Jenks snorted. Like you or that orange fuzz ball could catch me, he said, but he was going for altitude.
Glenn looked awkward when I turned back around, shifting from foot to foot, slightly flushed. I gathered up the dried amulets. Ill see what I can do about having these delivered to the FIB as soon as possible. It might take me a day, but as Ivy keeps pointing out, theyre only going to take you to an empty building by now.
Glenns attention flicked from the charms to me. Uh, whenever you can get to it, thatd be great, he said, actually dropping back a step. Thanks. Rachel, I want you to stay here
Stay here? My temper popped, and I smacked my hand down onto the counter. Jenks darted up, surprised, but Ivy chuckled, going to the fridge to give me space while I vented. You are not turning me into the chief cook who never gets off the boat, I exclaimed. Im going to be an active member in this run!
Ivy came out from behind the fridge door, raising a bottle of orange juice in a show of solidarity. Weve already been over it.
So dont even try telling her to stay home, Jenks added, grinning as I glared at the FIB detective frowning right back at me, his chest puffed out. Puff all you want, FIB detective. Youre not turning me into the librarian.
Ivy had her back to us as she poured out a glass. I knew she wasnt thirsty. She was trying to cloud her senses as I filled the air with my anger. Were good at watching her.
Glenn took a step back so he could see Jenks better. Against wackos abducting Rosewood syndrome carriers, to try to create synthetic demon blood? Rachel, I know you have a bodyguard and all, but how smart is it to put yourself where they can grab you?
She said shell be careful. Ivy leaned back against the counter with her ankles crossed, looking like sex incarnate as she drank her juice, her long, pale throat moving slowly.
Stifling a shiver, I looked away. Ill only go to secure sites, I said under my breath as I snapped up my spell book and crouched to put it away. This was a mess, and I wasnt talking about the kitchen. The I.S. had asked for my help. The FIB desperately needed it. HAPA was stringing their victims up to taunt me into finding them. They knew I had what they wantedwhat they were mutilating people to find. Promise.
I shoved the book into its spot, then hesitated, growing angrier as I looked at the demon curse books right next to it. Suddenly I was twice as set on not giving the FIB or the I.S. a list of what I could do. They could hire an intern and get it from the libraryI wasnt going to give them the rope to hang me with.
Never would I have guessed making it public knowledge that I could kindle demon magic would lead to this. It was no longer a secret that witches were stunted demons, so far removed from their original species that they were a species unto themselvesand clearly someone had made the correct assumption that the Rosewood syndrome had something to do with it. As one of the two people to survive the deadly but common genetic abnormality, Id made myself a target.
I have to call Lee, I whispered, then straightened, my fingers trailing from the demon books reluctantly. I couldnt feel anything from them anymore, and it sort of hurt. Glenn, can you make me a list of the Rosewood carriers in the city? Maybe watch them?
Immediately he uncrossed his arms, his belligerence at my resistance turning into concern for the masses. Seriously? There has to be a couple hundred at least.
The number was probably closer to a thousand. The genetic abnormality wasnt that uncommon, and it was only when the recessive genes doubled up that there was a problem. You dont have to watch all of them, I said. Just the high risk. The young, the stupid. My thoughts went to the man in the gazebo. He hadnt been stupid. Careless, maybe. Telling the general public might be a mistake, I said softly. No need to start a panic.
His reluctance was clear as he ran a hand over his short haircut. Ill see what I can do.
That didnt sound promising, and I began to get angry again. No, it was frustration, and he didnt deserve it since it was mostly at myself. I exhaled. Can you at least have the vulnerable people on a list so that when theyre reported missing they get attention?
Glenn nodded, looking at his phone for the right number. That I can do, he said, and Jenks hovered over his shoulder, probably memorizing the number for future use, until Glenn snapped his phone closed.
Call Trent about a memory charm blocker. Call Lee to warn him about a possible abduction. Talk to Wayde and tell him Im a target. My mind was swirling, and jaw clenched, I loosened my grip on the counter, not having realized that Id grabbed it. Ivy had, though, and she watched me in concern from across the kitchen, her orange juice in a grip just as tight. Excuse me, I said as I started for the hallway. I need to talk to Wayde.
First smart thing shes done all week, Jenks said, and I squinted at him.
Alone, I added, and he made a face at me before darting to Ivys shoulder to sulk. The last thing I wanted was Jenks making smart-ass remarks as I asked Wayde to step it up.