Page 68

“That’s an amazing offer,” Lucy said. “I appreciate it. I’m satisfied with my business at the moment, but if I change my mind, I’ll be sure to get in touch.”

Jocelyn’s expression tightened. “Everyone knows most miners and prospectors and ghost hunters won’t work with a channeler who is rumored to have para-psych issues and possible drug problems. As a Weather Wizard you’ll be able to rebrand yourself. You’ll no longer be seen as a high-risk independent operator. You’ll be viewed as a professional, a member of a high-profile corporate team.”

Something in the tone of her voice got Otis’s attention. He stopped focusing on the pizza box and looked at Jocelyn. He did not go into full hunting mode, but he gave a warning growl.

Jocelyn yelped and took several steps back. “Control that creature.”

Lucy fought the wave of anger that cascaded through her. She realized Jared had gone very still. He watched Brock.

Tension shivered in the atmosphere.

“It’s okay, guys,” Lucy said quietly. “We’re finished here. Let’s go have lunch.”

She turned and walked swiftly toward the rear door of the gift shop. Otis lost interest in the Roxbys and returned his full attention to the pizza box. Jared, however, kept an eye on Brock and Jocelyn until they roared out of the parking lot.

He fell into step beside her. “How well do you know the Roxbys?” he asked.

“On a professional level, I’ve been acquainted with them ever since they set up in business here in Illusion Town. They were independents back in those days. Worked together as a team. That changed when Coppersmith opened up the Ghost City. That was when the Roxbys got the idea to form an agency that supplied weather channelers. They hired most of the local talent. Now they dominate the market. It was a brilliant move, to be honest. Wish I’d thought of it first.”

They reached the rear door of the gift shop. Lucy opened it. Jared carried the pizza on through and set it on the table. She took some paper plates and napkins out of a cupboard. When she opened the lid, the unmistakable aroma of hot pizza wafted through the room.

“Cheese and olive,” she said. “How exciting, right, Otis?”

Otis hopped down off her shoulder and landed adroitly next to the open box. He made happy noises.

Jared looked amused. “Looks good to me, too. But you don’t sound too thrilled, Ms. Bell. Don’t you like cheese-and-olive pizza?”

“Don’t get me wrong,” Lucy said. “Cheese-and-olive pizza will always have a special place in my heart.” She removed a slice, positioned it on a paper plate, and gave it to Otis. “But I have come to the conclusion that, when it comes to pizza, too much of a good thing may be too much of a good thing.”

Otis seized the paper plate with two of his paws and bustled down to the far end of the table.

“Not for Otis, apparently,” Jared said. “Why order cheese and olive if you have had enough of it?”

“I do it for Otis. Pizza is the only paycheck he gets. He does a lot of work on the tours. I figure he deserves his favorite treat for lunch. It’s the least I can do. But given my budget, it means that I end up eating it, too.”

She removed another slice of pizza, put it on a plate, and gave it to Jared.

“Thanks.” Jared grinned. “Cheese and olive is fine with me.”

Lucy served herself and sat down across from Jared. She took a bite and munched while she considered the mini-confrontation in the parking lot.

“Why did you ask how long I’ve known the Roxbys?” she said.

He shrugged, but his eyes sharpened. There was a new intensity about him that reminded her a little of Gabriel. Another man on a mission.

“It’s pretty clear they’re not thrilled that you won’t join their crew,” he said.

“Obviously they want to add me to their team because they think I’ve got an inside track to future Guild work.”

Jared nodded a little too politely and ate some pizza.

Lucy groaned. “Okay, you don’t have to say it. I know everyone thinks Gabriel and I have a personal relationship.”

Which was, she reflected, nothing less than the truth. It was a startling thought. She never slept with clients. Oh. Wait.

“The boss’s personal life is none of my business, but it’s obvious the Roxbys think you could be very useful to them,” Jared said. “If you’re on their team, the Guild will be hiring a Weather Wizard channeler and, therefore, will be likely to hire more Wizards when security work ramps up. That will be happening soon.”

“It’s certainly one logical explanation for the Roxbys’ sudden interest in recruiting me. But you’re wondering if there might be another reason, aren’t you?”