Corruption (Grumpy Old Wizards Book 2) (6 page)

“Gary suffered from mind control spells at the hands of his own brother for most of his life. He’s tired of being a victim,” Helen said.

Josephine and Alice were surprised by this unexpected wisdom.

“You’re absolutely right,” Josephine acknowledged. “And of course we also have Vickie who is losing her business and she considers her talent a burden.”

“She’ll probably become a member of the Phoenix Community,” Helen said.

“That’s okay. We hardly even know her. Maybe it’s for the best,” Alice commented.

Josephine’s eyes glinted with resolve. “I’m going to talk to her about this. I knew she was hiding something from me.”

“You know something, I’m tempted to join them,” Alice said.

“What?!” Josephine blinked at her friend with astonishment.

“Of course I’m not going to do it because we’d have to leave behind Helen but I really want to be an immortal.”

“I see.” Josephine hadn’t considered this possibility and it alarmed her. She had thought rejecting Brad’s offer would be the end of this but her life may have become a lot more complicated.

“We need to prepare ourselves for the Valkyrie’s,” Helen said.

“What?” Josephine leveled a puzzled frown at her friend.

“She means the Valituras,” Alice advised. “You know – the big bad guys who want to take over the world.”

“Right.” Josephine had forgotten about them because she was so preoccupied with the losing all her friends and Jake to the Phoenix Community. “I’ve already started some potent enchantments a couple weeks ago in case I was ever caught linking with the vortex.”

“Let me see.” Alice’s eyes glittered with avid interest.

Josephine crossed over to the antique desk which had multiple layers of individual wards. She deactivated the protection and took out a jewelry box which contained her most recent unfinished projects. She was reluctant to show her friends because she wasn’t sure they would approve.

“Just a quick peek. I need to keep these safe,” Josephine said.

Alice and Helen peered inside the box and gasped as the potent energy of the enchantments wafted out to them.

“These are so strong.” Alice held one of the wands which had memory suppression written on the handle. She frowned at the wand and Josephine realized she’d discovered something. “You’ve got the setting on this thing wrong. It’ll have to be scrapped.”

“It’s exactly the way I want it.” Josephine took the wand from Alice and placed it with care back inside the box and took the bracelet that Helen was playing with as well.

“You want to give someone amnesia?” Alice asked with a mixture of disbelief and horror.

“If it comes to that.” Josephine placed the box back into the desk drawer. She took out another box that had finished protection enchantments and handed a couple to her friends before she activated the wards on her desk again.

“These will come in handy. Thank you,” Alice said.

“You’re welcome.”

“I don’t approve of erasing all of a person’s memories though.”

“That’s only for emergencies against someone who’s determined to ruin me like Morgan was,” Josephine said.

“Morgan’s dead,” Helen pointed out.

“Yes but there are many other enforcers and government officials like him.” Josephine clearly remembered how Morgan had hounded her with such ruthlessness until he’d gained the evidence he’d needed to lock her up and force her to participate in OC training for sixes. A powerful form of mind control was used to replace their personality along with training to be an effective OC enforcer. At least, that’s the scuttlebutt that had reached Josephine’s ears and she believed it. She had met one OC enforcer, Jennifer, who’d been assigned to her along with Morgan when a deadly serial killer had targeted Josephine. There was definitely something wrong with Jennifer and a form of mind control would explain it. Josephine hated all the pitfalls that surrounded her. It was like she was immersed in a life of danger where one small misstep could plunge her into eternal doom.

“Why can’t I just enjoy my retirement like everyone else?” Josephine grumbled.

Helen and Alice could only offer helpless shrugs as they didn’t have any answers either.

Chapter 6

Josephine’s awareness expanded as she linked with the Siesta Key vortex and ran along the beach. She pumped her legs to pick up the pace and kicked up white, crystalline sand in her wake. It was still dark but her second sight could see everything in great detail. Josephine intended to teach herself how to perform subtle magic. She had examined the work so she knew the theory behind it. The energy had to be tuned and anchored to the surrounding atmospheric energy that already existed. Josephine would never have thought such a thing was possible if she hadn’t seen it with her own eyes. The best place to learn new magic quickly was right here while tuned into a vortex because all of her paranormal senses were heightened.

Josephine realized it was best to start small so she used a trickle of magic to create a telekinetic burst at the sand in front of her. A small portion of sand exploded up from the ground as if hit with an invisible fist but the magic was clearly visible. Josephine lost track of time as she continued practicing. She became aware of a new presence and stopped casting spells. She focused on the newcomer who was standing a short distance away. Josephine discovered a well placed shield protecting his thoughts from her. Practically all wizards except for sixes emanated “junk” energy which were traces of emotions and thoughts. Josephine honed in on these pieces of energy with ease. Small pieces of information flowed to her. She halted a short distance away and raised her shields.

“Hello, Lorcan,” Josephine said.

Lorcan was a category three wizard and a member of the Valituras. He was short with brown hair, thin lips, a stubby pig-like nose, with a long jagged scar on his right arm that ran from the elbow to his hand. He was barefoot and wore running shorts and a tee shirt. He had a privacy field up which prevented very much psychometric information from leaking out.

