Free Dawn of a Dark Knight by Zoe Forward Page A

penniless.”
    Eric smiled and winked. “I’ll take care of it. Don’t fret.”
    She watched Eric saunter into the Speedy Mart, grab a sixteen-ounce soda and approach the empty checkout. He laughed with the forty-something fake-redheaded clerk for a few seconds. She blinked twice to double-check her visual acuity when money levitated out of the cash drawer, around the counter, and into his hands. Smooth trick.
    He strolled back to the car and leaned into the driver’s window as she rolled it down. He said, “Fill ’er up. We got credit.”
    “Lemon soda? That stuff is disgusting.”
    “What, not even interested in how I paid?” His face lit up like a jittery teenager with a burning secret.
    She shrugged.
    His shoulders fell with a scowl. He tossed the soda onto the passenger seat through her window. With an abrupt turn, he stomped to the pay phone.
    Minutes later he was back at the driver’s side window. His brows were low. His tone subdued when he reported, “They’ve taken Ashor back to Florida. It’s not good. Why don’t you let me drive in case you have one of your episodes.”
    “Back to Florida again?”
    “What do you mean again ?”
    “I may have been there recently. What’s wrong with him?”
    Eric ignored her and hopped into the driver’s seat. He cranked the car and placed a heavy foot on the accelerator. With a lurch, the car pulled away from the gas pump, cutting off a flatbed truck. The truck’s horn blared and its driver threw Eric the bird. Eric slammed the brakes and then punched the accelerator again.
    Kira whiplashed against the passenger seat. She tugged at the now-locked seatbelt and glared daggers. Eric didn’t care. Mad laughter bubbled from him a second before he pulled recklessly in front of a fast-approaching semi. Kira gripped the door and prayed they’d make it to Florida alive.

Chapter Six
    “Terek, one of them is dead. I searched the body and he has nothing of interest on him. The other is gone.”
    Terek slammed his fist on his desk and yelled into his office phone, “You reported the magi to be guaranteed dead men when they went into the hospital. How was one able to miraculously leave, Theo?”
    “The nurse attending him says the guy was expected to die. Sounds like he was unconscious and bleeding out. A doctor the nurse didn’t know came in and looked him over. Seems he woke up during the exam. Somehow he walked out with this doctor and never returned.”
    “What’s the doctor’s name?”
    “Don’t know. I know only that this doctor was a woman. The magus killed three of my men.”
    “A half-dead magus killed three? You haven’t been this incompetent in years.”
    “Yes, sir. Didn’t expect this. This doctor must’ve done something to him.”
    “Have you arranged a cleaner for your men?”
    “The bodies will be properly cared for, as usual.”
    “Find the doctor.”
    “No one seems to have seen anything due to some incident involving a bus. There’s a lot of chaos. Really piss-poor timing. I need to review the security tapes to get her image. Do you have a contact that can get access for me?”
    “I’ll have Kiersted phone you with further instructions within the hour. Bring her to me.”
    “I’ll take care of it, sir. By the way, last night’s attempt to ambush the magus who’s been stalking us failed.”
    Terek sighed loudly. “I warned you not to go after him. How many are dead?”
    “Seven.”
    “Next time you get the itch to act without authorization, don’t.”
    “Yes, sir. However, his random attacks are demoralizing the recruits. I felt we had to do something.”
    “There are plans in progress to take the magi out of the picture. For now, stay out of his path. I’ll take care of him when the time is right.”
    “Of course, sir.”
    Terek slammed the phone into its cradle and picked up the cell vibrating along his desk. “What have you found out, Mahmud?”
    “Markus Langford is on his way to New York to get the amulet tomorrow.