Page 79 of The Tribes of Magic
“I’ve built a lot of fences, Savannah. I’ve seen a lot of other people make fences too. But I’ve never seen anyone make a fence by humming. I was curious.”
“So curious that you came out of hiding just to talk to me? How did you know I wasn’t one of the bad guys?”
“Oh, I know all about you, Savannah Winters. I’ve heard the stories people tell about you. I’ve seen the reports on the news. I knew you wouldn’t hurt me. I know you’re honorable and good and all those things Knights are supposed to be. That’s why I came out of hiding. Yes, I wanted to talk to you about magic,but most of all, I knew you would protect me from the people hunting me.”
“I tried to, but really, you’re safe because of Kato.”
“The White Knight.” Brett watched Kato put away his phone and walk toward us.
Kato flipped down his visor so his face was completely obscured.
“We should head back into town so we can get Brett something to eat,” I said. “I bet he hasn’t had a decent meal in days.”
One of the Watchers’ big, black SUVs rolled up on the gravel trail and came to a stop. The doors opened. Three men in black body armor stepped out. The fourth person was a woman, and I knew her face.
“You’re the woman from the kitchen.”
She looked so different in a black pants suit and heels rather than the loose dress and flour-dusted apron I’d seen her in before. Her hair was darker and smoother, and she wore it down. The tips just touched her shoulders. She was wearing makeup too. Between the hair, the clothes, and the makeup, she looked at least ten years younger.
“That’s the woman who pretended to be your grandma,” I told Brett.
“She looks scary.”
The woman moved toward us at a brisk pace, unhindered by the gravel and grass and debris, despite her stylish high heels. “I’m Agent Mackenzie. I work for Gaian Intelligence.”
She showed us a smile. It was the same smile she’d given me the day I’d met her in the kitchen—just a little sharper. Her eyes were bright and intelligent, but there was a hint of the kind grandma persona she’d put on for my benefit. Maybe it hadn’t all been an act.
Agent Mackenzie turned to Kato. “The General called me. He said you’ve found the witness. I’m here to collect him.” She snapped her fingers, and a Watcher moved to either side of Brett. They escorted him to one of the SUVs.
“What are you going to do with him?” I asked.
“Don’t fret, Savannah Winters. He will not be harmed. In fact, we’re going to take very good care of him. He’s our star witness.”
“In the case of the mysteriously-appearing Government supplies.”
“My, my, you have been a busy little bee, haven’t you?”
I folded my arms over my chest and met her eyes. “Yes, I have been busy. Because you sent me to find him.”
“You have a knack for solving mysteries. I had a mystery in need of solving. Crates of Government supplies were mysteriously popping up, and no one could explain where they’d come from or who had sent them. I tracked the supplies down to the Park. When Mr. Ashbridge went missing, I believed he was involved in the deliveries. The truth turned out to be a tad more complicated.”
“The truth usually is.”
Another black SUV had just arrived. Watchers hopped out and headed straight for the mercenaries, who were still trapped under the glowing net.
“It’s magic,” one of the Watchers said.
“You don’t say.” Agent Mackenzie gave the Watchers a wry smile, then her gaze slid back to me. “That is your spell, I presume?”
“Yes.”
“Can you unravel it so my men can secure the prisoners?”
“I’m not actually sure I can,” I said honestly.
“I’ll do it.” Kato joined the Watchers by the sizzling net, leaving me alone with Agent Mackenzie and her impressive aura.The woman exuded competence, professionalism, and even a little spunk.
So I had to ask. “Agent Mackenzie?”
