Page 10 of Upside Down Magic

“Perfect,”Prestonexclaimed with satisfaction, unaware thatDruhad probably just come up with a new way to make his life impossible. “Iexpect to be added to the event’s chat.Youhave my number.”

“Actuallyit’s a newsletter,”Isaid.

Hemade a sound of disgust. “Chatsare the way to go,Hope.Emailsget lost among all the other business spam.”

“Inthis case,Ithink emails are the best way.”

“Fine.Whatever.Addme to the list.”

Ichecked withDru.Shenodded regally. “I’lldo that.You’reuhm, aware of what the event entails?”

“Yes.Ihope you’ll be usingTabbies’ stationary for the card?”

“No, actually, we’re going with a local printer.”

“Considerswitching, yes?Idon’t want to tell you what to do with your event, but it’ll really elevate the quality of the merchandise.”

“Don’twant to tell you what to do my ass,”Drumuttered, going back to her coffee.

“It’stoo late to change now,Preston,”Isaid politely. “Butthank you for the suggestion.”

Hegrunted, reminded me to add him to the list again, and ended the call.

“Rude.”Ipocketed the phone and pointed atDru. “Don’tdestroy my event trying to takePrestondown.”Mymouth drooped at the corners. “Please?”

Druhuffed. “I’mnot going to destroy your event, don’t worry.It’sgoing to be fine.”

Thestaggering sense of reliefIfelt at her simple words of reassurance took me aback, andIhad to remind myself that my career didn’t depend on the event.Itwas a nice plus, not a must.

IbidDrufarewell and returned to theTeaCauldron, nudging the pretty bohemian green top out of view on my way out.Incase.

FOUR

SinceDrucouldn’t recallanything similar happening before,IcalledIanto explain what was going on and make double sure.

“Twocalls in a row,”Iansaid, amused. “Mustbe a busy morning.”

Trafficnoises filled the background and someone’s car horn blasted through. “Onthe way to work?”

“Meetingwith a client.”

“Okay,I’llget to the point then.”

“Willyou, now?”

Therewas clear laughter in his voice.Iblushed. “Yes!Haveyou ever heard about someone’s magic acting weird before?”

“Actingweird how?Isthat why you asked me to check onShaneandAlex?”

“Liketurning upside down.Producingice instead of fire, things like that.”

“Brimstone’smaking ice?”

SilentlyaskingBrimstonefor forgiveness for not being more inventive with my random example,Isaid, “Yes.Don’ttell the strays.Idon’t thinkKeyknows yet.”

“Iwon’t.”Hesounded distracted, as if he was thinking of something.

“Youremember a case like this?”Ipaused by the front door of theTeaCauldron, unwilling to continue our conversation inside whereNataliamight hear.Agust of wind moved some of the lingering fog around andIshivered with cold.

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