The Isis Collar (11 page)

The third hand was just what I needed and I managed to get most of the broth from the bowl into the glass. It was worth the fuss. The beef broth and spices wowed my bland-stricken tongue. I could only hope it wouldn’t be too much for my stomach. But it would still be worth it. I nodded to my friend as she speared a forkful of noodles and twirled. “Amazing, as always. My compliments to your grandma. Did I ever thank her for the batch she made me after the attack?”

“Yep. Although I have to admit, she was horrified that you ran it through the blender. That’s why I mentioned sacrilege.”

“It was the only way I could get it down.”

“I know.” She ate another bite of noodles. Apparently she’d decided to join me for brunch. Since the phones were quiet, and Dottie was due in soon, I didn’t see any reason for her not to.

“Speaking of your granny, how goes the building situation? Has she moved in yet?”

When Vicki died, she gifted some real estate to me, Dawna, and our friend Emma. I got my house, which was actually the beach house of the estate where Vicki used to live, plus the office building. Dawna got the apartment building she lived in and was now struggling with an extended family who all expected to live there for free. She shook her head wearily. “I turned over the whole mess to my brother. I mean, I don’t really care whether people live there, but I have to at least pay the taxes and insurance on the place. I told Tal if he would manage the place and figure out reasonable rents for everyone, then
he
could live there for free.”

I took the last sip of broth that was free of stray noodles. “Isn’t he the one who worked for that big building management company in L.A.?”

She nodded. “That’s why I picked him. He knows people who do janitorial and repairs and such. It’s too big a job for just one person, but he delegates really well.” One last noodle got sucked through her lips and then she rinsed out the bowl in the sink. “So anyway. Enough about me. Why’s your life sucking today? What sort of interrogation could you be able to do?”

So it hadn’t gotten past her. She was just giving me time to think and eat. “It’s a mess, and I’m not sure I’m even allowed to talk about it.”

“Bummer.”

Ever one to change the subject, I looked out the doorway toward the front of the building. “I’m surprised the phones aren’t ringing.”

She shrugged. “I put the lines on hold when I eat or when I need a bathroom break. But sure, we can go back that way. Are you just here to pick up messages or are you going to actually, you know, work?” Her voice was teasing, but there was an edge of concern underneath. After a truly hellish couple of months, I’d taken a short holiday. But the mess at the school had turned it into a long holiday. Which I couldn’t help, but really couldn’t afford, either.

“Actually, I was going to do a little bit of research. Unless
you
might have some free time.” I looked at her hopefully. “I’ve got a textbook on divine entities. I ran into something today that was non-corporeal, but intelligent.” I paused and made sure I had her attention. “
Vicki
intelligent. Or maybe more.”

“That’s…” She let out a breath and didn’t finish her sentence until she was back at her desk, the phones were off hold, and the book’s cover was open. “Not good. Not good at all. I loved Vicki like a sister, but she was a major aberration in the spirit world. So you’re thinking a demonic shade? There are still a few left out there. Hopefully just lesser demons, but still—”

I leaned on the corner of her desk, both for emphasis and to keep my balance. Damned leg. I shook my head in frustration. “Didn’t feel very
lesser.
But he said he was most definitely not demonic.”

She put a finger on the page to mark her place and looked up with wide eyes. “
He … said?
It could
speak
? Like out loud?”

My nod was emphatic. “And not just in my head. Three other people heard him. He wouldn’t say his name, but he knew my name and responded verbally to comments I made in my head. The only manifestation was a swirly ball of energy, but I got the feeling he could probably do more if he’d wanted to. I’d planned to do it myself, but the more I think about it, the more afraid I am to open the book. What if there’s something written there that … well,
attaches
to me?”

“Eww, that’s ugly powerful. Okay, I’ll start reading. What are you going to do?”

A small snort escaped me before I could stop it. “What do you think? Get some more protection charms. I think I need the industrial-strength variety. And I’m all out of boomers.”

That perked Dawna up. “Are you going to Levy’s? Could I go with?”

“To Levy’s? Why would you want to go there?” I went there all the time because it was the best weapons shop in three counties. But Dawna? She didn’t own much in the way of weapons.

