Page 20 of Spring L.A.W.
“That’s what I’m trying to find out. But I’ve got a feeling it starts with this Magical Echo Blaster thing.”
Rayna leaned on the counter. “You don’t even know what it is.”
“Nope. And that upsets me.”
Rayna studied him for a beat longer than was polite. “Alright, Major. Let’s say I believe you. Let’s say we’re both pawns in somebody else’s game. You want to team up?”
“I’m not in the habit of teaming up with witches who threaten to memory-wipe people in their living rooms.”
“Well, I’m not in the habit of teaming up with trigger-happy military men who show up uninvited. But here we are.”
They stared at each other, two suspicious animals circling the same fire.
Finally, Payne nodded once. “Alright. I offer a truce.”
Rayna extended her hand. “Temporary truce,” she said.
He shook her hand. “I’ll take it.”
From the hallway, Lioness called, “Hey! Your guy’s trying to chew through the truth chair.”
Rayna rolled her eyes. “Of course he is.”
“Have you tried torture yet?” Payne asked.
“Only our typical brand of intimidation. Why? You want in on any future torture?”
“Not really. I just wondered how far you and your organization are willing to go to get the information you need. And, by the way, what’s the name of your organization?”
“As you would say,that’s classified.”
“Not for long. If you want to work together, I need to know who I’m dealing with.”
She let out a long-suffering sigh. “Fine. We’re known as the L.A.W. The league of amazing witches.”
“I knew you were a witch. It fits.”
She gave him the side-eye.
“I’m talking about a magical being,” he said. “Not the insult you’re thinking I might mean.”
“Good. Then, yes. I’m a witch. I’d say ‘at your service’, but that would be a lie.”
“I don’t think your man-pets are supernatural, right?”
“Correct. They are tough, talented men who are loyal and a joy to have around.”
“Isn’t calling them ‘pets’ a little… um, reverse chauvinistic?”
“Do you have any pets?”
“Not at the moment. I used to have a dog.”
“What kind?”
“An English setter. She was an amazing hunting dog.”
“Did you love her?”
