“Describe to me in as much detail as you can, what the page looked like to you. Lina, you go first,” Mrs. Peabody ordered, her eyes on the box, not on either of her guests.

  Lina described what she could remember of the page, including remarking on the way some of the letters and symbols seemed to move around as she looked at them. Mrs. Peabody asked probing questions, some of which Lina was unable to answer. Then, she turned her attention to Liam, repeating the process.

  “Did you suffer any ill effects from handling the page?” she asked them both.

  “Lina was the only one who actually touched it. I scooped it up, using another piece of paper as a buffer,” Liam admitted.

  Mrs. Peabody looked surprised, as if she hadn’t given him enough credit to have thought of that. “Very wise, young man,” was her only comment before she turned the full force of her attention back to Lina. “And you, Lina? Did you feel woozy or ill after touching the page?”

  “No, not anything like that. It just felt sort of heavy, and a little evil. It felt bad, but I don’t think it was actively trying to hurt me or anyone. It seemed like it was just the place where the information was kept, and that information wasn’t in the least benevolent. It felt dangerous and oppressive, I guess. Malevolent, but not actively so.”

  “Hm.” Mrs. Peabody finished her examination of the box and seemed to come to a decision. “Very well. Let’s see what it is, then.”

  With a flick of her finger in the air, the latch opened, and the box lid rose on its hinges to reveal the paper within. She hadn’t touched the box at all. She’d used her magic to open it. Such a casual use of magic was out of Liam’s experience. Shifters didn’t usually mix with magic users, and he had to admit that Mrs. Peabody’s parlor tricks were damned impressive.

  The paper floated out of the box and settled on the table in front of Mrs. Peabody, all without her touching it. Then, the box slid to one side, out of the way, but Mrs. Peabody’s attention was fully on the document. Her eyes scanned the paper, and Liam saw a definite glimmer of recognition.

  “Now, isn’t that interesting?” Mrs. Peabody said, almost as if she was speaking to herself.

  “What is it?” Lina breathed, seemingly unable to keep herself from prompting the old lady.

  “It is a page from the Munich Manual,” Mrs. Peabody answered, sighing heavily. “The original was written in the fifteenth century and deals extensively with demons, where they hail from and how to summon them. It delves deeply into the various demonic realms and what sort of creatures can be found in each. The forces of Light have been trying to track down and destroy every copy of this book ever since it was first created, but unfortunately, a few copies remain. A misguided scholar even republished it, in part, a few years ago, much to our annoyance. However, he didn’t get any of the really juicy bits, so while it’s a problem, it’s not as big of a problem as it could have been. This page, however, is one of the worst parts, and judging by the age of the page itself, it is from a very old copy of the Manual. Possibly one of the original hand-drawn copies, if not the original, itself.” She shook her head. “That’s not good news. And what’s on this page is even worse.”

  “What’s on it?” Liam couldn’t keep himself from asking this time.

  “It is a formula for a very powerful spell to reach one of the worst of the demonic realms. It opens a gateway to summon a very powerful creature that could wreak havoc on this world, much like that leviathan that they had so much trouble with until Poseidon’s sons finally sent it back where it came from. The only blessing with that thing was that it was confined to the ocean. This page summons something like that, but it’s a land-dweller. It could easily destroy whole neighborhoods and even small cities if it goes on a rampage, and it would definitely rampage to gather more power if it were let loose in this realm. The chaos it would cause would set the forces of Light back months if not years, and while we fought to contain it, the Venifucus would have free reign to do whatever they like. No, this is not good. Not good at all.”

  Silence hung in the room, thick and heavy. Even the air seemed to press down on them after Mrs. Peabody’s pronouncement. Liam’s cat prowled uneasily inside him, fur bristling at the mere thought of such a creature running loose in their world.

  “That sounds really bad,” Liam said finally, though the words felt pitifully inadequate.

  Mrs. Peabody’s sharp eyes flicked to him, amusement glinting for just a heartbeat. “Your understatement is noted, Liam. Bad doesn’t begin to cover it.”

