Eddie steps into the room. “His shirt is being cleaned right now. It will be arriving later tonight.”
“Okay, well, then I’ll just start putting your things away for you, Mr. Russo.” As the maid keeps yapping away, Victor starts rubbing his temples.
Eddie chuckles and puts his arm around Victor’s shoulder. “Come, let me show you the rest of mi casa.”
As they leave the room, Victor stops and says, “Actually, would it be possible to make a trip toMagi Scriptor Sartor in New York?”
Leo and Eddie are taken aback and look at each other. “May I ask why you would like to go?” Leo inquires.
“I wanted to look at something I saw in one of their cases. I’ve been thinking about it lately and wanted to ask about it,” Victor explains.
Leo shrugs. “We weren’t going to do any training today, and dinner won’t be ready for another couple hours. We can go.”
“No,” Victor responds a little too sharply. “I mean, I can do this myself. It might be good practice for me to do a few things alone.”
“What if it’s not safe for you to go alone?” Leo asks, worried.
“I’ll be fine and won’t take long,” Victor affirms.
Eddie holds out his hand. “This way, my young empath.” He takes Victor into a room with several mirrors. In the middle of the far wall is a mirror with a gold frame. “This mirror will take you directly to Magi Scriptor Sartor in New York. Just press your palm in the center and walk through.”
Victor presses his palm against the mirror, and it goes hazy. He looks over his shoulder, “If I’m not back in 30 minutes, you can come after me. Will that make you feel more comfortable, Leo?” Leo nods, and Victor walks through.
Victor walks into the store, and as soon as he takes his first step, he jumps back when he almost bumps into someone. “Clarence! You startled me.”
Clarence has their hands on their hips and a judgmental expression on their face. “And may I ask why you’re here to see me?”
Victor looks bewildered. “How–”
“I have my ways,” Clarence says as they turn to walk away. “Also, after I saw what happened to your shirt, I figured you’d be coming to see me. Didn’t you get the second suit?”
Victor follows Clarence into the main shop. “I don’t like how I look in it. The dark blue doesn’t bring out the color of my eyes.” Clarence smirks as Victor continues, “I wanted to see if you have a shirt and tie in something particular.”
Clarence twirls around and places one hand on their hip and the other on a glass case. “How particular are we asking?”
Victor takes a deep breath and licks his lips.“Platinum Silver.”
Clarence slowly walks over to Victor and crosses their arms. “That isveryparticular.” They squint their eyes and start to study Victor. “Are we looking for a full suit?”
“No, just the shirt and tie,” Victor answers.
Clarence gets up close and personal with Victor as they look into Victor’s eyes. “May I ask why you want to change from blue to platinum silver?” Clarence tilts their head to the side without breaking eye contact. “Could this have something to do with your recent experience?”
Victor inhales sharply in response.
Clarence turns and walks away. “I’ll have it delivered with your other shirt when repairs are finished.”
Victor chases after Clarence. “I was also wondering if there is an artifact you might have.”
Clarence holds out their arms as they continue walking. “Look around. You might find something you like.”
Victor rushes past Clarence to stand in front of them. “I need to look for a charm.” As Clarence turns down another aisle, Victor speaks loudly, “I need it for protection in the astral plane.”
Clarence stops and stands at attention. They slowly turn on their heel and place one hand on their hip. “Now, why would you need an artifact like that?”
When Victor returns to Eddie’s home, Eddie greets him. “Did you find what you needed,mi amigo?”
“I did,” Victor answers. He looks behind Eddie. “Where’s Leo?”
