Page 91 of Half Dead

“If this tablet is what he says, maybe there’s a way I can use it against him.”

“I doubt that very much.”

“Worth a shot.” When he didn’t comment, I asked, “Are you still with me?”

“Always.”

I breathed a sigh of relief. “Good. I need to prep. I’ll see you soon?”

“Yes. What can I do to help?”

“You already did it.” I hung up.

“I found information on the islands,” Ray announced.

I hadn’t even realized he’d hopped on the decrepitcomputer that took up half the kitchen counter. “Anything that will help me find the tablet?”

“Not yet, but I’ll keep looking.”

“Thanks, Ray.”

Two images shimmered near the table. Gun and Cam were at the gate, pretending to be mimes. Gunther was trapped in a glass cage and Camryn was trying to walk on a windy day.

“Hilarious,” I murmured.

I walked to the porch and waved. “You two can bypass the ward, you know.”

Camryn peeled off her jacket and hung it on the coat rack. “And pass up the chance to mime? Never.”

Gun entered the house and immediately stuck out a boot-clad foot. “What do you think?”

“It’s a boot.” A crimson-colored one with a flame painted on the side, but still a boot.

He huffed and named a designer I’d never of. “It’s from his new collection.”

“I think they’re gorgeous,” Camryn said. “I’d wear them myself if I didn’t have such dainty feet. Wearing boots would be like wearing cement blocks.”

“I’m glad you’re happy with them.” I glanced over his shoulder.

Gun zigzagged a finger between us. “What’s this? Why are you looking for someone else when I’m right in front of you.”

“I’m waiting for Phaedra.” I explained my need for a magical underwater breathing device.

“This trial involves water?” Gunther barked a laugh. “Better try those cards again, cousin.”

Cam punched his arm. “No need to rub it in.”

“You consulted the tarot cards about my trials?” I was oddly touched. “That’s sweet, Cam.”

“No biggie. I wanted to see if there was anything we coulddo to help. Give you a heads-up about a monster or whatever.”

“Hard to help when you can’t even identify the topography correctly.”

Camryn whipped out a card and held it up to him. “One more comment like that, Gunther Saxon, and you’ll be at the receiving end of the Hanged Man.”

“Ooh, I’m quaking in my designer boots.”

Camryn pressed her lips together in consternation. “I don’t think the cards were wrong.”

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