“You’ve heard of our group, I see.” Lorcan focused his cold gaze on her. “But the Phoenix Community makes us out to be monsters. We’re just practical and seek to make this world a better place. It’s true that we want to learn the secrets of creating a category six but we won’t keep it to ourselves. We will allow those worthy to be transformed.”

“How would you decide who deserves it?” Josephine asked.

“It would be determined on an individual case basis. For example, I would be willing to help Helen and Alice. Someday soon, you will outgrow them and you will grieve for the loss of family and friends but if you help us, you could have it all. Alice and Helen could live forever. Just like you.”

Josephine was shocked that this man knew so much about her. Obviously, Brad wasn’t the only one spying on her. How disturbing that she’d remained oblivious to these efforts.

“That is a compelling offer,” Josephine said. “What would I have to do in exchange?”

“We merely ask for you to create specific enchantments once in a while to further our objectives,” Lorcan said.

“I refuse to make deadly weapons.”

“Don’t worry. We would never request such a thing from you. We wish to create a perfect world. A safe place for everyone to live in.”

“Aren’t you hunting down members of the Phoenix Community?” Josephine doubted that his motives were so pure.

“No, we’re not. They are a bunch of fanatics. They can live in their forced isolation for as long as they want,” Lorcan sneered. “You probably spoke with Brad. I know he’s in the area recruiting. He likes to make promises and then fails to keep them. For example, everyone in your family is probably a latent six which means he can awaken their abilities. That includes Jake.”

“We already discussed Jake and he promised he wouldn’t approach him.”

Lorcan issued a bitter laugh. “And you probably believe him. How sad. Don’t be surprised if Jake disappears along with Gary and Vickie. You’ll probably lose other family members as well.”

Lorcan’s words elicited a chill of foreboding as information about him continued to trickle into Josephine’s mind. Lorcan was ruthless like all the Valituras. He would kidnap Jake and fake his death and experiment on him as they perfected their technology for creating sixes. They would do this just to make Josephine think that Brad broke his promise to her and had recruited Jake to his cause. If that wasn’t enough to gain Josephine’s cooperation, Lorcan would systematically kidnap the rest of the family until Josephine hated the Phoenix Community and agreed to help the Valituras out of spite and sheer desperation. Lorcan had used this strategy many times. Josephine could read that he would leave her friends and family alone if she convinced him she was on his side and would comply with all of his requests.

“What you say makes a lot of sense,” Josephine said. “I agree to help the Valituras and their noble cause.”

Lorcan’s thin lips formed a disgusting smile. “Excellent! I’m so glad you understand the good that we can do.”

Lorcan pulled out a couple of folded pages from the inside of his shorts and handed them to Josephine who held them by the tips of two of her fingers.

“What’s this?” Josephine eyed the paper with revulsion as she made a fervent prayer that Lorcan wasn’t going commando and that this hadn’t been pressed against his bare skin.

“It’s your first production job.”

“You do realize that I’m no longer retired and don’t have a lot of free time on my hands anymore, don’t you?”

“I understand. You have three weeks to make five of these enchantments,” Lorcan said in a reasonable tone.

“What kind of spell is this?”

“It’s a kind of magical battery.”

“All right. And how do I contact you when I’m finished?”

“I’ll meet you on your morning jog about once every week for a progress report,” Lorcan said.

“You can’t just give me your number?” Josephine asked.

Lorcan stared at her with a stoic expression for several seconds.

“Whatever,” Josephine muttered with annoyance and turned to resume her jog.

Lorcan allowed her to pass without attempting to extend their conversation. Josephine tucked the papers in her pocket and jogged at a light pace. She glanced at her watch and realized it was time to head back home. When she and her friends gathered at her dining room table for coffee and to play rummy, Josephine could hardly concentrate on the game even though she hated to lose with a passion.

“So what happened?” Alice asked.

“What do you mean?” Josephine feigned ignorance.

“Come on! Something is on your mind. Even Helen has noticed.”

Josephine fixed a surprised look at Helen who nodded in agreement. Josephine heaved a grievous sigh.

“We have another problem,” she said.

Josephine explained what had occurred at the beach. Alice and Helen listened with rapt attention. When Josephine finished her tale, Alice slammed her hand against the top of the table with triumph.

“I knew you were holding something back,” Alice crowed.

“I was just hit with this less than an hour ago. I needed to think everything over first.”

“We’re your best friends. You should always inform us of what’s happening right away,” Alice lectured her. “Vampires try to protect their love ones by keeping things a secret but in the end, it always comes back to bite them in the rear.”

“I’m not a vampire.”

Helen squinted as she peered at Josephine’s mouth. “I think your teeth are getting sharper.”

“I thought so, too,” Alice agreed.

Josephine crossed her arms over her chest in a defensive position.

“Ladies, we need to focus here.”

“I’m wondering why you didn’t give Lorcan amnesia,” Alice said.

“I didn’t have the enchantment with me. Besides, he probably has more shields than I could take down,” Josephine said.

“But if you’re tapped into the vortex, aren’t you able to strip protection away fast?” Helen asked.