“Isaac was tailoring something for me and called to say it’s ready. So can I go?” She didn’t expand on that, which was interesting.

Yeah, I’d love to have her along because we always have a great time together and we haven’t been spending as much time around each other as we used to. It would also save me cab fare. “I was thinking about going right now. It’s not officially your lunch hour. Ron will have a fit.”

Dawna gave me a grin of pure delight. “Not a problem. Watch this.” She picked up the handset and pressed two digits before turning on the speaker. “Ron?”

“Yes?” He sounded impatient and brusque—so pretty much normal.

“I need to go to lunch early and I’ll probably be back late. I need to get some shopping done.” Oh, man! That was just asking for a screaming match. Ron
hated
shopping. He felt it was a complete waste of time and had once harangued Dawna for being ten minutes late when she’d gone to pick up office supplies.

There was a long pause and I hovered over her desk, waiting to have to jump in and defend her. My jaw dropped when he responded: “That’s fine. Just put a note on the door. I’ll catch the phone until you get back.”

Dawna looked far too self-satisfied when she answered. “Thanks, Ron. Be back soon.” Oh, there was definitely a story there and I would know it before the end of the trip.

She made a quick stop in the bathroom to freshen up while I slathered sunscreen on every open piece of skin; then we hurried out to the lot and her trusty Honda. I managed to wait until we were safely inside the car where nobody could hear me scream; I did. “Ahhh! What did you do with the real Ron? I don’t want him suing me because you put some kind of spell on him.”

She laughed long and loud until I finally joined her. God, it felt good to laugh, even if it was the nervous kind. She put the car in gear and let me stew for a minute while she pulled into traffic. “It’s okay. I earned a little reward. I’ve been here since two.”

“Two?
A.M.
? You’re kidding me! Why in the world did you come in so early?”

She stifled a yawn as she pulled to a careful stop at the traffic light on the corner. She rolled down the window, savoring a breeze that was fresh, if cold. “He needed a notary. One of his clients had to fly to Europe and that tropical storm over Bermuda was worrying him. He wanted to sign his will before he boarded the plane. I told Ron he owed me … several.” She lowered her sunglasses to the tip of her nose. “This is the first.”

Hard to argue with that logic. I relaxed and rode, not even caring about the gulls circling above like tiny white vultures, until we pulled up to Levy’s Custom Apparel. Isaac Levy is a good man and a good friend—we’ve known each other for years. His specialty is suit jackets tailored and spelled in such a way that you can carry an arsenal without any of it showing, but still having everything available at hand for a quick draw. His clothes are expensive as hell, but worth every penny.

Someone pulled out of a space just as we got there and Dawna managed to slip into the spot a hair’s breadth quicker than a blonde in a Mercedes.

Thankfully, I had to take only a few wobbling steps to cross from the glare of the morning sun that made me squint and caused a sudden throbbing in my head into the relative darkness of the shop. The sudden shift from light to dark made my head pound even harder, although that didn’t make any sense. Even before I blinked the tears from my eyes I knew Isaac Levy was in the shop, thanks to the scent of his signature cologne and the uneven footfalls caused by a bum knee.

Isaac Levy is one of those people you can’t really forget once you meet them. The ring of wiry salt-and-pepper hair, the bushy eyebrows over piercing brown eyes, the bulbous nose—he’s not really attractive, but he’s intelligent, funny, and utterly unique. He’s also an amazing magical technician. Besides the jackets he does artifact work. Charms, weapons, he’s the best of the best. He’s been married to the love of his life for umpteen years, having won her away from Morris Goldstein, a wealthy jeweler. Isaac promised her that if she’d give him a chance, he’d give her twice as much jewelry as Morris would. He’s done his best to keep that promise. The woman practically clanks when she walks. Even the most overdecorated rapper would be jealous.

“Celia, Dawna. How are you lovely ladies?” Isaac reached and took my hand, bestowing a breath of kiss on the skin. Aww … how can you not love the guy? “Darlings, it’s so good to see you.” He gave us each a huge hug, then took a step back, looking me critically up and down.

