Luffy fan: I updated the last paragraph of the previous chapter so if you haven't done so already, please check it out. Thanks again for the reviews. You guys rock.

I didn't see anyone in the alley outside the warehouse. I tossed the tranquilizer gun in dumpster and made my way towards the street. It was early and there were just a few people around but their presence should be enough to keep Nick from following me. I kept moving at a fast walk and thought about my current situation.

I had to find a way to talk to Al but my scrying mirror was still in the ever after. What good was a connection to the demon collective if I never had it with me? Of course, there wasn't any reason I couldn't make another scrying mirror. Ceri had helped me create one before.

I took out my cell phone and dialed Trent. He picked up on the first ring. "Hello?" he said in his smooth, silky voice.

"Trent, hey it's Rachel. Is there any chance I can see Ceri today?"

He paused. "What for?"

"It's a long story but I really need her help."

He sighed. "You were supposed to be keeping a low profile. Why do I get the feeling you've completely ignored my advice?"

"Ahhhh, I dunno," I said. Guilt tugged at my insides.

Trent grumbled something I couldn't quite make out. I think I heard the word "disaster".

"Look, are you going to let me see her or not?" I hissed into the phone.

"Fine, but don't make me regret this."

I hung up and hailed a cab. Twenty minutes later I was standing outside the Kalamack residence. The cabbie had looked annoyed with the tip I left him. Hey, just because I asked him to drive me to a mansion didn't mean I was rolling in money.

Trent must have given the guard at the front gate a head's up that I was coming because I was ushered through without any trouble. I made my way up to the front door and was let in by an elderly housekeeper.

Once inside, I looked around Trent's foyer. I had seen it before but the exquisite furnishings and high quality marble still impressed me. I heard footsteps and looked up.

"Ceri!" I exclaimed. She was in the entry way looking like an elegant Madonna in a blue full length dress. My heart beat quickened when I saw that she was holding a small bundle in her arms.

Ceri smiled at me. "Rachel, I don't believe you have had the pleasure of meeting Gwyneth."

Ceri came towards me. I gazed at a beautiful little girl, complete with ten fingers, ten toes, a two cute little pointy ears.

"Ceri, Trent didn't tell me you had delivered!" I looked down at her baby. "She's beautiful," I breathed and Ceri beamed at me.

"She's the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me. I never thought I could be this happy Rachel. My life..." she paused and swallowed hard. "My life is wonderful and I have you to thank for it."

I smiled at her compliment. "I'm glad to see you doing so well," I said.

We ooed and awed over the little bundle a few minutes more and the Ceri put Gwyneth down for a nap. Once we left the nursery I filled her in on my current situation. I kept the details concerning Al vague but by the time I was done with my story, Ceri had a knew that I was once again neck deep in trouble and that I needed a scrying mirror to help get me back to the ever after.

"So, will you help me create a new scrying mirror?" I asked.

Ceri looked down at her hands and straightened her dress around her knees. She didn't say anything and I was about to ask again when she stood up. She left the room and returned a minute later carrying a scrying mirror.

"Ceri!" I exclaimed. "Don't tell me you have your own scrying mirror. Who are you talking to, Al?"

Ceri's brow furrowed and she glared at me. "I made this before I was pregnant. I mixed a few simple spells for him in exchange for the smut on my soul. I haven't contacted him in months." Ceri stuck out her jaw in defiance, daring me to challenge her.

I sighed. Ceri was a sweet person but stubborn. Besides, I guess I couldn't really give her a hard time about contacting Al. I was practically living with the guy. I wondered what they talked about.

I took the mirror from her and placed it in my lap. It had a few etchings around the edges but it wasn't as intricate as mine. I pressed my hand into the cool glass and thought of Al.

Al, are you there? Please pick up, I thought.

There was no response. I pressed harder into the glass and tried again. Al, where are you? Still no response. There was no way Al would ignore my call. Something must have happened. Damn.

I looked up at Ceri and tried to keep my expression calm. "I guess he must be busy, he isn't picking up," I said. Ceri watched me with a quizzical look on her face. It made me uncomfortable.

I heard shuffling and looked up. Trent had entered the kitchen. He was wearing khakis and a black polo shirt. His leg was in a cast and he still wore bandages around his mangled hand. He smiled at Ceri and me but I saw his eyes glance down at my wrist. Instinctively I reached up and rubbed my wrist, ashamed that I hadn't been able to go a week before losing the silver bracelet.

Ceri and Trent exchanged a kisses on each other's cheek. It seemed strange considering that they lived in the same house but maybe they didn't see each other very much. I was expecting Trent to get down to business, maybe start questioning me about my bracelet but he surprised me when he stepped towards me and gave me a kiss on the cheek. It was so quick I didn't even have time to react or return the gesture. He pulled away and the smell of cinnamon and wine hit me.

"Hey," I breathed.

Trent smirked at me and I looked away. He leaned against a counter and crossed his arms over his chest. His gaze traveled towards the scrying mirror and I saw his eye twitch. "Where you able to take care of your emergency, Rachel?" he asked.

I didn't feel like telling Trent everything that had happened to me in the last 72 hours so I nodded noncommittally. "I've done all that I can for the time being," I said. And it was the truth. I couldn't think of anything else to do except wait for nightfall and then summon Al. He would probably be pissed. I looked at Trent and suddenly got an idea.

"Hey, Trent. How about you let me fix your foot and hand?" I offered.

Trent started and I smiled. "What do you say? Ceri can probably whip up a vanity charm no problem. I'll kindle it. It's the least I can do," I added. It's the least I can do considering it was my demon who ripped off your fingers in the first place, I thought.

Trent was watching me, clearly mauling the idea over. "What about the smut?" he asked.

I shrugged. "I want to do this. A little more smut on my soul seems fair."

Trent shifted and brushed his baby fine hair back from his eyes. "Okay," he said finally.

I grinned and looked at Ceri. She was smiling also. "I can have something ready in a couple hours," she said. "I should have everything I need right here."

"Would you like any help?" I asked.

Ceri shook her head in the negative. "No, it will be easier if I prepare this on my own."

I didn't say it but I was glad Ceri didn't need any help. Some of the ingredients in demon curses gave me the creeps. I stretched my arms up over my head and looked at Trent. "So, how do we kill a couple of hours," I asked. Trent shrugged and I rolled my eyes. "Come on Trent, what do you do for fun? Got any movies? Board games? I'm a pro at Twister."

Now it was Trent's turn to roll his eyes at me. "A game of twister with Rachel Morgan? Now that would be interesting." His voice was deep and there was a hint of seduction in it. My pulse quickened and I looked away.

Trent started walking out of the kitchen and wrapped his arm around my shoulder to have me follow. "How about we go for a ride instead?"