Page 30 of Enchanted Hero (The Secret Enchanters #1)

T hey knew about last night.

Alexander hoped they wouldn’t discover how close Waterstone had been to the fire, how close he’d been, but he couldn’t undo the dozens of videos or hundreds of people who had seen his massive vessel.

Once again, Andrews and Garrison caught him at the scene of something inexplicable.

Did they suspect he was also inexplicable?

Avoidance would only fuel their suspicions, especially with Everleigh now looking at him with suspicion. Not even magic could fix this. “Stay in the car,” he commanded.

“Not a chance.” She followed him out.

“Good morning, gentlemen.” He opened his arms wide.

“I’m surprised to see you again. I thought we concluded our discussion yesterday.

” Not quite true. He’d known they would return, yet he’d hoped it wouldn’t be so soon.

They would continue until he somehow convinced them he was an ordinary man or they uncovered the truth.

Every visit made the latter more likely.

“That was before you witnessed yet another unexplained happening.” Andrews’ gaze pierced him, challenging every excuse and misdirection. It was a statement, a question, an accusation .

Alexander could deny it, but easily disproved lies would only draw more suspicion. “If you mean the boat fire, then you’re right. I was on the Intracoastel at the same time, along with hundreds of passengers on other boats.”

“But only you were next to the stricken ship.” Dr. Garrison moved closer, peering at him like he was a frog he was interested in dissecting. “What do you know about the rescue last night?”

Every last detail. Only sharing that would invite thousands of federal agents, scientists and news stations, as well as a nice constrained space with glass walls and a dozen layers of security.

“Only what I heard on the news,” he responded lightly.

“There was a fire. A good Samaritan swam to the boat, saved the family and then jumped back in the water. He was camera shy and either made it to shore or got on a boat. It was heroic but not extraordinary.”

“Except there’s no video of anyone swimming to the disabled ship, either from the shore or another boat.” Andrews whipped out. “The family swears they were alone. Then he disappeared.”

“Disappeared?” Alexander forced a smile. “Just because your cameras didn’t catch him leaving doesn’t mean he disappeared.”

“There were three news choppers and four police helicopters, not to mention dozens of police boats, fire-fighting vehicles and witnesses.” Andrews ticked off on his hands. “Security cameras captured every minute. One moment he was there, and the next moment–” He opened his closed fists. “Poof.”

“They had divers in the water within seconds,” Dr. Garrison provided more indisputable evidence. “So they’re certain he didn’t drown. Also, the sonar system mysteriously jammed when he jumped in. It started working a few minutes later, but by then he was gone. Disappeared… as if by magic.”

Not as if by magic, but actual magic. This was bad, especially when multiple cameras had captured video that was likely still being analyzed.

It would take a single shot to give undeniable proof of enchantment.

“Dr. Garrison, you’re a scientist. Did you actually just suggest magic?

” As the scientist continued his hard glare, Alexander deepened his voice.

“I’m sure there’s an explanation that’s far more logical than magic.

Whatever it is, it has nothing to do with me. ”

“You were at all the events. In all the inconsistencies, you’re the only constant.” Dr. Garrison stepped forward, eliciting the urge to retreat. The man threatened more danger than his people had ever endured. “We just want to know if you have any information.”

Not that he could ever share. “As I said yesterday, I didn’t even see the tornado. There were thousands of people at my home, and most of them were closer than me. As for the fire, again, I wasn’t alone. There were numerous boats and people on the shore. I don’t see why you think I’m involved.”

“What about the mall fire last year?”

A slice of apprehension seared his spine. They’d done their research.

“You mean the Lake View Mall fire?” Everleigh asked.

“Mr. Stone was at that incident, too.”

“As were hundreds of other people.” Of course, none of those hundreds had saved a group of teenagers who’d gotten trapped in one of the stores.

He’d been discreet, destroying the video evidence, yet people had noticed him at the scene.

They’d attributed the save to a good Samaritan.

“Let’s get this all out in the open. What exactly are you accusing me of?

The mall fire was caused by a defective oven in the food court, which was well-documented.

The incident on the boat stemmed from a clear mechanical problem.

I’m assuming you don’t believe I caused the tornado. So what exactly do you think I did?”

“We don’t think you caused them.” Agent Andrews’ stance was no less accusatory for the admission. “They all had obvious origins.”