“You need to eat more. And you’re pale. Even for you.” It was friendly scolding, but there was real concern beneath it.

“Actually, this is normal now,” I said sadly. “The vampire thing.”

He let out a small growl. “I’d hoped it would … well, get better.”

“No. It’s sort of permanent,” I assured him. “But I’m okay. Just … pale.” I turned to Dawna, who was looking around with wide eyes. I didn’t really blame her. The place was like the TARDIS, bigger inside than out, and filled with the coolest things. But even I was impressed this time. There was another whole new section of the store with shelf upon shelf of gadgets and magical equipment, like crystals, crystal balls, and other magical foci.

But that wasn’t where Dawna was staring. No, her eyes had locked on a set of glass cases dead in the center of the store. It was a brightly lit display of holy item jewelry for every religion I’d ever heard of, and a few more that I hadn’t.

“Wow. You’ve made even more changes.” I walked around the room with Isaac following at my heels, taking in every reaction to what I saw. I finally stopped back where I started, next to the wall-mounted display of charm disks.

He gave me a brilliant smile. “Do you like it? Ira Sachs decided to retire and made me an offer on the building. And this way Gilda and I can work together without stepping on each other’s toes.”

I nodded. The place looked great and I saw a lot of things I’d been lusting after online but hadn’t had the chance to handle. I’m a tactile person. I need to see a charm or weapon, see if I can draw it or use it instinctively. I could see myself writing a big check today.

I looked around for Dawna. As I’d expected, she was busy looking at the jewelry counter. I still had my back to the door when I heard a voice behind me. “I thought I saw your car outside. You haven’t been returning my calls, young lady.” The light baritone was amused and was accompanied by a wave of powerful magic that made my skin tingle. I tried not to react but failed.

I answered without turning around and could feel him stepping closer as his magic slid across my bare skin as though I didn’t have a stitch on. “What are you doing here, Creede?”

“Back to last names so soon?” The whisper of fine silk caressed my ear as he leaned against the wall next to me. He knew exactly what he did to me when he was close. “I thought we went to first names on our last date.” I inhaled the scent of expensive cologne on clean skin and knew I was going to regret turning around, though I knew I had to.

“And who is this?” Isaac examined John closely, and I knew he could tell me more about the man from what he was and wasn’t wearing and how he held himself than most detectives could after a full week of research.

I sighed and turned. “Isaac Levy, John Creede, owner and one of the founders of Miller and Creede. John, this is Isaac. He’s a dear friend of mine, does all of my jackets, and most of my holsters and weaponry orders. He’s the best in the business.”

Isaac smiled even more broadly at the compliment, extending a chubby, ring-bedecked hand. After all, who in the business of security
hadn’t
heard of M&C? They’re the biggest and best in the business, and Creede’s the primary reason for that.

Creede gave the proffered hand a firm shake. “I’ve always admired Celia’s choice of equipment. I met your lovely wife on my last visit, but I’ve been wanting to meet you personally. You’re a talented charm maker.”

Isaac nodded in acknowledgment of the compliment.

Creede looked good, but then, he always did. His hair was a touch longer than last time I saw him. The golden curls made him look less severe. But the honey-colored eyes that were directly across from mine were still filled with amber fire that flickered and pulled at my stomach. It was intentional and he knew I knew. All I could do was either give in to the teasing or leave. Since I had shopping to do, I guess I was in for some squirming.

I asked the obvious question, because in the circles Creede ran in, Levy’s store was slumming. “And what brings you to this part of town?” Actually, he’d been in the store before, but Isaac hadn’t been here. But as far as Isaac was concerned, nobody had been in until he spoke with them personally.

Creede dipped his head toward Isaac and raised the bag in his hand I hadn’t seen until now. “I thought I might have some jackets tailored. I want to change where I carry some of my weapons without anyone noticing.”

“Nobody does better work than Isaac.”

“I know. That’s why I’m here.” He winked at me. “Well, part of why I’m here.”

“Quality work takes time,” Isaac warned.

“I don’t mind. I’ve just noticed that the craftsmanship in Celia’s equipment seems to be better than in mine. And I can’t have that.”