Page 118 of Witch Queens: Tales from Oz

“I had Steele locked up,” I muttered, “It didn’t go according to plan.”

Scarecrow had to chime in, “El, I thought you weren’t going to touch the bastard with a ten-foot pole?”

Steele actually had the nerve to look offended.

“I’m not!” I protested, ignoring the fact that they had just caught me plastered all over him. “It’s a miscommunication is all. Let’s go upstairs. I am not talking about it in the dungeon.”

“Smart to get away from the scene of the crime,” Indy teased as we entered the great hall.

“I thought you were going to Mombi?” I knew that I was grouchy, but I hadn’t had sex for a long damn time.

Indy’s demeanor changed.

“What is it?” I demanded.

“She’s not there,” Scarecrow answered, “Not only that, but most of the pride is missing. The few remaining, said that a teenage girl shot everyone with a tranquilizer. When they awakened, Mombi, Dorothy, and Eric were gone. Jake and his best hunters are out searching for them.”

“Why would they take Mombi?” Steele asked.

“They said she was a trustee of Oz,” Indy sighed. “I just don’t know why Dad never told us that. Now Dorothy has our sister, and we are at a dead end. I wish to hell that I knew who the other trustee was. Why did the Wizard have to be a fake?”

“Oh! I know who the wizard is!”

“What?” Indy’s eyes flew to Steele, “Did you know?”

“Actually, it was our baby sister who enlightened me,” I said dryly. “In the worst way possible, I might add.”

“Glinda? She and Gregory were the ones to send us to the Wizard!”

“Funny you should mention him,” I pursed my lips.

“No, fucking way!”

“I guess that was his way to sneak into the city without the fanfare.”

“Why would he want to do that?” Scarecrow asked, but I could see Indy connecting the pieces.

“How long?” she demanded.

“From what I understand, they have been in love for years,” I choked out the words.

“Eww!” Indy’s face made me laugh, “I said the same thing!”

“What in the hell is going on?” Scarecrow demanded. “Why isn’t anyone speaking in full sentences?”

Indy and I looked at each other guiltily.

Steele sighed, “El burst into Glinda’s room at the tavern, only to find she and Gregory in a delicate situation.”

“How delicate?” Indy demanded.

“Buck ass naked,” I promptly replied, “And the room stunk of sex.”

“I might be sick,” Indy did look a little green.

Which was funny, because that’s my favorite color, you would think we could pull off a green face. I guess some things are better left to eyeshadow and nail polish.

“What does this have to do with the Wizard?” Scarecrow looked ready to wring our necks.

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