The Hidden Legacy by Ellen Dugan

Author:Ellen Dugan [Dugan, Ellen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Garden Witch Press
Published: 2017-10-03T04:00:00+00:00

***

I did something I never did. I had drinks during work hours. Our lunch had consisted of appetizers and a couple of chocolate martinis. Feeling very relaxed, I gave my cousin a hug goodbye and walked the short distance back to the office a few hours later.

Henry was out, but I soon discovered that Edmund had been waiting for me. He pounced as soon as I shut the door, and started to lecture me about putting myself at risk the day before.

“It was my mother,” I interrupted him. “Would you have done any less for yours?”

Edmund opened his mouth to argue, then shut it.

“We have a bigger problem at the moment.” I sat in my desk chair and briefly explained to Edmund the interrogation I’d faced that morning.

“Shit,” Edmund said, and began to pace.

“Exactly.” I nodded. “When Rowan dropped by to check on me I took her up on her offer of lunch.”

“I got your text as I was pulling in the parking lot.” Edmund ran a hand through his hair. “Imagine my surprise when I walked in and found Henry staring off into space.”

“He was lucky Rowan was in a playful mood.”

“Sweet tap-dancing Christ on a pogo stick!” Edmund took in a deep breath and tried for composure. “I’m gonna strangle Rowan, the very next time I see her.”

“All things considered, he got off easy,” I reminded Edmund. “You know there are traditionally three options when an outsider stumbles across my family’s talents, or starts making accusations.”

“I know, I know…” Edmund shut his eyes. “Deflect and distract. Charm your way out of the situation, or—”

“Or go for the big guns and lay a magickal smack-down on the accuser,” I finished.

“Smack down?” Edmund’s eyes were round. “Sweetie, how much did you have to drink?”

I put my shoulders back. “I only had two martinis. I am not intoxicated.”

“I’ll try and run some interference for you with Henry,” Edmund volunteered.

“You can try.” I shrugged. “It’s up to Mr. Walker whether or not he chooses to let this go on his own, or if I end up encouraging him to.”

“Whoa, black magick woman.” Edmund grinned.

“That’s not funny,” I snapped. “You know I’d move heaven and earth before I resorted to casting a major spell against someone.” Or used my sexuality as a weapon, I thought. Even though Rowan had suggested it, that was a line I really didn’t want to cross. Not ever.

Feeling miserable at the prospect, I forced myself to focus on the business at hand. The rest of the afternoon passed slowly. Edmund had a hot date, and I promised I would stay and lock up.

“I’m expecting a delivery around four o’clock,” he said for the third time. “The new hard drive for my computer.”

“I know. When it arrives I’ll take it upstairs and put it in your apartment.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.” He stopped, spun, and held out his arms. “How do I look?” he demanded.

“Hot,” I said, admiring the dark slacks and crimson dress shirt he’d left unbuttoned at the throat.

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