“Fascinating,” Sykes said. He opened his palm, revealing a silver case holding several long brown cigarettes. “Would either of you like one?”
Where had he been for the past twenty years? Smoking kills.
“No, thank you,” I said. “Apparently I’m at a disadvantage. You know about me, but I know nothing of you. And you also know, er,knewSadie?”
Just the mention of her name and tears pricked my eyes. I forced them back down because this man held a certain sort of menace that set me on edge. Sykes Laffoon was not my friend.
Sykes lit his cigarette and I expected the acrid smell of smoke to fill the cabin, but much to my surprise I smelled nothing.
He must’ve read the shock on my face, because Sykes said, “Magic. You should try using yours sometime.”
I winced. “In case you hadn’t noticed, this is a non-magical town. I prefer to live low-key.”
Laughter danced in his eyes. “Is that right? Well, perhaps you should let others know that.”
Not understanding what he meant, I chose to press forward. “Listen, I appreciate y’all giving us a ride in the limo, but I don’t have all day to be driven around. I’ve got work to do, so I would appreciate it if you would stop with the innuendos and side comments and just tell me what the heck you want.”
Sykes laughed. “Men in my business generally don’t have to tell anyone what we want. You should already know. But seeing as how yourassociateapparently did not inform you of her habits, I will explain.”
“What are you talking about?”
Georgie glanced down at his watch. “Ten minutes, Boss.”
Sykes nodded slightly. “Your friend, if you still wish to call her that after I tell you this, owed me money.”
I scoffed. “You and me both.” If this guy could see my bank account, he’d know what I meant.
His lips formed a thin line. “You don’t seem to understand. She owed me a sum and put your business up against it.”
Sweat sprouted on my forehead. “She put the business against it?”
Sykes nodded. “That’s correct. She was late paying. My associates and I do not like it when bills become overdue.”
Then it started to click. This guy, when he talked about his associates, was really referencing a type of organization. Heck, he must’ve been some sort of wizard mafia or something. Was that even a thing, wizard mafia?
And what had Sadie been doing getting involved in them?
“So,” I said slowly, “what are you saying?”
“I believe the gentleman wants his money,” Rufus offered.
“That is correct,John,” Sykes said, laughter hiding in the recesses of his voice. “That’s exactly what I want.” He spoke to me. “You see, Sadie had been making payments, but as of two days ago, she owed us a large sum. If we don’t receive our money, then we will act on the collateral that Sadie had offered to us—your business.”
My heart fell to the floor. “Magical Renovations? You can’t take my business.”
Sykes pulled a folded slip of paper from his breast pocket. “I’m afraid that I can.” He opened it and showed me where Sadie had signed her name. The page reminded me of a contract with the devil, one so unbinding there was no way out.
I sucked my teeth. “So let me get this straight—Sadie borrowed money from you and your…associates, and now she’s dead and you’re coming to me explaining that if you don’t get your money, you’re going to take my business. Do I have that right?”
Sykes slapped his knee. “Well, I do believe we have a winner. Yes, that’s exactly right. You got it!”
I relaxed in the seat, wedging my back into the cushion. Oh, I had it all right. I had this whole thing figured out. “I have a few questions.”
“Oh no,” Rufus whispered.
I stared at him, shocked. “What does that mean?”
“It means your questions might get us into trouble.”