  Lina leaned forward, her hands braced on the table. “If Mrs. Entwistle had this page, does that mean she intended to try this summoning herself?”

  Mrs. P shook her head slowly, gaze narrowing. “Perhaps. In fact, I think it’s probable. She’s already demonstrated that she can summon lesser demons than this, and she taught those Rollins mages in Texas how to do the same.”

  She had? Liam hadn’t known that. He wondered if the Alpha knew and determined to call Sam later and make sure he had been clued in.

  “I’d like to believe Mrs. E got this from her Venifucus comrades. What troubles me is the whereabouts of the rest of the book.” Mrs. Peabody looked concerned as she directed the page back into the box at her side.

  A chill ran down Liam’s spine. “You’re saying there could be more pages like this out there?”

  “I have little doubt about it,” Mrs. Peabody said grimly. “If she had one page, there are others. And whoever holds the book poses a threat greater than any single witch or mage. However, right now, we have to deal with this spell and my former coven sister. We can’t let her summon this thing.”

  Lina sat up, looking earnest. “But this page is like a breadcrumb. If we can trace where she got it, we might be able to find who she’s working with, and stop them from using or disseminating any other parts of that book.”

  “Correct, my dear.” Mrs. P’s expression softened briefly, a rare flicker of approval. “But that is another problem for a later time. The imminent danger is Mrs. E and this spell.”

  Liam rested his forearms on the table. “So what now? Do we destroy it? Lock it away? Use it as bait?”

  The old witch gave him a long look, measuring. “You’re a soldier. You think in terms of eliminating threats. That has its uses. But sometimes, a dangerous thing must be studied, not destroyed, if only so you know how to counter it.” She closed the box with the page inside. “I will keep possession of this. The coven will look after it until the threat is nullified. Then, we’ll dispose of it safely.”

  Lina frowned. “Will the enemy try for it? Are you sure it’ll be secure here?”

  Mrs. P smiled, thin and secretive. “One does not survive as long as I have in the craft without learning a few tricks about hiding dangerous things. Suffice to say, you need not worry.” She reached for her tea, took a sip, and then fixed them with that penetrating gaze again. “What you should worry about right now is Mrs. Entwistle and her plans and preparations. You need to find her as quickly as you can, before she has a chance to cast this spell.”

  Liam nodded grimly. “We’ve got another lead on a PO box in Center Moriches. We were going to check it after meeting with you.”

  “Then do so. The door to Mrs. E’s house here will open for you whenever you have time to visit it,” Mrs. Peabody instructed, nodding. “If that doesn’t pan out, then come back, and we can discuss the things she might need to cast this in greater detail. Just know that she’ll need to work from a place of power, and there are a few nearby that you could check. I can give you a list. I should also tell you that Mrs. E’s house has remained unchanged since we went in to be sure there were no magical booby traps that might hurt someone. The place has been thoroughly defused, but nobody really wanted to go through her stuff. Perhaps Lina might like to do so, since she has such fine investigative training and instincts.” Mrs. P turned to regard Lina with an upraised eyebrow.

  “Yes, I’d like to do that, of course,” Lina answered immediately, “but if you don’t mind my asking, why didn’t anybody from your sisterhood have a look around for clues?”

  Mrs. Peabody sighed heavily and seemed to lose a bit of the starch in her spine. “Most of us are still very hurt by her betrayal. We made the place safe, but that’s all we really could manage. We’d known her for decades and trusted her. She was a member of our coven, which is a very deep bond. To realize that we’d been so wrong about her shook us all to our core.”

  Lina leaned forward slightly. “I understand that feeling more than you might think. I once worked a case where my partner of two years turned out to be taking payoffs from the people we were investigating. The betrayal of someone you trust...” She paused, her expression shadowed. “It makes you question your own judgment.”

