Charmed & Ready

Wednesday, 11 P.M.
Malibu, California
Witches following the whims of a crazy rock star: 1

When Monsieur Zane wants a change of venue, he means it. After the mini-battle on Melrose we went back to the house in Beverly Hills. We walked in and Zane announced, “We’re moving, my loves. I can’t stand this place a moment longer. We need the beach and a clean ocean breeze.”

I didn’t have the heart to mention that there wasn’t any clean air left in the greater Los Angeles area.

He turned to Georgette. “Tell them to get the house ready in Malibu, doll. Make sure we have extra security for the beach.”

She raised a pierced eyebrow, but flipped on her cell phone and went to work. Her clipped British tone barked orders.

In less than an hour we were out the door. It’s amazing what you can do when you have unlimited funds.

So now we are happily ensconced in a beachfront property that must cost at least a zillion dollars. The house is bigger than his castle in England. It sits up in a cliff and there’s a steep path down to a private beach.

It’s much cooler here and feels more like the September weather one would expect in California.

We had dinner out on one of the huge decks. There’s an endless pool on that one that makes it look like you could swim right off the edge and over the cliff. I’m not afraid of heights, but did feel a bit of vertigo when I reached the edge.

Cole showed up midway through dinner and Zane invited him to join us. Here’s the thing about Cole. I like him, but I always feel like he’s looking beyond. He’s listening to what you say, but at the same time he’s getting more out of it than you might mean.

That cop instinct is so strong in him. I watched as he talked with Zane tonight. Interesting.

We were at a large Moroccan-tiled table loaded down with everything from crab to lobster and shrimp. Absolutely one of my favorite meals since I’ve been here.

“So how does one become one of the leading officers of the International Magical Inspectors?” Zane’s question surprised me because I was equally curious about the answer.

Simone sat on Cole’s left, but she didn’t seem very interested. She kept looking out at the horizon, as if she was waiting for something.

Cole leaned forward, elbows on the table. His expression turned serious. “Well, let’s see. My mother was a witch, my father a warlock. He worked as an inspector, as did my grandfather.”

“Oh, I had a choice. In fact I was in college studying biophysics and had planned to work in the sciences.”

Simone turned back and stared at him. She is a biophysicist and also has a Ph.D. in statistics. Of course, she prefers slaying demons for a living, but her education gives her a one-up like nobody’s business.

Cole, who was dressed casual in jeans and light green shirt, continued. “I knew so much about magic, but I wanted to learn why we, being magical folks, are different from ordinary humans. I had my future all planned out.”

He frowned. “Making a long story short, I got a call that my father had been killed in the line of duty. I applied for my inspector’s license that day. Went home for the funeral and then began my criminology studies. Been in the field almost ten years now.”

“You mean the warlocks?” I scooted my chair so I could see him better in the waning light.

“The whole thing. It’s all connected. The warlocks in New York, London, here. And the demon. Even Simone’s nest. They’re related.”

Simone held up a hand. “That wasn’t mine, I destroyed it, but those evil bastards had nothing to do with me.”

He touched her shoulder and she stared at him. An evil Simone stare. She’s not usually like that with men. Honestly, Simone will jump in bed with anything male. Well, human male, no demons. She’s a huge flirt and men fall over themselves to touch her.

I’d never seen a man as disinterested in her as Cole, and she detested him too, I could tell. But why? They’d met months ago when Blackstock attacked, but I’d never heard her say anything about him.

He shifted his attention back to me. “The warlocks and wannabes are a part of a cult. They’re all over the world. They worship the demon Blaseus. Not a lot is known about him, except that he has great power and uses his minions to do his bidding, while he plays it safe in hell.

“We’ve got some dimension jumpers doing research, but so far we haven’t had a lot of luck.”

I bit my lip. Didn’t want to bring it up in front of everyone but I wanted to know if he knew why the warlocks and demons had been after both Zane and me.

“So, why would they come after one of the world’s leading rock stars? Usually Blaseus types don’t call attention to themselves until they’re ready to take over the world.” I played with the crystal salt and pepper shakers. The atmosphere at the beach house was casual, but the table setting was something you’d see at the Ritz. A low flower arrangement sat in the middle surrounded by crystal and pale vanilla china.

“That’s what’s strange—” Cole stopped when Simone suddenly turned in her chair.

Her eyes cut to him. “It isn’t Blaseus; someone’s using him.” She frowned. “I’d put money on it. Think about it. That strong of a demon is too smart to pull these stupid stunts against a witch like Bronwyn. And he wouldn’t advertise his demon minions. So he’s made a deal with someone.”

