Page 49 of Enchanted Hero (The Secret Enchanters #1)
A shiver stole her breath, even as she jerked a curt nod.
Playing specimen to James Blackburn painted a frightening image, yet she couldn't turn her back on her people, the approximately thousand men, women and children who deserved peaceful and private lives.
Pushing away disturbing thoughts that involved a formidable scientist and a glass cage, she focused her power on the clothing she required, calling the pink mist that accompanied her enchantments.
In moments, a deep burgundy luggage set appeared in overstuffed glory, filled to the brink with business suits, casual outfits and lab wear.
"Perfect." Alexander floated the valise to land next to her.
"I've made arrangements for you to work with Dr. Blackburn as a visiting professor.
You're already registered at the on-campus hotel, and there’s a meal plan at the campus eatery.
Meet with Dr. Blackburn and divert him from Oliver's trail.
Find a scientific way to explain what happened before he discovers the truth that could destroy us all. "
"No problem." Kyla licked desert-dry lips. "I'll just explain that Oliver and I are from an ancient race that is probably not of this earth, although we're not really sure, and we have powers beyond his wildest dreams, but as a biologist I really think there's a scientific meaning deep down."
"You may want to workshop that." Alexander smiled and leaned down to embrace her. He straightened, and his expression turned serious. "Do not let the good professor see your powers. If he uncovers the truth, return here immediately. I will deal with it."
"Okay." Kyla clutched the luggage so tight her palms hurt. She loosened her grip, flexed taut muscles.
"One more thing." Alexander slanted his eyes away. "There are rumors that Donovan is up to something. It shouldn't affect you, but keep watch."
Kyla gritted her teeth at the complication they didn’t need. While most enchanters were grateful for their gifts, Donovan crafted plan after plan to gain more power. It was a dangerous game on any day, a million times more with the world – and James Blackburn – watching. "I'll be careful."
There was nothing left to say. With a graceful wave of her hand, Kyla called her magic…
And the world disappeared.
"Show those last frames again, this time slower.
" James leaned forward in the hard-backed oak chair, tapping one of approximately a hundred screens in the campus security office.
He stayed stalwart and still, even though the room was a few degrees below frigid, the air tinged of static and technology.
State of the art surveillance equipment lit the darkened room, controlled by no fewer than a dozen security guards, a sharp increase since the incident .
The computers buzzed and beeped an electronic symphony, with miniscule blinking lights dancing in matching rhythm.
The cameras they controlled covered nearly every inch of the spacious Florida campus.
James scrutinized every detail as the security officer replayed the video, focusing on the shadowy figures that disappeared into thin air.
Only of course, they didn’t actually disappear.
A trick of the light or a fail of the camera, somehow they appeared to be made of matter one moment, and nothingness the next. Yet they must have gone somewhere.
He released hands balled into tight fists.
He would approach the problem scientifically, like every mystery in a life spent exploring them.
What did he know? The figures were undoubtedly two people, likely students from the unstructured bags slung on their backs.
Although flying objects obscured their features, he could view enough to know he didn't recognize them.
If he saw them again in real life, however, he may be able to identify them. He would find them.
"Any progress?"
James bit back a grimace as a tall, well-built man with a meticulous black beard and a smirk strode into the room, ignoring the security guards’ greetings and waving away the harried interns trailing him.
James did not have time for complications, and this man was nothing but.
While he performed science in the pursuit of knowledge and practical application, eschewing the rampant popularity his achievements brought, Dr. Sutter was ever-poised to jump in front of a camera and laud his own accomplishments.
There had even been rumors he’d “borrowed” colleagues' research.
"We’re still analyzing the video." James gave a succinct nod.
"Obviously, some sort of wind machine is responsible.
My motive has more to do with bringing the masterminds to justice than uncovering some mysterious secret.
" That wasn’t entirely true. A device must be responsible – what else could it be – yet who could have built such a strong machine, then smuggled it in and out of the building without detection?
Their sudden disappearance added to the mystery.
He would find the people responsible, then uncover every last secret.
Once he understood, they would answer for their misdeeds.
Dr. Sutter loomed over James' shoulder, examining the screen. "How interesting," he enunciated slowly. "Can you play…"
"That's enough," James commanded the security officer. The screen promptly turned off. As head of the department, James had the privilege and authority to view the footage as part of his investigation, and the responsibility to prevent others from using it for ulterior motives. He stood, matching and exceeding Dr. Sutter’s height. "I’m afraid the investigation will have to wait. I have work to do.”
"Of course," Dr. Sutter replied smoothly.
"Maybe another time." Yet his distant smile betrayed icy annoyance, even as he left without argument.
James would warn security to keep him away.
He didn't need him sabotaging the investigation or leaking information to the rabid press surrounding the university.
"Will that be all, sir?" the gruff-faced but stalwart security guard asked.
"Yes… no." James pursed his lips. He had seen the video from inside the laboratory, but the students may have passed another camera on their getaway dash. Perhaps he could obtain a more definitive image. "Show me footage of the surrounding areas."
With deliberate steps, Kyla threaded the maze of hallways in the University of Orlando's expansive administration building. She wore a chic mauve pants suit and black low heel pumps, a no-nonsense outfit that did nothing to assuage the urge to fly away – literally. The major university wasn’t the source of her anxiety.
At twenty-eight, she had been a professor for the last five years at a similar school, first as an assistant teacher while she finished her graduate degree and then as a full professor for the last couple of years.
She taught biology to undergraduate students and performed research both at the university and at home. She loved her job.
She didn't love the mission that could expose her secrets to a heralded scientist and the world .
Where was Oliver? Although she could see through walls ? literally ? she had still not managed to find her wayward brethren. She reached out psychically to him, but he had taken the metaphorical phone off the hook. Which meant it was time for the inevitable encounter with Dr. Blackburn.
She hadn't quite decided what to say to the world-famous scientist. Failed options included:
Please ignore the minor and altogether insignificant break in reality and carry on.
An indoor tornado is no biggie if you think about it. Happens all the time.
Yes, enchanters are real, but can you do me a favor and pretend it never happened? Thanks and have a nice day!
Roses are red, violets are blue, pretend there was no tornado, wouldn’t you?
Tracking Dr. Blackburn proved substantially easier than her enchanted comrade, yet his location left her colder than an arctic winter.
He prowled the campus security office, where for the last hour, he studied video that could destroy life as she knew it.
She slowed her steps as she reached her destination.
This was it. Every sense, enchanted and otherwise, demanded she turn around, even as she forced one foot in front of the next.
She stopped in front of the door, lifted only a slightly shaky hand. Knocked a single time.
It immediately opened, revealing a burly guard in a crisp security officer's uniform. "Yes, ma'am?"
"I'm here to see Dr. Blackburn.” She used her best no-nonsense voice, yet she couldn’t eliminate the slightest waver.
She breathed deeply, lifted her chin. "My name is Kyla Conley.
Dr. Conley," she elaborated. "I just arrived from the University of Ft.
Lauderdale to work with Dr. Blackburn on biological research.
I tried his office, but his secretary said he was here. I have an appointment."
The security guard raised an eyebrow, and Kyla stiffened. The highly sought after Dr. Blackburn didn't grant private audiences. Would she lose her battle before it began? Yet something must have rang true, as he widened the door just enough for her to enter.
Kyla entered a spacious room with dimmed lights that enhanced the vast array of screens. She swept her gaze across the room. Then… she halted. Sucked in a breath. And stared at the man who sought every secret she dared hide.