Page 87 of Cast in Atonement

“Unusual in a different way. All those endless reports she made about things ghosts told her? They were true. Ghosts did tell her those things.”

“And ghosts are largely mundane.”

“Largely, sir. I think she has magical potential. Lord Sanabalis agreed. But he considered that potential both unusual and dangerous.”

The Hawklord’s brows rose.

“He chose to let Mrs. Erickson move in with me.”

“Because your house is a sentient building.”

She nodded. “But I thought Helen would like Mrs. Erickson. And she does. They probably spend way more time just talking and having tea than Helen and I do. And Mrs. Erickson uses the kitchen—she loves it. Look—she’d’ve been very lonely in her home.”

“She’s lived in it for all her life. What changed?”

“The ghosts she could see left. They’ve been her company. They stopped her from becoming lonely. She came to the Halls of Law because she wanted to have something to tell them. She’s not dangerous. She’s not.”

“Tell me why Evanton wished to visit her house.”

Kaylin swallowed. “He was looking for something. No, I don’t know what—do you honestly think he’d tell me? He said the garden was becoming more chaotic; the elements were unsettled. It’s happened before, and usually when it does, it means something big is about to go down. He knew of Azoria An’Berranin. When he found out that she’d lived invisibly beside Mrs. Erickson’s house, he wanted to see it.”

“He felt that something Azoria had done had caused unrest in the elemental garden?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Very well.” The Hawklord’s eyes were pure blue—and blue was not a happy Aerian color. “Lord Sanabalis, on behalf of the Emperor, has summoned you to the palace. You will work at his behest as if he were the Emperor himself. If Evanton returns to his storefront, Lord Sanabalis will rescind his request. Not a moment before.

“If he does not, things will be far more dire than the Halls of Law can handle. We are trusting you, Corporal. I have been assured that your particular brand of diplomacy will not be made an issue. Do not cross the line.”

“Yes, sir.”

“How’d it go?” Clint asked, glancing at Tanner.

“What was the bet?” Kaylin’s expression was sour.

Clint chuckled. “No bet.”

“Well, Ironjaw definitely needs a new desk; Caitlin was right about that. And Severn and I been seconded to the Imperial Palace. Where we’re going now.”

Tanner whistled. “He’ll definitely need a new desk. Depending on how long you’ll be off your beat, he might need a few.”

Mandoran grinned when he caught sight of Kaylin and Severn as they exited the Halls of Law. “Where are we headed?”

“Severn and I are headed to the Imperial Palace; you’re welcome to join us.”

Severn glanced at her.

He won’t. None of the cohort enter the palace except Teela—and she only goes if her job demands it. I wouldn’t have made the suggestion if it were Terrano; he’ll go anywhere.

Mandoran shrugged. “I’ll keep you company on the way. Sedarias says Bellusdeo dropped by the house after you left for work. She’s talking to Helen now—I don’t know if she intends to speak with Mrs. Erickson. Also: her eyes are an orange-red mess.”

“How is Helen?”

“Her eyes are pitch-black, if that’s any indication.”

“Did you tell her that I’m now working for the Imperial Palace until we find Evanton?”

“I don’t think she’ll care. Terrano still hasn’t made his way home. Serralyn suggests that the next time the Keeper asks you for a walkabout, you say no.”

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