Mosaic Moon

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

The bag swung from her hand as Emma stepped onto the curb, the tangy scent of the gyro and the spinach pie drifting up to block out the normal smells of Gideon’s neighborhood. Though she had just eaten, her mouth watered, and a smile curved her full mouth as she thought of how surprised Jesse was going to be. He hadn’t believed her when she’d said she’d bring something back for him, she knew. The look on his face when he saw her was going to be more than worth it.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to come back and pick you up?” Ethan stood in his open door, watching her over the hood of his car. The sun glinted off his blond hair, but his hazel eyes were hidden by his aviator sunglasses. “You know it’s not any bother.”

“I don’t know how long it’s going to take,” Emma said. “Go enjoy the rest of your day. At least one of us should be taking advantage of this gorgeous weather.”

With a shrug of surrender, he smiled and gave her a little wave before sliding back behind the wheel of his Taurus. Emma waited and watched as he pulled away, humming under her breath as she entered the building. Her mood only got brighter with every foot closer she got to the office.

“I come bearing food!” she called out as she reached the door. “Somebody better be hungry!”

“In here,” Jesse called from Gideon’s office. She found him standing knee deep in books, holding one in each hand and studying them with a frown. “Why didn’t you remind me last night that I didn’t have room for new books?”

So intent on the thick volumes in his hands, Jess didn’t even glance up, giving Emma the luxury of a stolen moment to appraise his appearance. His dark hair was damp from a recent shower, just starting to reach the length where it curled at his nape. He would be cutting it soon. He always complained when it got this long, though personally, she thought it suited him better. He’d changed into a worn T-shirt to finish the dirty work in sorting the new books, and it stretched across his shoulders to highlight his long, lean form. With his head bowed, she couldn’t see the brilliant blue of his eyes, but she didn’t need to. She saw them often enough in her dreams.

“Because it wouldn’t have made a difference on whether or not you bought them.” Emma ventured farther into the room, circuiting the mess he’d made to go to the desk. “I can’t believe Gideon let you sort through them in here,” she said, perching on the corner. “Did he lose a bet?”

“There’s no more space out there. Plus, most of these books were going to end up in here anyway.” Jesse tilted his head. “I suppose they don’t necessarily count as gifts for Gideon since he bought them, do they?”

“Not quite,” she agreed with a smile. She rattled the bag she still held before setting it on the desk. “I brought you some food from that Greek place. I figured you’d forget to eat again if I didn’t.”

Jesse set his books down and stepped over the other stacks. “That wasn’t necessary.” He wiped his hands on the seat of his jeans and reached for the bag. Opening it, he inhaled deeply and smiled. “But very much appreciated.”

It was so tempting when they were this close to forget everything Ethan had taught her over the past four months and open herself up to Jesse. Sometimes, Emma missed those first weeks they’d been friends, before Michelle had brought Ethan to town to train her, when she didn’t even need to touch him to get an idea about how he was feeling. She missed the closeness it evoked, the sense of place it gave her in knowing these little tidbits about Jesse that nobody else knew.

But then she remembered Ethan’s instructions and knew that if she indulged this one time, she would indulge again and again and again, and then what good was it in learning how to corral her abilities if all she was going to do was seek out the very thing she was supposedly avoiding? Jesse deserved his privacy, too. Emma was sure he didn’t want her poking around his head, picking up emotions that he didn’t care to share. Plus, the stronger their friendship grew, the more she didn’t want to do anything that would hurt it.

She still missed the intimacy, though. It was the closest she was ever going to get to Jesse’s heart.

“The food’s good there,” she said. “We should go back to dinner sometime soon.”

Jesse nodded. “Yeah, we can go…” The phone ringing on Gideon’s desk interrupted him. With an apologetic smile, he reached around her to answer it. He was standing close enough that she could feel the heat coming from his skin and smell the soap he used in his hair. “Gideon Investigations…oh, hello. Today?” He listened, his smile turning into a frown. “No, I’m not busy…right, well, I’m sure he won’t be heartbroken to hear that. Bye.”

