I took it from him, because why not. Unrolling the thick parchment, I found a few short sentences written in shimmering gold calligraphy.
The League of Benevolent Supernatural Beings
Guidelines for Wishes
Wishes must comply with the laws of God, the laws of nature, and the laws of the country in which the master or mistress resides.
Wishes must be completed on the same day requested.
Wishes may not be repeated.
Wishes must be humanly possible.
How far gone must I be that a guy had just told me he had magical powers—which he couldn’t use on my behalf—and I wasn’t calling 911 for police backup? Instead, I was sitting here asking questions like it was a possibility. “Are you a benevolent supernatural being or a genie?”
“I answer to either.”
This conversation had moved from difficult to completely insane.
Hold on. Lacey had used that phrase.Even if he tells you something that sounds completely insane, it’s true.
I would play along for a little while longer. 911 was still an option. “So you’re a genie. With rules. And you’ll grant me a month of wishes.”
“Precisely. Would it help to see a small example of my powers as proof?”
“The scroll appearing out of nowhere is in the ballpark of proof.” When I handed it back to him, it dissolved into a fine purple mist, which was a good trick too. “Did you give Lacey and Kimberley thirty wishes?”
“Kimberley, yes. Lacey’s assignment ended prematurely.”
Before I accused him of being a total psycho, I needed to confirm what was going on. “If you’ll give me a moment?”
“Certainly.”
I texted Lacey.
Grant is here
Has he come to help you?
Yes. He told me he’s a genie
True
Okay, then. If I was losing it, Lacey had lost it first.
Who else knows about this?
Kimberley
There was a pause and then she sent another text.
Sean did too
Icy shivers rolled down my body as my phone slipped through my fingers. I rocketed to my feet and ran for the house, not stopping until I reached my room and flopped belly-down next to Orion, who reclined regally in the middle of my bed and proceeded to swat my head with her tail.
“Mistress?” Grant spoke from the doorway.
That word was a major distraction, something I could grasp onto. “Ismistresswhat you call the people you’re serving?”
