The flu.Like all those other Crescents.“Good to see you, Celia.I hope you feel better.”
When Celia closed the door, Fernandez turned his troubled expression back to Cyn.“Smith.He looked older, which means he’s early generation Crescent, I’d guess.White hair and neatly trimmed beard.Distinguished, typical Deuce coolness.Arrogant.You want to tell me what’s going on?Maybe I can help.”
Darren wasn’t Mr.Smith.Which meant Mr.Smith was still alive.Still out there hunting Ruby.Cyn called out, “I have to go,” as he ran to his car.He tried Ruby’s number, but he didn’t expect her to answer if she knew it was him.
He jumped in his car and tore away to the Yard.
* * *
Something was formingon the page of the open book in the female Crescent’s living room.The demon watched for a moment, feeling the magick in the book prickle across its skin.A three-headed monster appeared line by line.Very small stick figures were next, standing in front of the looming monster.
Selwig closed the book and searched the living space.It liked going through her things.What joy, tormenting Crescents by moving their things around, punching them in their sleep and creating mystery bruises.But it was not here to have innocent fun; its mission was even more exciting.The demon didn’t like Dragons, having seen his comrades slaughtered by them over the years.Now, fittingly, this demon had been freed from prison to kill one.
A song began to play.Selwig followed the sound to a flat square sitting on the table.The screen readCyn.The song ended.It followed the scent of the woman to the open doorway.She lie sprawled on the bed, naked.
A demon of sin would do other things to her.Being a harbinger was much better, with the ability to take any kind of physical form.
A fire Elemental tried to dart past, but Selwig stomped its foot and stopped the pesky creature.Its gaze flitted to the woman’s sleeping form.Ah, so it meant to warn her.The demon bared its fangs.The Elemental did, too, but it recognized it was way outpowered and backed away.
The woman stirred and rolled to her side.A second later, her eyelashes fluttered open.Selwig took form and approached her.
19
Purcell walked into Captain Fernandez’s office, once again without knocking.He pasted on a pleasant expression, even though the dark-haired man scowled at the sight of him.
“Captain,” Purcell said in greeting, closing the door behind him and strolling behind his desk to look out the window.
Fernandez bristled at the invasion of his territory.“What do you want now?”
“Have you noticed that a lot of Crescents are feeling under the weather?You’ve no doubt seen that several of the secretaries’ desks are vacant this morning.Due to the samebugthat your wife no doubt has.”
The captain’s desperation and fear was clear “How did you?—”
“Only it’s not a bug.It’s a disruption of theDeus Vis.”Purcell turned, seeing that the man’s hostility was replaced by interest.And fear.
“Already?But we’re just seeing the effects of the smaller flares.We aren’t supposed to feel the big storm they’ve been hyping up on the news for another day or so.The Concilium advised the Guard and our medical staff that Crescents might feel more than the usual ruffle of theDeus Vis, but nothing severe.”
“That’s what they’re telling you.I am willing to share the truth under the confidentiality of the Guard’s Silence Credo.”
“You’re not Guard.”
“Details.”Purcell smiled.“Call in your secretary.I overheard her telling one of the other ladies that she was going home after lunch.”
While he did, Purcell pulled out a cloth from his pocket that held the small prototype.
Marie came in, her complexion pale, eyes dull.Hardly a flame flickered in her eyes.“Yes, sir,” she said, her voice lackluster, too.
Purcell flicked on the reactor and took her hand in his.“Dear, you look positively ill.”
“Oh, you shouldn’t touch me.I’m…” She blinked.“Sick.Or was sick.That’s weird.I feel better.”The color was returning to her face.“You’re a healer?”
“In a manner of speaking,” Purcell said.
She squeezed his hand.“Thank you.Thank you so much.”She turned to Fernandez.“The open cases summary is almost done.I’ll start working on the expense reports.”She spun and left, closing the door behind her.
“Your wife could feel better, too, just that fast,” Purcell said, reaching into Fernandez’s mind and feeling his profound relief at that thought.
The man’s mouth tightened.“What do I need to do?”