Simone turned away again to stare at the water. The waves were huge as they crashed against the rocks and the sound was louder than it had been when we came out. “I don’t have a clue,” she whispered.

Zane had been quiet through all this. “Do you know why they’re after me?” He had no expression on his face. He wanted an answer so bad I could feel it, but he wouldn’t let Cole know that.

Cole sighed. “I’m sorry, no. Until we find out what’s behind all of this, it’s impossible to know. But I do know that you aren’t the only one singled out.”

He faced me and I knew what he meant. He’d known the same as Simone and me that I’d become a target at some point. That didn’t narrow the field of bad guys. Just about anyone on the side of evil wanted me dead. If they didn’t, I hadn’t met them yet.

“Well, Cole, you’re a cheery one.” Zane laughed. “I don’t know about you, but I could use a cup of tea. Too much doom and gloom. Why don’t we move our little gathering inside?”

“I should be going.” Cole stood. “I’ve got to look over the evidence from this afternoon.”

Cole smiled. “There usually isn’t after Bronwyn gets done with them, but there’s enough for us to start tracing.”

“Bron.” Simone grabbed her bags from our shopping excursion. “I’m heading out. I want to run by the lab. You can catch me on the cell if you need me.” She paused mid-step and looked out the windows. The view of the ocean was visible from the entire back of the house.

“Not telling you how to do your job, but put some more wards on the back of the house. Something’s out there. I can feel it, but it isn’t ready to attack yet.”

I never like to delve into Simone’s life too far. She doesn’t like it, but I had to know. “Wait, what’s your deal with Cole?”

“No, idiot, it makes me feel like I owe him something. And I don’t like debts of any kind with men.”

I’d sensed the same thing she did about the evil, but in a different way. I didn’t think it was actually out in the ocean. It was just out there, in the universe somewhere.

After Cole left, I wanted to console Zane, but I didn’t know how. He was much more upset than he let on outside. I knew exactly how he felt. When Blackstock had come after me, I didn’t even know the warlock had existed. I always have hits on me, but usually it’s because I’ve killed someone they love, or I’ve thrown a wrench in their dastardly plans to take over the world.

I found Zane in the kitchen. He leaned back against the counter and shook his head. “I don’t get it. I always thought the world of magic sounded so exotic. I was jealous that my family seemed sadly lacking. Now I wish I could get as far away from it as possible.”

I laughed, but it wasn’t a happy sound. “There are times when I wish I could escape it too.” I touched his hand and he grabbed hold of mine.

I had a sudden inspiration. “Here, hold on tight, I know something that will make you smile.” I zoned in on little Zoë. Said a small chant and opened my eyes.

He must have seen Zoë. “Oh, it’s my girl. Look at her, sleeping so peacefully.”

“Yes, she’s well protected.” I moved to the back of the house. “Come on, you can watch me put out the wards. If you’re really nice, I’ll make you a new amulet for protection. A gorgeous one that matches Zoë’s. That way, if either one of you finds yourself in danger your amulets will both glow.”

He shook his head and laughed. “I’m glad I have you as my guardian witch, luv.”

I threw my hands up and created a small ball of fire in the center of the room. Began the chant to place the wards.

Door to door
Window to window
With this flame I protect all within
Evil shall not pass these borders.
As I will, so mote it be.

I want to call Sam so bad right now. I woke up in the middle of a dream about him. It wasn’t one of those where we shared the excitement.

The dream was about his hands. How he plays my body with perfection every time he touches me. Could feel his hand sliding up my thigh, teasing between my legs and then plunging inside me. Then his lips on me.

I’m going to call him in the morning. I don’t care how mad he is at me. I will work this out.

Simone just called. Evidently she’d been on patrol last night. She sounded exhausted. I asked her if she’d been after something specific.

“No, not really. Had an idea about something, but it didn’t go the way I expected.” She yawned.

Of course I yawned right after she did. They are contagious, especially when you’ve had only three hours of sleep.

“I called to let you know that we have appointments with Sir David at two. We’re doing the works this afternoon. I’ll pick you up around one. The traffic can be shit coming in from Malibu.”

“I’m not asking you to. He’s the reason David’s forgiven me so quickly for missing our last appointment. He can’t wait to get his hands on Zane’s hair.”

“Bronwyn, sometimes you are so naive. Do you think blond hair looks like that naturally? This should be a hoot. I can’t wait to see what he does for you. Don’t forget to be ready at one.”

She hung up. I decided to get a couple of hours of sleep. I thought about maybe doing it out by the pool, but it would take too much effort to move.

I’ll just snuggle down here, and dream about the beautiful new ’do Sir David will bestow upon me.