Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 106600 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 533(@200wpm)___ 426(@250wpm)___ 355(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 106600 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 533(@200wpm)___ 426(@250wpm)___ 355(@300wpm)
“Can you repeat that?” I speak up and sit up.
“There have been back-to-back typhoons over my nieces home. I would like to build a new sea complex for her family to come live here in New York,” the sea fairy repeats.
I knit my brows. This is not the season for high typhoon activity. The water trolls who cause them are on vacation during this time.
“Your niece … she lives in Japan, I’m assuming?”
“Yes, born and raised. She has lost everything in this last storm. She has been staying with friends who were in safe zones.”
“If I grant you this request to build this complex, you do know you can’t start relocating sea folk from all over the world. It will throw off the balance.”
“I am aware. Although respectfully, something is already throwing off the balance, My King. Those of us in the water can feel it.”
The room begins to shake as my annoyance raises. It’s not that I can’t feel the problem. I am doing my best to create place holders until the real solutions present themselves which will take time that’s outside of my hands.
The vision of the twins comes to mind, and I bare my teeth and growl. I have to ensure both boys remain water titans. They will restore the balance.
I reel it in and focus on the task at hand. There is nothing I can do about the unbalance at the moment. That is a task I must put more thought into.
“I will grant your request. Have financials and designs for the complex to me by the end of the month and I will approve a community loan and repayment schedule,” I say to the poor innocent fairy now shaking in front of me.
“Thank you and I apologize, My King. I spoke out of turn.”
“You did not. There are things you are not aware of that are lending cause to the effects you see. I am dealing with it all.”
“Heavy is the crown. I thank you for holding the weight of our burdens.”
“I thank you for giving me your trust.”
“Thank the gods for our queen. I know she will help you right all.”
I smile. Billy has already done so much to bring joy to my life and grant me peace to think clearly. Our banter is just one of the things I wake to look forward to.
Returned Blessing
“You just came from seeing dead bodies, how can you eat that?” Rafael, one of my CIs says as I scuff down a hotdog.
“I can’t be seen with you in a five-star restaurant and a girl’s got to eat, so street dogs it is. What you got for me? You said you had something I might be interested in.”
“You know that guy Candido Ricci?”
My ears perk up. He has my full attention now. I polish off the second hot dog and wipe my mouth, then clean my hands and toss the napkin. I nod for Rafael to continue.
“Word on the street is he’s trying to find entry to the headquarters of some biker gang. Iron Fists or Immortal Chain Brothers or something like that,” he goes on.
“Immortal Iron Brothers,” I correct him.
“Yeah, that’s it. Shit like that usually doesn’t grab my attention, but when I heard the amount he was willing to pay to get into the place, I thought I’d mention it to you. Sounds like our buddy is up to something big.”
“How much?”
“Forty grand.”
I release a low whistle as Ardan growls in my head. I can feel that he’s pissed. Candido has lost his mind trying to find the brothers in their home.
I don’t think it’s a wise idea, but who cares? If he gets himself killed, he gets himself killed. The thought makes me feel giddy.
“Thanks for the info, Rafael. Here’s a couple of bucks. Stay out of trouble and stop lurking around my crime scenes. You have my number, call me next time,” I say and hand over the cash.
Without another word, I walk off, shoving my hands in my pockets. I need to get back to the station to file some paperwork. Rafael stopped me before I jumped in my car to head back. Needing something to eat, I walked with him to find a street vendor.
I’m lost in my thoughts as I make the three-block trek back to my car and hop in. Ardan surfaces as I start the engine. I glance over at him.
“Do you have to report that information to your superiors?”
“No.”
“Then don’t. I will deal with Ricci.”
“Cool, no problem.”
As I drive, a large drink appears in the cup holder. I smile and grab it to suck it down. I forgot to order a drink with my dogs. I was more worried about a quick bite and getting the information Rafael had for me.
“Thanks.”
Ardan grunts as if he’s lost in his own thoughts, or he might be mind-linking his brothers the information. I can’t help but wonder why Ricci wants access to their headquarters. He has to be desperate if he’s willing to pay forty grand to gain it.