“Then where did the damn thing come from?”
“The wild magic brought it in.”
“Meaning Katie rather than the truly wild stuff, I’m guessing.”
I nodded and tossed back the whiskey. Then I put the glass back on the table and reached for the watch. But I didn’t pick it up. I didn’t need to. Abject suffering pulsed from it in thick waves. I took a deep breath and glanced grimly at Belle.
“I’m obviously meant to help the watch’s owner.”
“Given the agony I felt—which was only the backwash of what hit you—I’m doubting that’s actually possible.” She glared at the watch for a second and then picked it up. “I’ll get the silk gloves and your kit. You’d better call Aiden.”
I took a deep breath then pushed away from the table and walked a little unsteadily—thanks to the fact my legs were still shaky—across to the counter to retrieve my phone.
Aiden answered almost immediately. “I’m hoping this is impatience, but given every other time you’ve rung me unexpectedly has been because there’s trouble, I’m not holding out hope.”
“Wise man.” I took another deep breath but it still didn’t do a lot to help the inner tension. “You need to get over here ASAP.”
“Do we need the truck?”
“Yes.”
“Be there in two.”
He hung up. I shoved the phone into my pocket and glanced around as Belle came out of the reading room. The watch was now safely encased in a silk bag, but she nevertheless gave me a silk glove. The combination should mute the vibes rolling off the watch while still allowing me to track the owner through it.
Once I’d put on the glove, she placed the bagged watch on the counter, then handed me the pack. “I’ve stuck in your spell stones, a couple of warding potions, and my silver knife.”
“Thanks.” I slung it over my shoulder and then said, “Could you ring Ashworth? He’ll need to know something has happened.”
She frowned. “It’s not as if he can do anything given he’d be at the airport—”
“I know, but he’s still acting reservation witch and whatever is happening out there involves magic.”
“The same magic that our dead witch was creating? Because the timing of the two situations suggests they could be connected.”
I hesitated. “I can’t say for certain, but I don’t think so. It doesn’t feel as dark.”
“Then I guess that’s something.”
I swept the watch into my hand and tried to ignore the agony rolling off it.
Belle followed me across the shop to the front door. “Ashworth will want to know how that watch came into our possession.”
I shrugged. “I’ll tell him the truth—the wild magic gave it to me. He doesn’t actually have to know it was the portion infused with Katie’s soul.”
Belle grunted. “Sooner or later, he will find out. Or the new reservation witch will. And that will just up Canberra’s interest in this place.”
“Maybe the new witch will hold the reservation’s interest ahead of Canberra’s.” Outside, a car horn sounded. “I’ll keep you updated.”
“Do. And be careful.”
“Always. Make sure you lock the door.”
A smile touched her lips. “Always.”
She did just that the second I stepped outside. The day seemed colder despite the sunshine and the heat in the air. I had no doubt it was a feeling caused by the vibes rolling from the silk-wrapped watch. Vibes that held the gathering chill of death.
I jumped into Aiden’s truck, shoved the backpack onto the floor, and then said, “Go.”