Page 60 of A Shared Mind

Mama’s hands were a mess, but she leaned forward and kissed both dogs on their heads before they followed EZ out of the studio. I was fucking speechless at what had occurred.

For the life of me, I had no idea what was going to happen next, but my goal was to ensure Justin was safe, along with my mother. I still wondered if I was in the midst of some dream, actually hoping I didn’t wake up. Having Justin beside me simply had to be my reality going forward.

I woke too damn early. We were waiting for EZ and his hounds to show up, but he hadn’t given us a time, which was a shit move on his part because I didn’t sleep much at all as a result.

“What time is it?” Justin whispered as he ambled into the kitchen where I was making coffee. I opened my arms and he came right into my embrace.

“It’s five-thirty. Did I wake you with my stomping around?”

“No. I felt you get out of bed. I love sleeping next to you and when you get up, I can feel that you’re gone. You want me to make you some breakfast?”

We both heard the barking outside, so I released Justin and walked to the back door. I wasn’t surprised to see EZ and the hounds outside.

“You want to come inside? Justin’s about to make breakfast. I’m sure he can make something for the hounds." That whole fucking statement sounded ridiculous to me, but I’d said it and I wouldn’t rescind the invitation.

“I’m always happy to eat, but don’t spoil them. They need to be hungry to find a spirit.”

Justin poured two cups of coffee, handing one to me and one to EZ before he spoke. “It seems that Sonny killed Tino because Tino killed Ramon and Johnny DeLuca. I don’t know what that means to you.”

EZ nodded before he took a sip of the coffee. “It means nothing to me, but I know it means something to my boss. How long do you need to get ready?”

“What time is our flight? We’re about ninety miles from the nearest airport.”

The demon hunter nodded. “We’re not flying commercial. Grab an overnight bag and let’s go. I’ll go check on Miss Pansy before I take off. I’ve made sure she’ll be safe while you’re gone.”

I turned to EZ. “How?” It seemed logical to ask him because I didn’t know him from anyone, nor did I know his definition of ‘safe’.

“The hounds have brothers and sisters, so I’ve asked that they guard Miss Pansy while we’re away. Nothing is getting through their watch, I promise you.”

“What would she be in danger of, by the way?” We had lived on the farm for years and we’d been safe. What new bullshit was he hinting at?

EZ cleared his throat. “I’m not a Guardian of Hell for no reason. Sometimes spirits get through to the human realm and cause issues. Case in point, Ramon. My presence leaves a marker for demons to follow until I come back for the last time and erase it. I don’t want anything to follow it and find your mother alone.”

That sounded ominous, but then again, Ramon had wreaked havoc on Justin and me, so I had to take EZ at his word. “Thank you, EZ.”

Justin nodded. “Yeah, uh, thank you, EZ. We appreciate you looking after Miss Pansy. I can’t believe I’m asking this, but what do we need to bring? How long will we be gone? I have a job I need to plan for.”

Yeah, and I had a farm to look after, too. We needed more information, and it seemed that EZ was reluctant to give it.

“If Madame Stella will see us today, then we can come back today. If she can’t, then we wait.”

His words didn’t instill a lot of confidence in me. “Can’t we call and make an appointment?”

EZ chuckled. “I’ve worked with these people before. She’ll see us at her convenience, not ours. My boss contacted her on Ramon’s behalf, so it’ll depend on when management is ready to talk. Hurry up and get ready. I’m in the mood for beignets and chicory coffee.” He gulped the hot coffee in his mug, put it on the counter, and walked out the back door.

“What the hell?”

Justin shook his head. “I’m killing Eve if she ever has another stupid idea of contacting the dead.” He turned and walked away, so I followed him. I suspected I’d be doing that for the rest of my life.

An hour later we had our clothes in my garment bag and were waiting for EZ to come back. I’d made toast for the two of us, and I’d seen the lights come on at Mama’s house, so she was up. I hoped the hounds EZ had enlisted to guard her did their job.

Justin came into the kitchen, still buttoning his shirt. His grumpy expression made me laugh. “What’s wrong, darlin’?”

“Well, this all worries me. Why did Madame Stella contact Kirk? Seems Eve would have been the most likely person to call, and why the hell do we have to go down to New Orleans? Can’t we just give the information to EZ and he can relate it to his boss?”

All very valid concerns, but I was guessing all would be revealed in time. “Well, we won’t find any of those answers if we don’t go. You ready? He’s outside.”

Justin tucked his shirt into his jeans. “Yeah. I guess when we get back, I’ll take a cab to my apartment. I’m sure my mailbox is full.”