control. Ellie was just as keyed up as she was when I left. She was almost incapable of being still. I didn’t see Mr. Donaldson.

He left, James called over his shoulder. It looked like he was examining where the grenade landed. I told him he should get while the getting is good. He’s going somewhere to get looked at. Plus, Enforcement will be here soon. You know how he is with them, not that I blame him.

Does enforcement have to show up? I sighed. Can’t we just tell them we have it under control?

Sure, V. Let me know how that works out for you.

He didn’t even turn to look at me. I rolled my eyes. I started a running list in my head of everything that needed to be done.

Fine. We can let them poke around. The… uh, files are secure still, right?

Mhmm, I checked a minute ago. Our clients don’t need them pawing through their information just because we got blown up.

I righted a chair that didn’t look too damaged and flopped down. I slowly surveyed the room again. A few places still had smoke drifting up, but all the fire was gone. As much as I wanted to assess all the damage, that would have to wait. Dealing with Enforcement and deciding what to do with Ellie… had to come first. There shouldn’t have been anything to assess.

I think I’m losing my touch… I couldn’t contain the blast, I sighed. A couple years ago, no one would have known there was a blast. Maybe just a little scorch mark on the carpet.

What you did was amazing! They used a blast like that before. I’ve seen it. It should have leveled this building entirely, maybe the block. It’s a special kind of grenade, packed with something I can’t even begin to understand, Ellie said as she pulled up another chair.

This burn pattern does appear to be more extreme than I would have suspected, James added.

Well, I’m glad I’m not completely out of it then. There is damage, but it doesn’t look like anything too severe.

I probed the area with my magic. There was some kind of magical signature, but it wasn’t like anything I’d felt before. I had a talent for recognizing magic and matching it against other magic. I couldn’t always tell you who used it unless I felt them use some, but I could tell you if two events had the same culprit. Not all witches had extra talents, but it wasn’t unusual. Mine helped me to be very good at my job.

I probed around again. The magic here just felt… blended. I couldn’t think of another way to describe it. It wasn’t just a witch's magic here. I just couldn’t put my finger on it. I pushed at it again. It was going to bother me. I’d spent a lot of time feeling out magic, yet I couldn’t place this.

The hoof beats were getting louder. They always rode massive horses. They were beautiful and very loud when they ran through the streets. There was no mistaking it. Enforcement would be here any minute now. Just perfect. I knew I should have stayed in bed this morning.

†

Can you take me through it one more time, ma’am? the officer said to me.

What I wanted to do was use one of the charred desks to kick his ass (literally) out the door. Or grab a roll of tape and cover his mouth with it. Watching a wall of fire chase him out or a wave of air carrying him back to the street would be amusing, too. Whipping out my magic to boot the enforcement officers out of my place of business probably wouldn’t go over very well. It was tempting.

The story wasn’t that complicated. It happened in all of thirty seconds. This was the fourth time he’d asked me to run through the story again. Ellie and James weren’t fairing much better. Ms. Claudette was left alone for the most part. All it took was a complaint about her back and needing to check on her cats.

Ms. Parker?

I took a deep breath and scrubbed my hands over my face. I was trying to be patient. I was trying to be polite. I was at the end of my rope.

Sorry, it’s just that I’ve taken you through the story three times now. Four seems a touch excessive. There was a grenade. I contained the blast as best I could. You showed up. There it is. Now, if you don’t mind, I have shit to do.

I spun on my heel and stalked away. Something I didn’t think all the way through since there isn’t much space in the office when it isn’t burned to a crisp. That didn’t slow me down. I marched into the back office, yelled for Ellie to join me, now, and slammed the door as soon as she scooted in.

The door must have slammed harder than I expected because the frame splintered. I flopped onto the loveseat against the sidewall and sighed. I really hated Mondays. There was always something to screw you after you had a good weekend. Having Enforcement here was worse than the blast, in all honesty. Not because we might get caught with something illegal, but because they annoyed the shit out of me. For most of us, they were just in the way. I’m sure someone, somewhere, found them useful.

Pointless question after pointless question. They would never be able to solve this anyway, but I could. It was my specialty.

In case you haven’t put it together yet, I think that was meant for me, Ellie said as sternly as she could while trembling.

Yep, got that part. Give me a minute so those useless assholes out there can get the fuck out. Then you and I are going to head down the street for several cups of coffee before walking back over to my place so we can both change. Then you are going to talk. A lot. Got it?

Yes, ma’am.

And do NOT call me ma’am. Vanessa works just fine.

Ok. Can I call you V like James does? That’s so much cooler!

No, only J can do that.

Maybe eventually, she said with too much cheer. You can still call me Ellie.

We were quiet for a few minutes; me slumped on the loveseat trying to keep a migraine at bay, Ellie standing awkwardly by the door. I massaged my temples. No matter my feelings on it when Ellie walked into my office, now this was something I would figure out. First, I needed coffee and a shower.

How long before we can leave for coffee? I think I could really use a cup now, she said tentatively.

You and me both, I grumbled as I slowly climbed to my feet. I stalked to the door and looked in the mirror hanging on the back of it. It looked like I’d been rolling around in dirt. It really wasn’t a good look. Tell me you have a hair tie of some sort, I sighed.

I think so. Let me check.

After rummaging around in her purse for a few minutes, she found one. I pulled my hair into a messy bun. I tried to scrub off some of the dirt or dust or whatever it was. It looked somewhat better, but it was still pretty bad. I glared at my reflection and yanked the door open.

See, this is why we don’t have any friends, V… Every time someone talks to you, they get the ice queen glare and that murderous tone. Gotta admit, though… that got them to leave. They really weren’t helping much of anything.

I grinned at him and walked over to get a quick hug. James was one of the only people I willingly hugged. Something about it felt too personal with most people.

I’m taking our newest client to get coffee, then back to my place. I gave him a peck on the cheek before I continued, leave the mess. Call Gus and have him board the windows and see if Cassidy will help with the cleaning when I get around to it. I grabbed my keys and started toward the door, signaling Ellie to follow me as I called over my shoulder, Until this is cleaned up, we’ll work out of my house. Oh! And make sure Ms. Claudette is all set up there. I didn’t see any damage, but double-check for me.

Anything for the Ice Queen! he called back, with an over-exaggerated bow.

I shook my head as I stepped onto the sidewalk. I started running through the things I needed to do, the places I needed to check. There was an abundance of information traders in this city. A little bit of money could buy a lot of knowledge.

You two make a cute couple. How long have you been bound? Ellie asked me after we’d walked about a block.

I couldn’t help it; I laughed hard enough to make me stop walking. When I glanced over at her, she looked concerned, which just made me laugh harder. My nerves were shot, and that hit me just right.

James and I are not bound. We have just been friends for a long time. Twenty-nine years, to be more exact.

Oh, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have assumed! I…

Don’t worry about it. It happens all the time. He and I just find it amusing since we are basically siblings. We grew up together under difficult circumstances.

Oh! Well, is he seeing someone? I know a few really amazing people who are single right now. I could give James some numbers and…

Sorry, taken, I said, cutting her