Page 96 of Bright Dark Curses

“Alex?” Preston answered in a warm, friendly voice. “What’s up, man?”

“Yes, hello. This is Hope Avery calling with Alex’s permission.”

“Hope Avery,” he repeated with a drawl. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Alex has made me aware that you might be in possession of black jade in your collection.”

There was a pause. “Alex would be correct.”

I gasped. “Charged for spell use?”

“Of course.”

I grinned at Dru. Dru mouthed full address.

“That’s wonderful. Could I borrow it for one spell? I promise to recharge it as soon as possible and return it right away.”

“Of course. Us paranormals gotta help each other, right?”

“Right. Could we meet at the shop this morning? The sooner I make the potion, the better.”

“Ah, that’s not going to be possible.”

“Or I can meet you somewhere else, of course.”

“Little Owls Cafe. Forty minutes.”

“That’s perfect. Thank you.”

“See you then.”

We ended the call, and I returned the phone to Alex.

“Well?” Dru prompted. Are you going to his house?

“Meeting at the Little Owls Cafe in forty minutes.”

“Will that be enough to make the potion?” Hutton asked with the merest trace of curiosity.

“Oh, yeah. The spell itself is not too hard, but it’ll knock me out for the rest of the day.” I glanced at the table in disappointment. “I’ll miss all the fun.”

Ian spoke from his chair. “I’m sure there will be plenty of fun left.” Rufus was now lying next to him, his head on his paws, and I imagined they spent many a morning like this. And now, I’d join them, and maybe Fluffy would come to lie by my feet. The image made my heart flutter and do funny things inside my chest. It was almost too good to be true.

“Nothing is too good to be true. If it’s true, it already is.”

“No wonder that online shop scammed you,” Dru said, returning to her seat.

“Amen,” muttered Hutton.

I lifted my chin. “You know, when your suppliers fail you, I’ll be here to lend my support.”

Alex patted my back. “You’re a good egg.”

“Thank you. I’m glad you noticed.”

“Egg splattered on the wall at this rate,” Hutton contributed even though nobody had asked him to.

Alex winked at me and returned to the table. I followed, feeling like another big weight had lifted off my shoulders. At this rate, I might be weightless by the end of the day.

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