34

Karin's friend Lois called her back, just as she'd expected.

"There is no Fred Smith from the Washington State Police."

"Did anyone recognize him?" Karin asked, munching on a banana while she gathered the ingredients for John Blackwell's comeuppance.

"Yes. He's been seen with Eben and Isaac," Lois said.

Dread crept into her heart with the big paws of a roaring tiger. "A witch hunter, here? Why?"

"They obviously know something's up."

Which meant they had a scryer on board. "I thought we put the fear of God in them."

Lois's chuckle held no humor. "Guess not, but maybe we can add a chaser to the spell."

Karin's forehead started to throb. "I'll see what I can do." There was only one way, and it meant unearthing Francis Balcoin's grimoire; just the thought of touching it made her queasy.

"Better make it quick. We're running out of time."

She hung up and before turning back to mixing ingredients, the doorbell rang. Karin wondered if the fake cop was back, but when she opened the door, Jake Armstrong was smirking at her. "I thought it was time we met."

Karin blocked the door. "Why?"

"Because I want in."

"What are you talking about?"

"Playing dumb doesn't suit you." Jake shouldered past her and made himself at home at her kitchen table.

Faye watched Diana and Cassie move to opposite ends of the corridor, like they were squaring off for battle. Adam walked into the middle of their staring contest and completely pissed off Diana when he walked over to Cassie and kissed her cheek. "I see you finally had the stones to make a move," Faye commented as she sidled up to them, breaking up their mutual admiration society as the unwanted third wheel.

"Shut up, Faye," Adam said with very little heat. "You can't ruin my good mood today."

"Care to make a wager on that?" Faye said to no one in particular.

"Don't test me." Adam leaned against a bank of lockers with an eye roll.

Faye clapped a hand on Cassie's shoulder. "Did he give you the crystal yet?" Her whisper was loud enough for Diana and Melissa to overhear.

Cassie stepped back into the protective circle of Adam's arms. "What are you talking about?"

Adam dug his fingers into his pocket and handed over the purloined crystal. "Jake returned it to me."

Cassie's lips tightened. "Why didn't you return it the other night, Faye?"

Faye looked at the ceiling before returning her attention to Cassie. "I didn't see your name on it, and besides, I wanted a shot at my own solo magic."

Adam smirked. "And how's that working for you?"

Her little plan to show up Cassie was tanking. With a snarl, Faye slammed her locker shut and stalked off in the opposite direction, not even stopping to let Melissa catch up.

Jake continued to stare as Karin finished her preparations. "You need all this to get rid of a ghost?"

"It's a bit more complicated than that."

"Of course it is." His indigo eyes surveyed her surroundings. "Nice digs for a sassy librarian."

Karin offered a half smile. "I like to play the market."

That made him laugh. "Want to cut me in on some action?"

She found herself liking him, despite what she knew about him. "Not that kind."

He offered his palm. "So what do you see?"

"Plenty." She sipped at her tea and let his energy seep into hers. "Tell me about Calvin and Simone."

A muscle worked in his jaw. "That was collateral damage."

"Oh, is that what we're calling it?"

"Like you've never killed anyone." His offhand manner was deeply disturbing.

Karin shook her head. "Never."

"You expect me to believe that?" Jake waved his hand at the dark collection of books on magic and spellcraft.

"I don't care what you believe." She finished binding the herbs needed for her part of the spell. "Why are you really here, Jake?"

His eyes darkened. "You're a Balcoin, and you know John Blackwell, so you must know who his children are."

So now they came down to it. "Perhaps. What it's to you?"

His fingers snaked out and grabbed her wrist. "I have to know. Is it me?"

Jake was never part of her plan, and she wouldn't let him get in the way. "Maybe."

He let go of her and stood up, raking fingers through his dark blonde hair. "I don't believe you. My Mom would never have...you're lying so Adam will stay with Cassie."

Jake was far smarter than she'd given him credit for. "You may be right, but you'll never know for sure. Now if you don't mind, I have work to do."

He moved to the door and turned back for a moment. "For your sake, I hope you're not lying to me."

Karin ignored the threat, knowing she could squash him like a bug if push came to shove. She fully expected her powers to return, and when they did, it was open season on anyone who got in her way. "Don't let the door hit you," she said with a fake smile as he made his exit.