He replaced the receiver and stepped back. “I’m going to have to enjoy my lunch later. Duty calls.”

Emma’s frown matched his. She’d been looking forward to spending the afternoon with him. “What is it?”

“That was John.” At her blank look, he clarified. “Black John. He said we have business to discuss. I know what he’s talking about, but honestly, I thought maybe he forgot.”

She’d heard mention of Black John once or twice in the time she’d known Jesse and Gideon, but as quickly as it would get brought up, Jess would change the subject. Gideon clearly didn’t like the man—correction, black mage—but then again, Gideon didn’t like most people. Emma had always been intrigued by the question of what it was about this particular person that had Jesse scurrying not to talk about him in front of his lover.

“Do you have to go see him?” When Jess nodded, she added, “Is it something I can come with you?”

Jesse hesitated for so long that she thought he was going to tell her to stay home. Finally he said, “You can come. Actually, I think I’ll need your help. Would you be willing to try to get a read on him for me?”

“For you? Of course.”

He grinned. “Thanks.” Sobering, he added, “And hopefully we won’t have to mention this little excursion to Gideon.”

Jesse paused long enough to put his lunch in the small fridge he kept near his desk, then led her to his Jeep. As they drove, Jesse filled in some of the details about Black John. They had had a working relationship until the summer before, when John had provided a dealer with the very dangerous drug known as obsidian. This wasn’t the first time Emma had heard of it, but it was the first time Jesse had volunteered any additional details. Jesse didn’t say that he had been angry about the perceived betrayal, but the implication hung in his words.

“Anyway, he agreed to give us what was left of his stock. I was able to use it to create an antidote, but nothing’s ever free,” Jesse explained as the pulled to a stop in front of an innocuous house. “I just expected him to call in the debt before now.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“It might be hard to sense anything from him because of his power. But if you sense anything that seems dangerous, let me know as soon as you can.” Jesse sighed. “He used to be my friend. Maybe he still considers himself my friend. I don’t know.”

There was no mistaking the melancholy in his voice, but Emma didn’t press as they walked up to the front door. She hung back as he rang the bell, but when the door opened almost immediately, it was impossible not to be mildly surprised.

Black John was nothing like she had envisioned. From Gideon’s dislike and what Jesse had detailed, she’d imagined someone imposing, someone who would have fit into places like Sangre if he was a vampire. But this Black John was no taller than her, with narrow features and clear gray eyes that were quick and incisive. She couldn’t even tell how old he was, though the few strands of white in his closely-cut brown hair said he was probably in his thirties at least. Carefully, she opened her senses, but all she was aware of was the anxiety rolling from Jesse.

Emma tried not to glance up at him. He didn’t need to know she was picking up on him, too.

“So prompt,” John said with a smile. “That’s one characteristic I’ve always appreciated in you, Mr. Madding.” His brows shot up when he spied Emma hanging back. “And who’s this? A new business partner?”

“John, this is Emma. She was helping me unpack some books when you called. I didn’t want to leave her alone in the office. I hope you don’t mind that she came along.”

Calming her thoughts, she stepped forward, a warm smile on her face, her hand extended in greeting. “I know it’s an imposition,” she said. “If you want, I can always wait in the car—”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” His palm was cool against hers as he shook her hand, his grasp light. There were the faintest of emanations coming from him, a sense of amused annoyance, but that was all. “I would never allow a beautiful woman such as yourself to be relegated to the car. My mother would be turning over in her grave if she heard I did such a thing.” John chuckled. “If she was dead, of course.” He stepped back, allowing them room to enter. “Come in. I’ve got fresh tea on, just for this meeting.”

Jesse put his hand on the small of her back and gently guided her into the house. Now his anxiety was tempered with a reserved relief, like something John said had put his mind at ease. They followed him to the small sitting room, seating themselves in the high-backed chairs John indicated before pouring the tea.

“How have you been, John? Well, I hope,” Jesse said cordially.

“Physically, never better,” came the amiable reply. He took the chair opposite, somehow managing to make the stiff furniture look comfortable. “I’ve found some new relaxation techniques that work marvelously. Helps the digestion, helps the sleep, it’s all good.” His smile became sheepish. “Unfortunately, they’ve become more necessary in the past few months. Which is why you’re here.”

