Page 40 of Pointy Ears and Purple Glitter
Malik straightened. “Where are you?”
“On my way to work. About ten minutes out.” Ian’s breathing was quick, nervous. “Two guys have been trailing me since I left my block. When I take a different route, they follow.”
“Description?” Malik was already moving, grabbing his keys.
“Early twenties. One’s got a shaved head, the other’s got a scar across his cheek. Both wearing dark jackets with some kind of patch I can’t make out.”
“Ian, listen carefully.” Malik put the call on speaker so Tynan could hear. “Keep walking in a public area. Don’t confront them. I’m coming to get you.”
“Okay, but…” Ian’s voice suddenly dropped to a whisper. “One of them just said my name. They know who I am, boss.”
Malik felt cold anger settling in his gut. “Where exactly are you?”
“Corner of Fifth and Elm. By the bakery.”
“Stay there. Go inside if you can. I’ll be there in five minutes.”
Ending the call, Malik turned to Tynan. “I need to go get him.”
“I’m coming with you.” Tynan was already heading for the bedroom to change.
“It could be dangerous.” Even as he said it, Malik knew it was pointless. Tynan wouldn’t stay behind.
“All the more reason for me to come.” Tynan’s voice carried from the other room. “My magic’s working well these days, remember?”
Malik couldn’t argue with that. Within two minutes, they were both dressed and heading for the truck Malik kept in the workshop, Sparky perched on Tynan’s shoulder.
“I’ll fly ahead,” the raven offered. “Scout the situation.”
“Good idea.” Malik started the engine. “But be careful. Don’t let them see you.”
Sparky launched into the air with an indignant ruffle of feathers. “Please. I’m a master of stealth.”
They drove in tense silence, Malik taking corners faster than was strictly safe. His knuckles were white on the steering wheel, his rhino pushing against his control, demanding action. These people had targeted Ian - young, harmless Ian, who had nothing to do with the paranormal world. That crossed a line.
“They’re trying to get to us through him,” Tynan said quietly, voicing Malik’s exact thoughts.
“They picked the wrong person to threaten.” Malik’s voice was a low growl.
As they approached the bakery, Sparky swooped down to land on the truck’s hood, his wings beating rapidly against the windshield.
“The boy went inside,” he reported as Malik rolled down the window. “Two men are waiting across the street. They look impatient.”
Malik parked half a block away. “Stay here,” he told Tynan.
“Not a chance.” Tynan’s green eyes flashed with determination. “We do this together, remember?”
Malik hesitated, then nodded. “Fine. But stay behind me.”
They approached the bakery cautiously. Through the large front window, Malik could see Ian sitting at a table near the back, nervously checking his phone. Across the street, just as Sparky had described, two men in dark jackets loitered near a bus stop, occasionally glancing toward the bakery.
“I’ll go get Ian,” Malik said. “You keep an eye on those two.”
“I’ve got a better idea.” Tynan’s fingers twitched at his side, purple sparkles barely visible in the morning light. “Go inside. I’ll create a distraction.”
Before Malik could protest, Tynan had slipped away, moving toward a small alley beside the bakery. Sparky followed, muttering something about “impulsive fae” under his breath.
Malik entered the bakery, the bell above the door announcing his arrival. Ian’s head snapped up, relief washing over his face when he spotted Malik.
