“Yes,” Sarge agreed. “But what something is it, and why did he tell you? It’s possible he’s trying to use you in some way.”
“Yeah…there are still too many unknowns in the situation,” I agreed.
Sarge snapped off a nod. “Think it over. I’ll inform Captain Reese, but we’ve got to focus on our chance to put pressure on House Tellier tonight.”
Much more comfortable with orders than sifting through fae trickery, I stood straighter. “Understood, sir.”
Sarge opened the door and motioned for me to go through first.
I did and scurried off to my table—which was isolated as usual—as Sarge shut the door.
“There’s been a change in plans, squad.” His silver eyes took on a dangerous light, and when he smiled it made his classic fae good looks turn dark. “We’re going wizard hunting tonight!”
We took all the available vehicles the Curia Cloisters owned to pick up the Telliers. Medium-Sized Robert was carrying a backpack full of magic canceling cuffs just in case they resisted—which would be great for making a case against them, but I had a feeling resistance would mean property damage, and I wasn’t eager to mess with the Tellier’s sentient magical house. So, my nerves were still jumpy as we approached the colonial-esque farmhouse styled House.
“Remember, do not set foot on House Tellier land until I get the signal,” Captain Reese said, her voice effortlessly carrying up and down the street so we could all hear her as we approached the sidewalk in front of the magical House.
A chorus of “Yes, Ma’ams,” drifted across the team as we fell in line.
Tetiana—directly next to me—playfully bumped April. “Say, if we finish here in record time, do you think we’ll have a chance to play go fish?”
“Doubtful,” April said. “There’s going to be a lot of paperwork to process tonight no matter what happens.”
“We need to play a new card game,” Juggernaut piped in as he joined the two lethal ladies. “You’re getting too attached to your weird go fish rules.”
“They aren’t weird,” Tetiana said. “They exist because everyone complained the old maid card shouldn’t be the only card with a backstory.”
“None of the cards should have a back story,” Juggernaut complained. “And if they did, they’d need to be more general and not so based on Magiford supernaturals—wait, you’re not pulling me into your disconnect with reality! It’s go fish, the old maid card shouldn’t even be in it!”
I normally would have listened to the card conversation—if I ever got to join the game, I suspected it would do more to break the weird respect barrier than any of my disjointed attempts at small talk—but I had other issues on my mind.
I slowed my stride so I could fall in line with Grove, who was offering a vial of pinkish liquid to Medium-Sized Robert.
“No, thank you,” Medium-Sized Robert rumbled.
“It’s a potion, I’m positive this time.” Grove rolled his eyes, then glanced over at me. “Something on your mind, Blood?”
Grove wasn’t exactly friendly, but his open manners instead of the weird respect of our other teammates set me at ease so my shoulders dropped.
“Do the fae have any special abilities or limitations attached to twenty-nine days?” I asked.
“Huh? No. We follow seasonal cycles. Dates matter, number of days don’t. Why?” Grove asked.
“Something Orrin said,” I studied House Tellier—there were a couple of lights on, but all the shades were pulled so I couldn’t see anything beyond shadows. “I was wondering if there was a special meaning.”
“Not that I know of. How about you, Medium-Sized Robert?” Grove looked up at the troll.
Medium-Sized Robert shook his head. “No. Sorry, Ma’am.”
The title of respect made my blood curl, especially with Sarge and Captain Reese with us. “I understand. Thanks.”
“Here, Blood. Take this.” Grove grabbed a large potion bottle from his bag and offered it to me.
“What is it?” I cautiously asked.
“Crowd control potion. Throw it at the wizards, and it’ll help you control the flow of the battle. Just make sure you’re standing far enough away,” Grove said.
“Understood. Thank you.”
Grove winked. “Gotta keep our slayer outfitted!”
As I tucked the potion into an empty pouch attached to my belt, I slowed down even more letting Grove and Medium-Sized Robert pass me so I could find my correct place in our formation.