Jesse sipped from his tea calmly, though his emotions had shifted once again, and he was no longer at ease. “You know I’ll do what I can to help. What are these new relaxation techniques?”

“You didn’t hear? There’s this wonderful new herbalist downtown. Their wares are rather ho-hum, but the owner’s grandfather lives with him.” His smile was coy. “It’s amazing what we can learn from the elderly.”

Jess set the cup aside and settled back in his chair, crossing one knee over the other. It looked like he was settling in for a long conversation. Emma mimicked him, trying to get comfortable in the rigid chair, but that was easier said than done.

“I have heard of the new herbalist, though I haven’t had a chance to visit myself. Gus always has what I need, and at decent prices. Do you think I should go meet…what’s his name?”

“Quang. Doan Quang. You should go, if only for the experience.” c*****g his head, he looked curiously to Emma. “But we’re excluding your lovely colleague, and I get the distinct feeling, herbs aren’t exactly her thing. How long have you and Jesse been working together, my dear?”

Emma returned his smile. “Oh, we’re just friends.”

“She occasionally lends me a hand out of the kindness of her heart,” Jesse explained. “Emma actually works at the Art Institute.”

For whatever reason, John seemed to love this, brightening considerably as he set aside his tea. “One of my favorite places,” he said. “I have friends on the board who keep trying to get me to join, but that’s just so bureaucratic. Not my style at all. I fear that it would completely spoil whatever appreciation I have for it, too. I…” His voice trailed off, his eyes flickering to Jesse. “But you’re not here for me to extol the virtue of your better taste in friends, Mr. Madding. I suppose I should get right down to it.”

Jesse’s face darkened for a moment at John’s comment about Jesse’s better taste, but it cleared and he inclined his head. “I would appreciate that. Unfortunately, I have a tight schedule this afternoon.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t make myself clear. It’s not your services I require. I’m in need of your employer’s.”

“Gideon’s? You want Gideon’s services?”

“It’s a small job, really.” John was completely unperturbed by Jesse’s shock. “Quite suited for Gideon’s brutish tendencies. I’m in the middle of a personal project, but as I’ve been gathering the necessary ingredients for it, I’ve found that someone else is…beating me to the punch, so to speak. I’d like Gideon to get rid of him for me.” He rolled his eyes. “It’s getting very tiresome having to find alternatives elsewhere when there are perfectly good ones here in Chicago.”

“Get rid of him for you? Gideon is not a trained attack dog, John.” Jesse ran his hand through his hair. “Is he a human?”

“Well, if I knew who or what he was, I’d take care of him myself, now wouldn’t I?”

“Yes, I suppose that’s true. I’m assuming that this…whoever it is, is not just buying up all the really firm tomatoes at the farmer’s market.”

“No.” John’s cheerful smile faded, something dark settling behind his eyes. A shiver ran through Emma even before he spoke. “He’s stealing body parts. From graveyards.”

“So you want Gideon to find a grave robber and get rid of him, because he’s zeroing in on the prime body parts that you want. And you think Gideon is going to agree to this?”

“I think you’re going to convince him, yes.”

Jesse pinched the bridge of his nose. Judging from the growing tension, Emma expected Jesse to tell him there was no deal. Instead he said, “I’m not a miracle worker, John.”

“And yet, you’ll try. Because you are an intelligent man, Mr. Madding, and better the devil you know than the one you don’t, am I not mistaken?”

“You don’t have to give me the details, John, but I’m not going to try anything unless I know that whatever you’re up to is not going to create more work for us in the long run. I don’t want to find myself visiting you again under less pleasant circumstances.”

It was like watching a tennis game, with players equally matched. Emma’s head swiveled to see John’s reaction, but again, he appeared completely unruffled by Jesse’s demands.

“Would you like my word?” he said. “You’re welcome to it. But I’ve already said, this is a personal project. Its effects will not be felt outside these walls. You’ve nothing to fear from me. But heed your Disraeli, because I can’t assure you that my rival can say the same thing.”

