Page 102 of Voyage of Fury and Fate

“Excuse me,” a voice says from the front gate. We pull away from each other, expecting to see a tourist hoping for a quick tour of the historic home.

“Can I help you?” Thorne asks, straightening his now-wrinkled shirt.

“I have a certified letter for a Miss Elsbeth Abernathy.” He holds a sealed letter where I can see it. “Are you Elsbeth?” he asks, staring at me.

“Aye, I am.”

He holds the letter through the wrought iron gate. “If you’ll sign saying you received it, I’ll be on my way.”

I scribble my signature, thanking the deliverer. “Who’s it from?” Thorne asks once we’re back on the piazza.

“The law firm where you settled Francis’s estate.” I open the envelope, finding a single tri-folded piece of paper, and read the words aloud.

Miss Abernathy,

My name is Abigail Orcutt. We had the pleasure of meeting while you were settling the estate of Francis Hawthorne. As part of my internship, I spent quite a bit of time in the archives of our firm. Reading through old client files has proven helpful in several situations, one of them being yours. I took the liberty of researching the connection between you and Aaron Abernathy further after our meeting and discoveredinformation that could be vital for you and your lifestyle.

I pull the letter away from my face. My lifestyle? Does this woman know that I’m a vampire?

“What is it?” Thorne asks.

“I’m not sure,” I answer truthfully before continuing.

Aaron Abernathy left a book and specific instructions for it to be delivered to his sister, Elsbeth Abernathy, should she ever be found. The book was safely bound and has been hidden in the basement of the city library ever since, with no hope of locating her…until now.

Aaron was one of New Orleans’s most powerful warlocks, and the book left for you is his grimoire. One that can only be uncovered and used by you. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Abigail Orcutt

“Holy shit.” I set the letter on a table nearby.Thorne stares at me expectantly. I huff a laugh, not sure what to think of the newest development in the shit show of my life.

“What does that mean?” he asks, looking as confused as I feel.

“My family has vampires, lycan, and now witches.”

“Oh, my,” he whispers, making me laugh. “What’s a grimoire? I’ve never been around witches or warlocks.”

“His book of spells, along with instructions.”

“This could help us find the children.” Thorne takes the words out of my mouth.

“And helping us defeat Eudora and Marnie,” I add.

He offers me his arm, leading me through the courtyard and onto the busy street. Together we walk at a human pace toward downtown Charleston, and what, hopefully, are the answers we need.