Page 76 of Bright Dark Curses

She laughed softly, and we searched in silence for a couple of minutes.

“I meant what I said, Key. I want you to know that you can come to me for anything. I won’t let you down next time.”

She abandoned the last suitcase and came over to give me a fast hug. “I know, Hope. I swear I’m not mad at you.”

I squeezed her back. “Thank you.”

“Don’t mind me,” Bagley said from under my jacket, “I’m just here to enjoy the show.”

TWENTY-TWO

Key jumped back, eyes wide as saucers. “What was that?”

Sighing, I brought out Bagley’s locket. “Ms. Bagley.”

Key’s mouth fell open in horror. “You brought her?”

“I thought she might prove useful.”

“But…” Key lowered her voice, as if Bagley wasn’t hanging between us. “But she’s evil.”

“Chaotic neutral at best,” Bagley said.

“I believe in fostering an atmosphere of rehabilitation, not punishment,” I said soothingly.

Bagley harrumphed. “Then why do I have to suffer your company?”

I shook the locket. “One good deed, two days.”

“You said three!”

“I might change my mind again if you don’t play nice.”

“Aren’t you scared she might jump onto another item here?” Key asked. She slammed her hands over her mouth, as if suddenly realizing she might’ve given Bagley a great idea.

“Child, I’m not getting stuck with Dorsey’s guests.” Bagley made a sound of disgust. “Worthless, the lot of them.”

“Moving on,” I said, walking to the middle of the room and allowing Bagley a good look at the space. “See anything suspicious?”

“I’m a locket, not X-rays.”

“Don’t make it one day.”

Bagley cackled. “Might be worth it.”

“Ms. Bagley, concentrate, please.”

“Fine. Did you find any herbs?”

I nudged Key. She shook her head. “No.”

“Glass vials? Crystals?”

“Some amethyst and celestine, but people use those for easier sleep. Could be coincidence.”

“A spellbook?”

“Nothing that looks like one.”

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