Page 33 of Upside Down Magic

“Let’skeep looking at the cases folder.Maybewe’ll find more records of similar things.”

Ianput the dark coven folder aside and focused on the original cases whileIconcentrated on the magical ailments tomes.Ifound no mentions of magic randomly turning upside down; the closest was notes about people whose power had been temporarily bound, as was often the case when apprehending paranormal criminals.

Iclosed the book. “Nothinguseful.”

“Samehere.”

“MaybeDavecan dig up some information on the coven leader or the witch who got accused of messing with the other person’s magic.”IsentIana sly look. “Theykeep a database of witches, you know.”

Hisexpression gave nothing away. “Smartof them.Usefulfor things like this.”

Igrinned and went to the counter.Ianfollowed.

“Didyou find what you were looking for?”Daveasked, all smiles.

“Wefound some information.DoestheCouncil’switch database reach far back?”

“Ofregistered witches?Yes, although it’s only been partially digitized.Forreally old membersI’dhave to search in the archives.Mighttake a few days to find.”

“Trythese.”Ishowed him my phone. “PhilleasLeemanandAmandaForsythe.”

Daveglanced at the screen, then busied himself at the computer behind the desk.

“How’sthe shop?” he asked as he typed away. “Iheard through the grapevineDoyleis happy with it.”

Thatperked me right up. “Sheis?”

“Yep.Howmuch longer you got on the probational period?Amonth?”

Iscrunched my nose. “Twomonths.”

“Almosthere,” he said kindly.Hisattention flicked back to the monitor. “Ah, here we are.PhilleasLeeman.Diedin 1905.Sayshere his only daughter moved toNewYork.You’llhave to ask theCouncilthere for more information.”

Disappointingat first, but on deeper thought, it would help narrow the list of suspects. “AndForsythe?”

Hebusied himself on the computer again.Aftera couple of minutes, he shook his head. “Sorry, no records on her.Theymust not be digitized yet.I’llget you the paperwork to request them.”

AsIfilled out the form, a new thought came to me. “WhataboutGeorgeEllis?”Ispelled it out for him. “Hewas involved in a case concerningLeeman.Maybethere’s a mention of him somewhere?”

Helooked it up. “Nothing, sorry.”

Ah, well.Thelikelihood of his descendants going on a rampage on modern-day paranormals to avenge his altercation withLeemanwas pretty low, anyway.

Ifinished filling the form and slid it over.Davelooked it over then set it on a metal tray labeled “requests.” “I’llget on these as soon as possible, but it might take a few days.”

“That’sokay.Thankyou.”

Wesaid our goodbyes and went back upstairs to the lobby.Fora moment,Idebated checking in withDoyle, but if she truly was happy with how things were going, why ruin a good run by letting her knowIwas here because things were weird inOlmedaagain?

Wefound a cozy café that also served lunch and settled in with a couple of sandwiches and sides of fries.Asalways,Iangot fussy over the fries, rearranging the side dishes until he had full reach of my portion.Iwatched in amusement, enjoying theeffort he took in setting everything just right to calm his inner wolf.

“Whatdo you think?”Iasked. “Areeither of the two cases related toShaneandBrimstone?”

Iantook a big bite of hisBLTand chewed thoughtfully. “Weshould assume they do.”

“Both?”

“Leemanmight’ve been part of the coven.”

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