Page 21 of Upside Down Magic

“But—”

“Wewon’t take long,Ipromise.”

Icapitulated but stopped at the bottom of the stairs. “Didanyone takeBrimstonehis potion?”

“Idon’t know.”Hepushed the bead curtain aside and leaned into the shop. “Didanyone tellJeremyto pick up his special delivery?”

Ipeeked around him.MarkandAlexwere behind the counter, wearing matchingTeaCauldronaprons.Twocustomers sat at the counter while a couple made use of the table by the window.Theyall turned our way, but it wasAlex’sblank expression that answered me.

“Thanksguys,”Isaid brightly. “I’llbe back soon.”

“Noproblem, boss,”Alexsaid cheerfully.Hehad gathered his hair back into a messy tail and looked quite at ease in the role of barista.Hetruly was the paranormal jack of all trades ofOlmeda.

Markwaved me away, andIwent into the kitchen, where a glass vial lay filled with the potion, plugged with a cork stopper and ready to be delivered.Alexmust’ve poured the potion afterIpassed out before going to takeShanehis.Thestray was nothing if not thoughtful.

“Wehave to get this toBrimstone.”Ipicked up the vial and put it inside my jacket pocket. “Doyou know where he lives?”

“No.”

“Areyou sure?”Iteased. “Notin the database?”

Hegave me a very unimpressed look and opened the back door for me.

“Aww.Youeven put the cover back onBee-Bee.”Itwas the small things like this that showed a person’s true self.

Fluffybarked in agreement, andIanbent to put her vest and leash on.Itwasn’t the first time we went out to eat with the dogs, and it had never been a problem—Fluffyhad a way to charm even the most antagonistic of restaurant owners.

“Ready?”Ianasked, opening the back gate.

Ipressed a kiss to his cheek on the way out. “Always.”

Brimstonedeclined to give me his home address over the phone, but sent me a location where to meet him.Judgingby the fact that his suit was still in the same disarray as before, with the added bonus of a pair of house slippers rather than shoes,Igave the probability that he lived in the apartment building above our meeting point garage a ninety-nine percent chance.

“Areyou sure it works?” he asked, suspicious.Ihad leftIanwaiting outside withFluffysinceIwasn’t sureBrimstone’snerves could take being around a dog right now.

“Ahundred percent sure,”Iassured him. “Drinkit and it should work right away.”

“Hmph.”Heunstopped the vial and chugged down the contents, somehow managing to keep eye contact with me the whole time.Theman had intimidation down to an art.

Oncehe was done, he tossed the vial back to me, then lifted a hand.Afamiliar reddish glow formed on his skin, followed by a small lick of flame.

“Good,” he said, returning his messy hair into his usual comb back with a single swipe of his hand.Acouple of tugs at his waistcoat later, and he wasBrimstoneandDestructionagain, feared fire mage for hire and former boy-band teen heartthrob. “Thankyou,” he added curtly.

Withthat, he spun on his slippers and made his way toward the elevator.

“You’rewelcome,”Icalled after him. “Rememberyour shift thisFriday!”

Hewaved regally and disappeared into the elevator.

Iwent outside, andFluffystrained at her leash to get to me.Ireached down to pet her. “Yes,Imissed you too this whole minute we were apart,Fluffybutt.”

Shelicked my hand, then went back to stand byIan.

“Everythinggood?” he asked.

“Firepowers back; the balance of illegal fire starting inOlmedahas been restored.”

Helaughed. “Goodto know.”

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