Free West Coast Witch by Justen Hunter Page B

glamour. But a witch…this is interesting.”
     He stroked the line of his jaw, pondering.
    “Interesting? What do you mean?”
    “Witch’s blood is strong. Once, many years ago, I tasted it. He may well develop powers.
     That will make him dangerous. And he may come for more. If he drained you, oh…that
     is a scary thought.” He smiled. “I suggest you find protection soon. Ally yourself
     with one of the players in town. After you find your protection, you can safely move
     in these circles.”
    “Ally myself? How does that work?” I asked him.
    “Well, it’s simple. You would approach one of the leaders. The Alpha of the were packs,
     myself, or maybe one of the minor players in the city.   Any one of them would probably accept a witch like you. In return, you would serve
     as a vassal to them. You would be a knight, your sword employed in return for political
     protection.”
    “You’re kidding.” I sighed. “That’s…that’s…really old-fashioned.”
    “Indeed, but we Arcanes are old creatures. We hate to remove ourselves from trends
     that, for us, are only a few generations past.”
    “Well, I’ll think on it.” I said. I reminded myself that my reason for coming here
     wasn’t to learn every minutiae of Arcane society. “But in the mean time, I have a
     few questions I’d like to ask. Maybe someone already came by and asked them, an investigator
     named Raymond Francis.”
    Ishmael shook his head. “No, I know no such name.”
    “Then how about a U.S. marshal, James Thomas?”
    “Thomas, now him I remember.. He came asking some questions about our clientele. What
     is this regarding?”
    “A woman who came here, Sam Coolidge. She was a werefox, about twenty-four or so.”
     I summoned my best memory of her. “Average height, short blond hair, very cheery disposition.”
    “I know her. Your information, I will give, but at a price.” Ishmael said.
    “A price?”
    “All things have a price. The modern world worships the god of coin, but we trade
     in something a little less tangible in our world, Mister Carpenter.”
    “And what do you trade in, Ishmael?” I asked, already regretting it the moment I did.
    “Favors. I will give you information you require, but in return, I wish for a favor.
     I like you, Mister Carpenter. You’re interesting, and…sincere. I think we can work
     together. I promise I will not ask anything to compromise your morals. Only that you
     do a favor for me sometime in the future.”
    “Sure.” Okay, remember when I said that walking into this club was a terrible idea?
    Oh, I knew nothing.
     
     
Chapter 10
     
    “Let us begin.” Ishmael seemed to sink further in his chair, reclining. “Come, sit.”
     He said. He gestured to one of the chairs next to him.
    I moved to sit down, and noticed that Teresa had not moved at all since she had first
     introduced me to Ishmael. My brain tried to piece together her role in all of this.
     Was she in the power structure in some way?                  
    “So, Ishmael, what can you tell me about Sam?”
    He tapped a finger against his chin. “She was a lively woman, even for a were. Full
     of energy. She was an intelligent girl, bound to move on to bright opportunities.
     She was also a regular here, and she associated with several of the vampires here.”
     He licked his lips. “Were blood is quite energizing. She was a welcome patron here.”
    “Were you involved with her, Count?”
    “No, I was not.” He said. “My tastes don't lie towards things that bite back these
     days.”
    “Well, do you know why she might just disappear?” I asked.
    “I do not. Teresa, might you be able to shed some light?”
    Teresa pondered for a moment. “Not personally, but I can ask a few of her usual partners
     here.”
    “Please do so.” Ishmael said. His voice barely changed, but it wasn’t subtle enough
     for me not to notice. He’d commanded her.
    When Teresa left, I decided to inquire. “So, what’s