“Well, yeah? I don’t know any personally, so how else was I supposed to track someone down?”
Zach considered this and then shook his head. “Okay, you know what, that’s fair. How do you know he’s for real, though?”
“I don’t,” Drew conceded. “But I figured you’d be able to tell.”
Zach regarded him steadily for a long moment and then finally nodded, releasing Drew’s wrist. “You figured right. Okay, let’s do this.”
They made their way up onto the porch, and Drew knocked on the door, then they stood back and waited. Finally, he could hear footsteps approaching and the door opened to reveal a plump, dark-skinned man who was wearing a long forest-green robe. “Can I help you?” he asked.
“Hi, I’m looking for a man named . . .” Drew looked down at his notes to ensure he got this right. “Grand Master Bartholomew Kensington. I need to speak to him.”
“I’m sorry, but there’s no one of that name here.” He began to close the door, but Drew jumped forward and stopped it from closing.
“Please! It’s important! Ineedto speak to him, or if he’s not here, another wizard. Just someone who can help me.”
“Wizards?” the man said, his eyes turning shifty. “Who told you anything about there being wizards here?”
Drew flushed, not wanting to admit to googling them. He waved at the very wizardish robes the man was wearing. “It kinda looks like there are wizards here. Please, is there anyone who can help me?”
“Sorry, kid. If you’re after a love potion, try Etsy.”
Before he could try to shut the door again, Zach stepped forward. His eyes darkened and red flame seemed to swirl within them. When he spoke, his voice had an otherworldly quality to it. “He’s not after a love potion,” he growled.
The robed man’s eyes widened and he stepped back, his arms coming up in defense even though Zach hadn’t threatened him. Golden wisps of light sprung from his hands, and the hair on Drew’s arms rose up from the power he could feel emanating from him, as if a storm were approaching. “Keep back, demon!”
“Simon?” a voice called from inside. “What’s going on?” A imposingly tall bald man with an immaculate goatee and bright green eyes came down the hallway. He was also wearing dark green robes but the hood of his had a yellow lining.
“We’re under attack, Grand Master!” Simon cried, fearful but determined eyes on Zach.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Zach growled, allowing his eyes to return back to their usual whiskey colouring. “I amnotattacking you, you moron! We’ve come to ask for assistance.”
“And what assistance could one of the minions of Hell require from me?” Kensington asked in a deep baritone as smooth as honey.
“I’m no minion,” Zach said sharply, but didn’t elaborate.
Kensington studied him for a moment and then turned towards Drew, and his eyes widened in surprise. Then he frowned thoughtfully and opened the door wider. “I think you should both come in. Welcome to our humble abode, otherwise known as the Island Chapter of the Nightingale Collective”
The golden wisps still swirling atop Simon’s palm dimmed and then flickered out of existence as he stood back, clearly not happy about these developments but trusting Kensington’s decision.
They followed the Grand Master inside to a large entrance hall where an imposing staircase led to an upper level. Drew did adouble take at the staircase since the housedefinitelyhadn’t had a second storey on the outside. Kensington noticed his shock but said nothing, just gestured him forward. Drew heard Zach mutter, “A police telephone box is way cooler,” as they both followed the wizard.
They skirted the staircase and went down a long hallway instead, ending up in a plush, old-fashioned sitting room. “Tea?” Kensington offered as he took a seat in a large armchair.
Zach sat on the sofa and Drew hurried to sit next to him, feeling safer next to the demon, which he realised was a ridiculous thought. He nodded at Kensington’s offer and then watched in amazement as the teapot that was sitting on a sideboard lifted of its own accord and poured three cups of tea. “Just like inBeauty and the Beast,” Drew whispered.
Zach sniggered and even Kensington’s lips twitched, but he didn’t look away as the final cup was filled to the brim.
It was only then Drew realised Simon had not joined them, but he couldn’t recall precisely when he’d disappeared. “So, you really are a wizard?” he asked in awe as the cups soared across the room to each of them.
“There are many names for my profession, but sorcerer is the most accurate one,” Kensington corrected him. “Due to several factors, including my personal power, longevity, and battle experience, I have gained the rank of Grand Master. That means I am not only the leader of our chapter here on the Island, but the entirety of the North West American district. I also have a seat on the World Council.”
“So why do you live in Ladysmith of all places?” Drew asked, confused. It seemed like a nice place, but not really somewhere prestigious enough for a man of Kensington’s qualifications.
“The cinnamon buns at the bakery are to die for,” Kensington said in a prim tone, making it clear he was not going to discuss his actual reasons with them. He sipped his tea. “And who would you be, young man?” he enquired.
“Oh, sorry. I’m Drew . . . Drew Phillips, and this is Zach.”
“Zach? I see.” Kensington raised an eyebrow at this and Drew wondered if all handsome men with power and an extra dose of self-confidence did the sexy eyebrow thing. “An unusual name for a demon.”
