Cast in Eternity by Michelle Sagara

Author:Michelle Sagara
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: MIRA Books
Published: 2022-09-02T15:27:12+00:00

* * *

Kaylin’s last day on the front desk was the usual blend of annoyance and confusion; she had two missing persons reports, which she treated seriously and handed off to the correct people instantly. For these, she had no difficulty being almost perfect as a Hawk; she considered the possible consequences serious.

It was the vampire reports, the arguments about dogs, the he stole my cat, and the general attitude of people who expected that Kaylin, as an officer of the law, was somehow a gofer, that tended to wear her—or any other person who sat at this desk for too long—down.

Mrs. Erickson was late, which didn’t help the background anxiety much; it cleared when the old woman entered the office, familiar basket over her arm. She smiled brightly at Kaylin, and Kaylin was reminded of just how much she loved the older woman’s face because the lines etched there had clearly been etched there by time and that gentle smile.

She rose and retrieved the basket; it was heavier than usual.

“I bake when I’m worried,” Mrs. Erickson said.

“That’s...a lot of baking.”

“I’ve been a bit more worried than usual.” The smile with which she framed the words was apologetic.

“It’s not your fault,” Kaylin replied, with some heat.

“As I’ve gotten older,” Mrs. Erickson said, “I’ve come to realize that fault doesn’t really matter.”

Kaylin exhaled, wondering if she’d ever reach that frame of mind. She was a Hawk because she believed in justice, in the laws—and fault featured very much in her job. “What are these?”

“Brownies. I haven’t made them in a long time because cocoa is mostly too far out of my price range—but I had some I’d been saving for a special occasion.” She smiled. “I’m not getting any younger, and I know from personal experience that I can’t eat it when I’m dead. You should share it with the rest of the Hawks.”

Kaylin nodded, but took a seat behind the desk and the basket she’d placed on it. “How are the kids?”

“They’re perfectly fine this morning.”

“They don’t remember anything?”

Mrs. Erickson shook her head. “They never do. But it’s better that way, for them—I think they’d live in terror for eternity if they couldn’t forget.” She hesitated. “You were concerned about the painting.”

“Teela was concerned about the painting, but...when Teela’s worried, it’s never a good sign.”

“Can you tell me what you fear?”

“Not yet—we’re looking into it. Serralyn is a student at the Academia, and she headed out last night to begin research in earnest.”

“About what?”

“About magic, painting, ceremony, plant life—anything that might give us answers, or at least better questions. I’ll walk you home after work. Or Teela and I will walk you home. I have a meeting Teela considers important after that, so I won’t be able to stay. Was the neighbor out this morning?”

“No. I’m a bit worried about him.”

“He won’t do anything—” At Mrs. Erickson’s expression, Kaylin said, “You’re worried for him?”

“A little.”

Kaylin wanted to hit the desk with her head a couple of times to clear it.

Mrs. Erickson smiled.

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