Free Hell Bent by Devon Monk Page A

and probably everything else on this floor of the building.
    Lord.
    “How about you give me a hand?” I said.
    Dash walked over. “I wasn’t sure how much you wanted to pack.”
    “I see that.”
    I gave Dash the whiskey and he turned to place it on a windowsill. Eleanor was back in the room again, and seemed interested in some of the art on the walls.
    “No. Drink,” I said. “You need to relax a little, mate.”
    “No, I don’t.”
    “Fine, then I need you to relax. A lot.” I gave him a drink-up gesture and turned to the pile of boxes, chose one, and dropped it in front of my desk.
    Listened for the cork, swish of liquid, then cork before I spoke again. “There was something else brought up at the meeting today.”
    I opened a drawer. So that’s where I left my gun.
    “What?” Dash leaned against the windowsill, his shadow stretching out over the boxes.
    “Do you know what Soul Complements are?”
    “Two people who are a perfect match when casting magic.”
    “Good. Anything else?”
    “They’re usually perfect matches in life too. Partners, friends, lovers. But it’s incredibly rare to find that kind of match, especially with magic. Since being even a little unmatched can cause spells to destabilize and blow.”
    “Very good. How many are in Portland?”
    “Just Zayvion and Allie.” Pause. Quieter, “And you and Terric.”
    “Gold star.” I glanced over my shoulder. He took another drink of the whiskey, then set it down on the far side of the windowsill, out of his easy reach.
    “Why?” He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the wall.
    “The government is suddenly all interested in Soul Complements and what they can do,” I said.
    “Break magic?”
    I nodded. “Overseer is suggesting we get the hell out of town. Out of the country too. Thinks we’re in a lot of danger.”
    He looked over at Terric’s office. Worried.
    Jesus. He didn’t just like Terric. He was harboring much deeper feelings for him.
    It was strange to see someone fall in love with a person you were connected to. I found the best way to deal with it was to ignore the hell out of it.
    Drinking helped too.
    “So you’re saying you’re leaving? He’s leaving?” Dash asked.
    “No, I’m saying we’re going to make some choices. Or I assume we’re going to. Terric is fussy about me making life-and-death decisions when he’s involved.”
    “Is that why you came by today?” Still wasn’t looking at me.
    “I thought so.”
    The door to Terric’s office opened and closed and then I heard his footsteps. Every plant in the room stirred as if a soft wind brushed over them. The damn things grew, vines snaking out half a foot in just a few seconds.
    Someone wasn’t keeping very good control of their Life magic. I wondered if Terric was drunk.
    “Gentlemen,” Terric said with a lift in his voice. “Let’s leave the packing for later. I want lunch. Shame, you’re coming with me even if I have to knock you out and drag you there. Dash, you’re welcome to come if you want.”
    Not drunk yet. He still had his clothes on. Definitely buzzed, though. The day was looking up.
    Dash pushed away from the wall and pressed his fingers down into his front pockets. “No, that’s okay. I’ll stay here and fill a couple of these boxes. See you later this afternoon?”
    Terric nodded. “I should be back.”
    “Don’t count on me,” I said. “But don’t pack the whiskey either.”
    “Wait. Terric?” Dash jogged toward his office. “I have a message for you.”
    He jogged right back with a folder in his hand. “There’s been another missing person report that matches the others.”
    Terric took the folder, opened it. “He looks familiar. Shame?”
    I took the folder. Printout of a missing person report. Paper-clipped to that was a photo of an older man, gray beard and hair, eyes nearly lost in the wrinkles from his smile.
    “I’ve seen him,” I said. “Don’t remember where. And not