Page 26 of Spit

I cleared my throat and affected a benign smile. “You have a lot of witches in your basement.”

“Both a statement and a question.” Mr. Legion’s eyes flickered with something like amusement. “I do. You’re correct. They are useful. Though the Red City is a place for demons, we tend to come in many flavors, and sometimes the conflicts of our kin in Hell spill over to the Human Realities. It is not unknown that a demon might wake up to find themselves at war with another Sin. It makes life interesting, but the destruction of personal property is tedious. I keep a stable of witches to ensure that my wards are reinforced.”

“Are you often under attack, Mr. Legion?” I asked carefully.

He laughed and shook his head. “No one would dare, but it doesn’t hurt to be careful. I have lived longer than most and have many treasures I don’t wish to part with.”

“I see.” I took my time as I cut into my food and took a bite, chewing until I could think of a response. “And your missing demons? They can’t be found by any of your witches?”

Arlo cleared his throat. “It’s a delicate subject.”

Mr. Legion ignored the question, knitting his fingers together as he leaned forward and placed his elbows on the table. “From what I understand about null witches, you have a range. Many people with your magic type require touch to make a magic user inert. Mr. Bub assured me that wouldn’t be an issue for you.”

“That’s right.” I nodded.

“Are you immune to demon magic as well?” Mr. Legion seemed only mildly interested, but his eyes betrayed him.

“Yes. Demonic magic doesn’t affect me. For example, if an incubus tried to lure me, it wouldn’t work.” I explained.

“And your null abilities work across the spectrum of both demonic and witch magic?” Mr. Legion cocked his head to the side.

“Sure.” I took a sip of coffee. “However, runes, like the ones on the city's walls, affect me.”

“Enochian runes. Angelic.” Mr. Legion nodded, tapping his chin. “Interesting.”

I said nothing.

“We’ll go into the city after breakfast. I’ll explain what I need from you in the car.” Mr. Legion turned back to his phone, and I got the impression I had been dismissed.

Chapter Five

Arlo gave me an apologetic look as we waited for the driver to bring the car around the front of the mansion. Mr. Legion had disappeared for some reason or another, and I wasn’t about to pry into someone else’s business.

I was here to do a job. Get in, and get out. Find the missing demons, go home to my apartment, and hopefully salvage whatever scraps were left of my professional career.

“He isn’t always like that.” Arlo winced.

My brow furrowed. “Like what?” Mr. Legion hadn’t seemed rude to me, just a demon with little time for human niceties.

“It doesn’t bother you when people ask about your null abilities?” Arlo cocked his head to the side.

“I’m used to it.” I shrugged.

The gravel on the drive crunched as tires rolled over it, and a long sleek black vehicle pulled up at the bottom of the stairs.

As if he had timed it precisely, Mr. Legion stepped out of the front doors, adjusting his lapels. The demon glanced at us, his magic licking the air and teasing my shadow, though I only felt an echo of it. As if Mr. Legion had cloaked himself somehow.

I followed the demon down the steps but turned back when I realized Arlo hadn’t followed me. I frowned, and Arlo chuckled as of reading my mind.

“This is his show. I’ll watch the house.” Arlo held his hands up disarmingly and walked back through the front door.

I shook my head to clear it, turning back to the limo in the drive. Mr. Legion held the door open for me; a mild expression of impatience passed his angular features before an impassive mask was erected over his face.

I slid into the car and waited for Mr. Legion to circle the limo and get in at the other side. The moment my seat belt clicked into place, we pulled away.

“Where are we going?” I asked.

Mr. Legion glanced at me. “I could name the streets or the venue, but it was my belief that you had never been to the Red City before.”

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