With his hands working magic, Doc leaned in, his gaze soft, his lips slightly parted.
He was going to kiss Ottis again.
Hijinks’ voice cracked through the air, full of urgency.
“Probe Master. Eight unknown entities on the north border, about to probe us.”
26
JINXED
Ottis’stomach clenched. “More attackers?”
“There will not be any probing,” Doc said firmly.
“Aww,” Hijinks’ voice said. “Not even you?”
Doc scowled. “Especiallynot me.”
The butler finally burst out of the mansion, propped on Hotcart’s handle.
“Aren’t you worried?” Ottis asked Hijinks.
Suddenly, Hijinks looked sly. “Doc can handle himself.” He glanced at Doc though. “I could send a message, if you’d like backup.”
“Please do,” Doc said. “Just a couple of friends. I don’t need the whole gang coming down.”
But what if those jerks are more powerful than you expect?Ottis thought but didn’t say. He didn’t want to jinx them all.What if Sevrian is here?
Actually, if Sevrian was here, things could get really bad.
His heart thumping, Ottis reached out with his hearing.
Seven pairs of heavy feet shuffled on the other side of Doc’s hedge, next to the road. Then came a voice that made ice shoot down Ottis’ veins.
“Get the omega,” Sevrian’s terrible oily voice said. “Bring him to me alive. Kill everyone else.”
“He’s here,” Ottis whispered, paling. “Doc, he’s dangerous.”
Doc hooked the lace mask back over his face, his mouth pressing into a thin line. “Get into the mansion. Hijinks will guard you and Marcie.”
“But there’s so many of them!”
And more were joining the people out front.
Next to Ottis, Hijinks vibrated. “Oh, oh! May I pull out the secret weapon?”
Doc grimaced. “Onlyyoucall it a secret weapon.”
“They won’t expect it,” Hijinks said, unruffled. “They will think it’s a joke.”
“Itisa joke,” Doc muttered.
“A joke with firepower.” Hijinks smirked. “It will erupt. Everywhere. Wetly.”
Doc sighed heavily. “Fine. But don’t get in my way.”
Whatever this secret weapon was, Ottis hoped that it would help.