“That’s true.” Josephine wondered why she hadn’t considered this before. “If I attack and fail, I’m in big trouble though.”

“It sounds to me like the best course of action is to go along with his instructions but the next time you meet with him, to clobber him with everything you’ve got and give him amnesia,” Alice said. “Otherwise, you’re contributing to a secret organization that will eventually rule the world.”

“You’re right. I should make some new wards for the condo with some nasty traps,” Josephine said.

“You’ve already got some unpleasant surprises on a few of them,” Helen pointed out. “Maybe it would be best to focus on taking out Lorcan.”

“Josephine’s right, her condo can’t have too much protection. Lorcan might steal the enchantments he’s having her work on right before they’re ready and just finish them himself.”

When Josephine made it to work, she found it difficult to concentrate but she still closed out all the cases in record time. Mark asked her out on a date again. Now that Josephine’s life had become dangerous, she felt even guiltier for spending time with him. However, she enjoyed his company immensely. When it was time to go, Josephine invited him over to her place for drinks. She knew Alice and Helen would be waiting for her which was the whole point of bringing Mark over – so he could see her peers. Josephine knew Mark had dismissed her age because of her youthful appearance but seeing Alice and Helen would provide a much needed reality check. Mark held Josephine’s hand as they emerged from the elevator on her floor. Sure enough, Josephine’s best friends were standing in front of the closed door.

“You must be Mark.” Alice’s lips curved in a wistful smile. “It’s nice to finally meet you, young man. I’m Alice.”

Alice extended her hand and Mark shook it without hesitation. Mark introduced himself to Helen next. They gathered inside Josephine’s living room and took seats on the two couches. Josephine served everyone some juice since she didn’t feel like making tea and it was too late for coffee.

“So you’re an intern at the police department,” Helen said.

“Yes, I’m having a great time there. I’m learning a lot.” Mark’s face reflected the passion of his work.

“It takes a special and unique person to like that field,” Alice remarked.

“That’s true,” Mark agreed.

“You’re friends with Jake, right?”

“Yes.”

“What do you think of Detective Whiney?” Alice asked.

Mark shrugged. “He’s okay. Jake and Josephine are more fun to work with though.”

Josephine knew she’d sealed her doom by bringing him here. Mark would surely view her as an old biddy now. He could no longer deny the truth. Mark hid his discomfort well and with the friendly way he conversed with everyone, Josephine gave him kudos for the way he carried himself. Josephine knew that letting him go was for the best.

“It’s getting late, I’d better be going.” Mark rose to his feet and flashed them all a polite, easy-going smile. “I enjoyed talking to you.”

“We’ll have to do this again,” Alice said.

Josephine escorted Mark to the door. She deactivated the wards and locks. Just as she grasped the handle to open the door, Mark leaned over and gave her a brief but passionate kiss. Josephine froze with shock even as her body came alive and thrummed with pleasure.

“Until next time, Josephine,” Mark said.

Josephine turned the knob and opened the door for him, unable to trust herself to speak. Mark leveled a sexy smile at her as he brushed by her to leave. Josephine closed the door and shivered at the delicious sensations coursing through her body.

“No wonder you can’t let him go. What a fox,” Alice said.

“I thought when he met you he would realize how wrong we are for each other,” Josephine said.

“I’d say he has more class than that. You’ve got yourself a good man there.”

Helen’s expression reflected her disapproval. “He’s far too young for you and he has no idea of the danger you’re in.”

“I’m not really in any kind of trouble. In fact, I’d say everything is nearly perfect,” Josephine argued.

“What about the Phoenix Community and the Valimotrum?”

“They’re called the Valituras,” Josephine corrected her. “And as long as I do what they want, no harm will come to anyone.”

“You’re wrong. They’re corrupt and power hungry. Eventually, there will be serious repercussions in aiding them.”

“All right! I get it. But look at how accepting he is about my life. I think he might be the one. My soul mate,” Josephine said.

“Your libido has kicked into overdrive so you’re not thinking clearly. You’ve been married five times and the last time you divorced, you told us to remind you never to do it again,” Helen said.

“Technically, the fifth guy doesn’t count. I got an annulment.”

“That’s beside the point. You just can’t do it again. I made a promise to you that I would review all the negative qualities that men have in common if you ever thought about marrying again. I’ll have to get the list from my condo though because I don’t have it memorized,” Helen said.

“Forget it. I’m just dating him. I learned my lesson about marriage.”

At that moment, Josephine’s eyes widened with horror as she realized she’d forgotten to see Vickie today. When Josephine told her two friends, they insisted on accompanying her. They beat a hasty retreat and Josephine was soon driving along the roads in Siesta Key. The power vortex pulled at her with its tempting energy. Josephine went ahead and linked with it since she didn’t see how that could hurt anything. Delicious, potent energy swirled through body and mind. When she turned onto Sandy Cove Avenue, she saw that Vickie’s house was on fire with two fire trucks and two police cars on scene. Josephine pulled her car to the side of the road and watched the flames destroying what had once been such a lovely home. A sense of dread washed over her as she pulled at the thoughts and memories of the tragedy.