“No, she’s been called to Europe for some Darkkin matters,” Chris said. “Honestly, Declan, don’t dwell on what happened. I was just as guilty as anyone, and Tanya takes competitive to a whole different plane of existence. Coming up second against Omega didn’t sit well. It will all be fine.”

“Just didn’t want the reason she wasn’t coming to be me.”

“Nah, no worries. She would much rather be with all of us. I’m going to go get a million and two things ready so I’ll sign off now. Be careful.”

“You too. See you later.”

Chapter 3

After grabbing an egg and cheese breakfast sandwich at a corner deli, Declan reclined back in his driver’s seat, watching Lake Champlain through the windshield. Across the big lake, mist was lofting from New York’s Adirondack Mountains, the rising sun behind him illuminating the beautiful landscape. Beast was parked down at the waterfront, not far from the Echo Museum, in a mostly empty lot that would be jammed full of cars in another couple of hours.

In his pocket, his seldom-used phone suddenly buzzed. Both his earpiece and Beast’s radio stayed silent, so he knew instantly the identity of the texter.

He pulled it out and looked at the screen. A text waited for his response.

Hey. How did the tidying go?

He wrote back, It may have been something of a setup.

What way?

It was called in to the police while I was parked on the street. Likely Beast’s description will be in the hands of the law by now.

Cover?

Called my deputy. Had a bad dream, ya know. A feeling. Then placed a call to Chris. I’m covered.

Stay away from this thing, Warlock! Don’t make me come down there and set you straight!

Oh, but I would like nothing more but to have you here setting me straight. How is Maine?

Pervy boy! Maine is fine. Devaney is wrapping up his affairs and then we will accompany him to Burlington. We plan to leave sometime today. Be there by late afternoon or so.

Good. Miss you.

You better if you know what’s good for you! Ha. I miss you too. Are you in class?

He looked at the time at the top of his phone screen and sighed. No, but heading there now. Drive safe.

As if a car accident could really hurt me. But I will. Behave witch boy, till I get there to watch your back.

Even you would take time to heal and while you were laid up, you would be at my mercy.

Dreams, wizard. They’re good to have but you have to keep your eye on reality or it will bite you in the ass… and so will I.

Chomp, chomp. Bye.

Bye back at ya.