  “Exactly so, my dear.” Mrs. Peabody’s gaze softened with understanding. “One keeps wondering if there were signs you missed, things you should have seen. It shakes your confidence in your own judgment. I still don’t know how we could have been so wrong about her all this time.”

  “Try not to take it so hard, Mrs. P. Evil can be very convincing. Especially to trusting hearts,” Liam told the old woman, compassion in his tone.

  She regarded him with a considering tilt of her head. “I know you’re right, and it’s kind of you to remind me of that fact. However, I can’t really forgive myself for being so wrong about her. The fact remains. I should have known better and been more cautious.”

  “Nobody’s perfect,” Liam reminded her with a soft smile. “Not even you, Mrs. P.”

  Chapter 9

  Mrs. Peabody gave a little snort at Liam’s words, though her eyes glimmered with something softer. “Well, I should hope not. I’d be bored to death if I were perfect.” She tapped the box once, as if sealing her decision, then rose from her chair with surprising agility. “Come along, both of you. No one leaves my house without a proper cup of tea.”

  Liam glanced at Lina, who arched a brow in faint amusement. Together, they followed the older woman down the hallway into a bright, tidy kitchen that smelled faintly of lavender and lemon. A teapot already waited on the stove, steaming gently, as if it had anticipated her command.

  “Sit, sit.” Mrs. P shooed them toward the oak table in the corner, covered with a cheerful quilted runner. She moved with brisk efficiency, pouring amber liquid into mismatched china cups, then adding a plate of shortbread biscuits that seemed to materialize from thin air.

  Lina took the offered cup, inhaling the fragrant steam. “Thank you. It’s nice to sit and relax for a moment.”

  Mrs. P’s gaze softened as she regarded her. “You carry yourself well, Agent Goodwell. I can see why Sam thought you’d be of use. But be warned. Mrs. Entwistle won’t hesitate to test your resolve. Keep your wits about you.”

  “I will,” Lina promised, her voice steady.

  “And you.” Mrs. P turned to Liam, her look narrowing just slightly. “You’re brave, yes, but don’t let your protective instincts cloud your judgment. Sometimes, the hardest thing is letting your partner fight her own battles.”

  Liam inclined his head. “Understood, ma’am.”

  For a few minutes, they drank in silence, the clink of porcelain the only sound. The tea was strong, spiced faintly with something Liam couldn’t identify but found oddly comforting. His lion eased, the warmth of the tea chasing away some of the chill that talk of demonic monstrosities had left in its wake.

  Mrs. P’s gaze moved between them, thoughtful and assessing. “You two seem to work well together,” she observed quietly. “That’s rare in a partnership so new, you must realize. Most partners take months to find their rhythm.”

  Liam felt Lina glance at him, and he met her eyes briefly. Something unspoken passed between them. It felt like acknowledgment, maybe, or agreement.

  “We’ve been lucky,” Lina said, her response maddeningly neutral.

  “Luck.” Mrs. P’s mouth curved slightly. “Perhaps. Or perhaps it’s something else entirely.” She didn’t elaborate, but the knowing look she gave them both suggested she saw more than they were ready to admit.

  Finally, Mrs. P pushed back her chair. “That’s enough sitting. We’ve all got work to do. Take your next steps quickly, but wisely. And should you find anything else unusual, bring it to me. I’ll help in any way I can.”

  Liam and Lina stood, thanking her sincerely. At the door, she pressed a little bag of biscuits into Lina’s hands. “For later. Hunters need their strength.”

  The FBI agent blinked in surprise but accepted with a small smile. “Thank you. That’s very thoughtful.”

  “Go on now,” Mrs. P said briskly, though her eyes held warmth. “The world won’t save itself.”

  Liam and Lina stepped back into the morning sunlight, the little bag of biscuits tucked into Lina’s handbag, the weight of Mrs. P’s warnings still echoing in their minds.

  Outside, the morning had warmed considerably. Liam pulled out his phone to check the time. It was just after ten. They had most of the day ahead of them.