“Gideon will find that infinitely comforting,” Jesse muttered, standing. “I’ll call you tomorrow morning with his decision. If my powers of persuasion are as good as you’re giving me credit for, I’ll need more details.”

Emma rose as well, hanging back as John led them back to the door. “Impress upon him that this clears your debt to me,” he said when they stood on the front step. “And that I didn’t even take affront that you brought an empath to our meeting without introducing her as such.” He took her hand in his, bowing to brush a kiss across her knuckles. “Though it was certainly my pleasure to make your acquaintance, my dear. Perhaps I shall see you some time at the Institute.”

“Perhaps,” she murmured, too shaken by the fact that he’d known all along what she was.

“I’ll make sure he knows that,” Jesse said, shaking John’s hand. “I’ll call tomorrow.”

She followed Jesse back to the Jeep, his anxiety still readily apparent to her, but it had shifted at this point. He wasn’t nervous about John any more, but he clearly had his reservations about discussing the meeting with Gideon.

“Grave robbing,” he finally muttered as he put the truck into drive. “Grave robbing. Can you believe it?”

She looked at him, trying to figure out how to respond. “Um…no?”

“You know, there’s no good magic that requires pieces of corpses. Gideon does not know much about magic, but even he will see this as the problem it is.” He glanced at her. “I actually take John at his word. I don’t think he’s going to hurt anybody with whatever he’s doing. But Gideon will not be so charitable.”

“Well, if it helps at all, he believed every word he said,” Emma volunteered. “Maybe I can show that to Gideon.”

“I think I should talk to him alone.”

The directness of his assertion made her retreat, turning to look out the window as he drove away from the house. If ever she needed proof that she wasn’t really a part of their world any more, this was it. Jesse was completely devoted to Gideon, worshiped the ground he walked on. Any crush she might be harboring for either of them was better left ignored.

“You can probably just drop me off at home then,” she said carefully. “Save you a trip later on.”

“Oh. Okay. Are you sure?”

No, she wasn’t sure, but considering the circumstances, Emma knew she didn’t have a choice. “Ethan was talking about going out again tonight anyway.” She affected her best smile. “After how well last night turned out, it’d be nice to see if I can do it again.”

“That sounds like fun,” Jesse said, politely. He sounded normal, but the sudden slam of emotion was anything but. Annoyance, frustration, dislike—maybe even something stronger than that. “Same club?”

“Yes,” Emma replied automatically, but her mind was already whirling to try and fathom out his unspoken response. She blurted the next without thinking. “Don’t you think I should go?”

Jesse looked up sharply, his eyes dark. “Are you reading me? I thought you weren’t going to do that.”

She was rarely on the wrong end of Jesse’s mood. In fact, Emma could count on one hand how many times he’d snapped at her since they’d found her sister. So when it happened, it always took her by surprise.

“I…I wasn’t…I didn’t mean to,” she stumbled. “I’m sorry. I was so wrapped up in the fact that John knew what I was that I forgot to turn it off. It just happened.”

Jesse sighed. “Emma, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…I know that you didn’t mean anything by it. And I don’t think you shouldn’t go. I know that it means a lot to you to be able to go out like that. It makes you happy.”

She wanted to reach over and touch him. She wanted to feel his arms pull her in close, and she wanted to bury her face in his chest and never leave. She wanted to tell him that her happiest memories were of times she spent with him and Gideon, but she knew that wasn’t what he wanted to hear.

“I won’t do it anymore,” she promised. Deliberately, she erected the walls she’d been taught, focusing on her breathing as the rush of outward emotions ebbed. “I’m getting stronger about blocking things out every day. It’s only a matter of time before it’s automatic, like Ethan said it would be.”

“You can,” Jesse said slowly. “I mean, warn me first.”

Though she nodded, Emma knew she wouldn’t. Not unless he specifically asked her to, like he had with Black John. She needed Jess, and the last thing she would ever do was risk losing him.

She had lost so much in her life already. Whatever it took, she refused to add Jesse or Gideon to the list.