Page 8 of Relic
EIGHT
Once Emery is settled, I pull my phone from my suit pocket, dialing Mattheus.
“It’s still morning, my dear friend,” he answers, the sound of sleep still heavy in his voice.
“I’m aware, but I wouldn’t interrupt your beauty sleep without good cause. I need a favor.”
“I am at your service.”
“There’s a man called Linx. I am positive that’s not his given name.”
“Okay.”
“Start your search in Atlanta. Find him and deal with him.”
“For?”
“Harming Emery.”
“Emery?” His voice is more alert now. “Don’t you think you should get the other side of the story? You don’t know this boy.”
“Mattheus, I claimed him last night. His thoughts are a flashing billboard for me. He speaks the truth. This man is a criminal. He needs to be dealt with.”
“And you don’t want to do it? Is there no satisfaction in that?”
His question gives me pause. “Hmm. Yes, that does sound nice. Good point. Bring him to me. Don’t mention Emery’s name. Linx will never lay eyes on him again.”
“Understood. I’ll get right on it.”
“Oh, and bring any artwork you find.”
Mattheus arches an eyebrow but nods. “Art collecting now?”
“Something like that.” I smirk. “Thank you.”
“Of course. You claimed the boy, you say?”
“I did. I sensed him last night and couldn’t stay away. I had to make him mine.”
“And? Is he as sweet as you imagined?”
“He is… heady. Like a drug. I’m instantly addicted.” Closing my eyes, I inhale. “Even now, his scent taunts me.”
“Is he near?”
“In the back room.”
“Is he aware of what you did?”
“No. He’s too afraid right now. He doesn’t even believe in our existence.”
Mattheus chuckles. “The na?ve ones are always so fun.”
“I agree. He’ll get quite the education in the Quarter. I’m on my way to visit Ares the psychic now. He warned Emery of someone whose name starts with an O.”
“Orson?”
“I’m afraid so, but I need details. The psychic is apparently skilled.”
“Let me know how I may be useful.”
“I will. Thank you, friend.”
“My pleasure. I’ll report back when I find Linx.”
After ending the call and glancing back to make sure the store is still secure, I dissipate in a cloud of smoke, reappearing in front of the shop I need. I learned long ago that any tourists awake at this hour who might witness me appear and disappear will write it off as a hangover or the remnants of last night’s festivities. Any locals are well aware of what I am.
The store isn’t open, but the door is unlocked so I slip inside, lingering in the silence. “Hello?”
A man peeks up from behind a bookshelf. “Oh. Hello. What can I help you with, Mr. Bouchard?”
“Are you Ares?”
He noticeably pales. “Yes.” Standing completely, he steps forward. He’s wearing a colorful caftan of some sort, his hair piled on his head in a messy display. “Are you looking for me?”
“I am. You spoke to Emery yesterday.”
“I did. Yes.”
“I need more details. This person whose name starts with O. What more do you know about him?”
“My vision was murky when Emery was here. We can sit and I can try to see more.”
“Can you read the supernatural?”
“Never tried before.”
“Very well. Let’s try together.”
I sit in his chair, rolling my sleeves up slightly. Ares picks up a bundle of sage, lighting it and swirling the smoke around us. I narrow my eyes.
“Should you try to rid yourself of negative energy in my presence?”
Ares chuckles. “Apparently you don’t meet the criteria since you’re still here.”
I smile at that. “What is the purpose of this ritual?”
“To rid the space of any unnecessary or unhelpful energy.” He sits across from me, closing his eyes as he reaches for my hands.
When we touch, his body jolts and his eyes shoot open. “Oh. Yes, I can read a vampire.”
“Why the reaction?”
“It’s like your entire history is flooding my mind. It may take me a moment to sort through it.”
“I see. Take your time.”
Ares rocks back and forth as he holds my hands, his eyes fluttering madly behind his eyelids. After a few minutes, he exhales slowly, a sheen of sweat beading his brow.
“Whew. You have an immense amount of responsibility on you right now.”
I nod.
“It’s nebulous and dangerous, but you’re the man for the task. Everyone is counting on you.”
I nod again.
“There’s a threat.” He closes his eyes again for a moment. “He wants to cause you harm.”
“Orson?”
Ares nods, his eyes going wide. “Yes. That is his name. I feel it.”
“Why does he want to harm me?”
Ares’s eyes flutter again. “He wants what you have.”
“So this is about power again. Perfect.”
“Emery is in danger. Orson knows of him. Once he knows Emery is important to you, he will stop at nothing to take him for himself or…” Ares swallows hard as his brow furrows. “Or kill him if he can’t.”
The bond created last night tugs at my chest. “He won’t be successful. New Orleans and Emery are mine. I will destroy him.”
“Not without much trouble,” Ares says. “He’s more powerful now.” The words flow from his lips as if he’s not in charge of them. “He’s prepared to fight you as long as it takes.”
“I am equally prepared.” I lean forward. “Why do the IDVs seek Emery?”
His face goes blank as his eyes roll back. A moment later, he blinks. “Nothing. I don’t know the answer. I couldn’t find it with Emery either. There’s a dark veil hanging over his head. Something put it there. Perhaps he’s been cursed somehow.”
Linx. “Perhaps. Do you have anything else to tell me?”
He shakes his head. “Not unless you have all day to speak to the thousands of spirits trying to get your attention.”
“I do not.” I bow my head slightly. “Thank you for your time and assistance. May I call on you again?”
“I’ll help in any way I can.”
“Perfect.” I pull a hundred-dollar bill from my pocket and place it on the table.
“No. That’s too much, Mr. Bouchard.”
“Horatio, and it’s not nearly enough.”
I leave the shop, choosing to go back to Relic. I scan my surroundings, looking for trouble, but seeing none. It’s still fairly quiet with vendors dropping off deliveries and only a few tourists strolling Bourbon street.
I have a feeling I shouldn’t get used to the quiet for much longer. Orson is gearing up for a war, and this time, I’m ready.