  Lina’s phone buzzed as they walked toward the cars. She pulled it out, read the screen, and her expression shifted to focused intensity. “Perfect timing. My postal contact just came through with an address. The application was filed under Penelope Atwood, just like the receipt said. She listed an address in Center Moriches as her residence.”

  Liam pulled up a map on his phone, studying the location. “It’s another waterfront property on one of the inlets. She really likes her ocean-going escape routes.”

  “Can you blame her? It’s a strategy that’s already worked for her. She’s obviously a woman who plans ahead.” Lina looked up at him, her green eyes serious. “We need to be more careful with this one. After what happened at the Bayshore house…”

  “Agreed. We scout from a distance first. No approach until we know what we’re dealing with. If it even hints of a trap, we call in backup before making a move.”

  “Who’s our backup? Rich and Meg?” Lina asked.

  Liam shook his head. “No. They’re backing us up strictly from afar on this mission. They can help with research, but they’re newly mated, and I don’t want to put either of them in any more danger than they’re already in. However, I still have a platoon of shifter Spec Ops soldiers under my command who are currently working on another mission nearby. They have access to watercraft and can be here within minutes, if needed. You should know, there are also a few other powerful resources in the tri-state area who might be willing to lend a hand, if needed. Some elder statesmen, if you will, of the Special Warfare community.”

  “Elder statesmen? Just how elder are we talking?” Lina sent him a questioning smile.

  “Elder enough to have served in Viet Nam and created the SEAL teams as we now know them,” Liam told her, enjoying the way her eyes widened at his revelation. She knew, as well as he did, that shifters aged differently from regular humans. “Some of those original guys are nearby, and they have a huge group of retired SEALs to call on, should they be needed. I wasn’t aware of them until after our first encounter with Mrs. E here on the island, but my dad let me in on the intel when he left to reorganize our people in a new location, leaving me in charge of closing down our last base.”

  Lina nodded knowingly. “I’d heard a Top-Secret location nearby had been blown, but not the details. That was your father’s command?”

  Liam nodded. “It was a sweet base, but he always knew it wouldn’t last. It stayed off our enemies’ radar much longer than he’d expected, in fact. He had contingency plans in place that are now in the works, and I’m making sure no trace remains of our presence, then I’ll be rejoining him.”

  “Nice to know you have so many possibilities for backup,” Lina replied noncommittally.

  Why did she seem to deflate at the mention of him going back to his duty? He’d have to think about that later. For now, they had work to do.

  “Do you want to check out Mrs. E’s house here first, and then check out the Center Moriches location?” Liam asked.

  “That’s a good idea. Seeing how she set up her home here might be of some use, and if we’re lucky, we might find something to lead us to another clue, though frankly, I’m thinking we won’t.”

  “No?” Liam turned her toward Mrs. E’s place, which was just a short walk away.

  “No. She knew she was risking this identity if her plan failed. Seeing how cautious she’s been, I doubt she would have left anything of investigative value at her house here. She’d probably moved anything important out long before she and her allies made their move on the coven. Still, it’s worth taking a quick look.”

  “Mrs. Peabody said the house would open for us, whatever that means,” Liam said as he escorted Lina up the walkway to the door of the small house.

  They found out in short order when the door magically opened wide at their approach. Lina just shook her head at such casual use of magic. Lina didn’t waste time, but went right to work looking around the house, which was as clean as she’d thought it would be.

  She didn’t rush, but honestly, there wasn’t much to find. It only took a few minutes to determine that anything that might’ve been of value to her investigation was long gone. Still, seeing how the woman kept her home did offer some small insights into her character. Everything was in perfect order, with even the cans in the pantry closet lined up like soldiers, their labels all facing forward with precision. It was just weird how much time the woman must have spent on that alone.

  Lina made mental notes and shook her head when Liam brought a pad of paper over to her. There weren’t even any impressions of things that might’ve been written on the missing pages of the pad to discern. The house had been wiped clean of anything that could have helped them find Mrs. E’s other places. Luckily, they already had a lead, and it was about time to get moving on that.