I didn’t. I didn’t think she cared. I didn’t think anyone actually cared about anyone anymore, but after meeting Lacey, and Jamie, and Deelia, and Rhaz, and even Armhurts…I know I was wrong. People still care. I’m not all on my own. I can trust them.
“I do now,” I say.
“I’m not just on your side, Jiahui. I’m seeking justice for everyone the Zhao family has wronged, your parents included. With your testimony and others, we’ll have enough to nail him and his entire organization,for good.”
“What about the power vacuum that would create? Wouldn’t someone else from his ranks just fill in?” I ask.
“Hey, I’m not questioning your café protections…” she says.
I scowl. “That’s different…we have a plan, and yes, okay, fine, Grandma’s mysticism is involved.”
She chuffs. “I knew it.”
“But it’s going to work,” I say. “We have these—”
“Ms. Feng, I will be there in two days,” she says, cutting me off. “Please, don’t do anything stupid before I get there.”
I tsk. It’s not a stupid plan, so I’m not lying when I say, “Fine, okay.”
“Thank you. And use the pepper spray if Lei Zhao comes to your shop.”
“I will pepper spray him if he needs pepper spraying,” I say.
“Good. Stay safe and I’ll see you soon,” she says, then hangs up.
I blow a raspberry and stuff my phone in my pocket. She didn’t even hear me out. If she knew I’d only found those cubbies with cooked books because I used magic, it would put the whole trial in jeopardy, so there’s no point in trying to get her to believe me. I’d rather see Shang rot in prison than have Armhurts believe I’m a mage.
While I trust that the detective is doing what she can for my parents, I know thatIcan do more, especially if I can get a little help.
Two days. That’s the window to get Lei in here and get Sylvia and Apollo to agree to my crazy plan. The crazy plan I haven’t told anyone about…
The brand on my wrist glimmers brightly and heat swells up my arm. Rhaz told me that words were powerful, and I could do a lot just by speaking my will. I don’t want to invade his space when there could be an IBMA agent meandering around, but I need to see him.
I close my eyes and press down on the mark. “Call Rhazan.”
There’s a faint chime in my head, one I know I’ve made up, as I sense my astral spirit seeking him out. It’s not like projecting in the way where I become disembodied and see outside myself, but more like I’m watching through a camera as someone else moves through the realms into his bar.
He’s seated at his desk in his office, scribbling with an ink quill on a very official-looking document. I scan the room, seeing Soot curled up next to the fireplace, but no one else.
“Firecracker?”Rhaz murmurs and his voice shimmers through my mind like a mirage.
“Hi,” I whisper.
He scowls, looking around.“Where are you?”
“I’m in my bedroom.”
His expression lightens and he smirks.“What are you wearing?”
“Nothing,” I say, grinning to myself.
He shoots up from his seat and embers envelop him. There’s a burst of heat behind me and arms wrap across my shoulders. I lean back into him, grabbing his forearms and holding him tight. His warmth is the balm I needed for my weary soul.
“Liar,” he purrs in my ear, sending a chill down my spine.
“It was the fastest way to get you here,” I say.
“You need something?” he asks, concerned.
