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Downstairs, Dylan headed to the library and I jogged across the foyer to my bedroom. It dawned on me that I might lose a few pounds living in this house simply because all the rooms were so far apart.

Henry and crew were in my sitting room hanging the three layers of sheers I’d requested this morning.

I grabbed up the computer and stuck my head into the room. “The curtains are perfect, Henry. Do ya have a moment to help me with something?”

“Isn’t the far darrig going to do your research?”

I shook my finger at him when Henry grinned. “Goddess, I can’t wait for ya to get me a teacher. Normally, I’d ask Conn to help me, but he and Mulan are off exploring a cave. What I need yer help with is disassembling my scrying necklace.”

“Why is Connlander and the Wu Shaman out on a date while you and the far darrig are stuck working?”

I chuckled at his assumption. “No, it’s nothing like that. The love birds visit art shows and go out to fancy dinners on their dates. Today, they’re looking for a giant snake egg that I think is about to hatch. I had a vision and they’re checking it out.”

Henry blinked in shock. I think I stunned him with the strangeness of my explanation and what I had Conn doing.

“Anyway, Henry,” I said with a smile. “I need your help taking my scrying necklace apart so I can see if there’s an elvish symbol on the back of the stone. I think one of the covens in Salem is under its spell.”

That last part seemed to snap Henry out of his shock and back into his more normal disgruntled mode. He looked at me and nodded. “I’ll find some tools and meet you in the library.”

I smiled in relief. “Thank you, Henry.”

When Henry showed up with tools, a demoness trailed behind him with a loaded tea tray. “Thanks, Lisa,” he said to her.

“My pleasure, Henry.”

The demoness looked at me and bowed her head slightly. I smiled back at her, but inside I was groaning. Was this my life now? Would I have to be unfailingly polite to every strange demon I encountered?

“There is nothing wrong with being polite,” Henry said, frowning at me.

My eyes narrowed. “I neversaidthere was. I was standing here quietly appreciating that one of yer people brought us tea.”

“That’s a lie,” Henry said.

I smirked at Henry. “Only a white one. Those don’t count.”

“You and my son are just alike. I don’t know why he never tried to woo you.”

“Your son and I are never happening,” I told him, patting his shoulder. “I could never be with a man who turns into a goat just to spite me. Have ya ever cleaned up goat poop, Henry? Once was quite enough for me. Conn won’t do that to Mulan. She’s not afraid to shake her staff at him.”

“Are you always so giddy when you’re following a lead on one of your cases?”

My forehead wrinkled at the accusation. “I’m not giddy.”

Henry took the necklace dangling from my fingers. “What do you call this elated mood of yours then?”

“Determination?”

“I swear, you’re like him in so many ways.”

“Who? Conn?”

“No. You’re like your infamous ancestor.”

If he meant The Dagda, I was flattered. I watched Henry pry the metal pocket open and remove the stone. He turned it in his fingers, searching for the best angle. He frowned as he traced the symbol with his thumb.

“That’s an elvish symbol, isn’t it?” I asked.

“Yes,” Henry said tightly. “Where did you get it?”