“I suppose I should be grateful you don’t think I’m some sort of criminal mastermind with a proclivity for arson.”

“No,” Dr. Garrison replied genuinely. “We know you’re one of the good guys. Believe me, the response would be very different otherwise.” He looked at Alexander steadily. “We think you’re the hero.”

Everleigh gasped.

This. Was. Bad. “I’m sorry, gentlemen, but you’re chasing the wrong lead. If I were some sort of hero, I’d happily take credit. My business would benefit from the publicity.”

“But you’d face questions on how you did it,” Agent Andrews sliced through his excuse, honing in on the dangerous truth. “Those incidents were far from your only coincidences. I found your name in more than half a dozen police reports, most of them involving saves by anonymous good Samaritans.”

He’d been at many more than that. He should have changed those records when he had the chance. Now it was too late. “As a bystander, I assume?”

Andrews nodded.

“So I have an uncanny knack for being near disasters. That doesn’t mean I’m some sort of hero.”

“What about when you flew?”

Alexander stiffened. He’d flown many times, but never in public. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“At the magic show.” Andrews waved with his hand. “I have dozens of witnesses who claimed you actually flew.”

“It was a magic show.” He relaxed, but a second later tension tightened his chest anew. He had used enchantment at the magic show.

“It was part of the act,” Everleigh spoke. “I flew, too.”

“No, you didn’t.” The agent turned to Everleigh, and his eyes lit, as if suddenly realizing the opportunity she presented. “According to Max Stone, Miss Lacey was pulled by invisible wires.”

“So was I.” How much evidence did they have? Did they already have proof, and were just hoping for a confession to add to the file?

“At first.” Agent Andrews gestured to the sky. “But you came down when you were supposed to stay up. You defied physics, somehow controlling the machine.”

Yes, yes and yes. Alexander fought to stay stoic. The men already knew too much, and undoubtedly they were not the only ones. How many people were investigating him? “It was Max’s show. Why don’t you ask him?”

“We did.” Dr. Garrison straightened his glasses. “He said what happened was impossible. I have a feeling you’re responsible for that, too.”

Alexander exhaled slowly. What could he say to counter their beliefs when they were right?

“Max Sage is a dollar store magician who became vengeful when Miss Lacey didn’t fall for his charms. He tried a dirty trick that backfired, and now he’ll say anything to save himself. He’s far from a reliable witness.”

Agent Andrews’ glare only hardened. “Yet combined with everything else, it’s telling.”

“We just want to know who you are,” Dr. Garrison added. “ What you are.”

Time to end this conversation. “I’m just a businessman, an ordinary yet successful man. My fame brings attention, and that’s how I ended up in so many police reports. I have nothing else to say.”

Agent Andrews turned to Everleigh. “Forgive me, Miss Lacey, for not greeting you earlier.”

“That’s okay,” Everleigh said quietly.

Andrews traded glances between Alexander and her. “Were you on the boat with Mr. Stone last night?”

Alexander stood up taller. “Now you’re going to interrogate her?”

“We’re not interrogating anyone.” Dr. Garrison moved even closer. “We’re just looking for answers.”

The type of answers that could shatter his life. Yet they’d caught his scent, like two vultures circling their doomed prey. “Yes, I was.” Everleigh’s voice was loud and clear. “Mr. Stone and I had a business meeting.”

“Were you together the entire time? Did he leave at all?”

Everleigh hesitated. A mere sliver of a moment, it was obvious. “He was with me the entire evening,” she lied.

“Was he?” Agent Andrews didn’t even pretend to believe her. “Perhaps we can talk later.”

“That won’t be possible.” Alexander placed a hand on Everleigh’s back, showing them – and her – she was under his protection. “Miss Lacey is busy with work.”

“I see.” Agent Andrews clearly saw more than he should. “Then we’ll see both of you soon.”

“We’d like to talk more,” Dr. Garrison murmured. “After some research.”

Research into him? Agent Andrews’ scrutiny unnerved him, yet the scientist represented a far greater danger.

The man literally wanted to put him on a lab table and study him.

They reached the car, yet stopped. “I forgot to tell you.” Agent Andrews’ challenging stance was silhouetted against the sleek black vehicle.

“The government has scheduled a press conference this afternoon.”

Danger soared from a whisper to a roar. “Why?”