“It’s not that bad at work, is it?” Gemma unlocks and opens the front door. We closed all the blinds and curtains today and have the AC units cranked up as high as they can go. It helps, but it doesn’t replace central air.
“Not yet. I might not seem crazy, but I definitely will seem like I’ve suddenly lost my talent. And common sense.” I shake my head. “That’s not the point right now.”
“Right. The point is you’re considering saying yes to this weirdo’s lunch date.”
“It’s not a date. And look.” I hold up the invitation. “It’s the same handwriting as before. It’s the same guy. This Mr. Trent is the one who sent me the files and the letter the other night. He has answers about my parents’ deaths.”
“And he also has some magical abilities,” Gemma points out. “He did summon and send a golem. That’s not beginners’ magic, Ace. That’s complicated stuff that I don’t even think Lyra would say is possible.”
“I know,” I agree.
“See? Promise me you won’t go. That you know this is a setup.”
I close the door behind me and shoot the deadbolt into place. “I think it’s a setup too. But what other choice do I have? What if he sends another golem out into the city? Or something worse than a golem?”
“There are worse things than golems?” Gemma’s shoulders tense.
“Yes. A lot worse.” I exhale, realizing for the first time since the motion sensor went off that my heart is still racing. “I have to go, Gemma. There’s no way around it.”
