5
An hour after their confrontation with Cotio found the group back at Ruthven’s house. Amand greeted them at the back door as they walked from the garage. “How’d it go?”
“Could have been better. . .” Adam grumbled as he strode past him.
Amand stepped out of the way and arched an eyebrow. “That bad?”
“Adam’s second-worst enemy has the piece,” Sarah told him.
“How the hell did that happen?” he asked them.
“A horrible matter of fate, but come,” Ruthven insisted as he brought up the rear and herded everyone inside. “The house may be safe, but the grounds are less protected.”
“Why the sudden worry about the house?” Jenny wondered as Ruthven securely shut the door behind them.
Ruthven turned to them with a smile. “We do not know of what magic this second piece is capable, so it wou
