Ethan smiled. “Well, then this should be rather simple. You can have the job. I’ll even tell you where to find the jewels, so that you can collect the balance of what he owes me.”
“Why would you do this?”
“Because I have more important matters to which to attend. I can’t take the time to retrieve Paxton’s property.”
Sephira bristled. “And so you thought to give me your castoffs? Of all the impudent … I should have Nap and Gordon here beat you bloody.”
“Forgive me, Sephira. I phrased that poorly. Under most circumstances, I would gladly get the jewels myself, but I can’t now. It’s not that I have a better job; it’s that my life is in danger, and I can’t afford to leave Boston right now.”
This seemed to do little to mollify her. “We would have to leave Boston?”
“Aye. Paxton was robbed by a soldier named Jimmy Fleming, a private with the Twenty-ninth. But he was working with one of Paxton’s servants. Her name is Louisa Allen. According to Fleming, she has the jewels hidden at her parents’ home in Medfield. Louisa left the Paxton home last night-I assume that Jimmy is with her, though I could be mistaken. In any case, we haven’t much time. She must know that Jimmy told me where she took the jewels; she won’t remain there for long.”
“How much is Paxton paying you?”
“He gave me two pounds ten when I began my inquiry. Upon returning the jewels to him, he’ll pay another four and ten.”
“Seven pounds,” Sephira said, raising an eyebrow. “You’re learning, Ethan.” She picked up a goblet from a small table beside her chair and sipped her wine. “Still, I’m not sure it would be worth our time to travel all the way out to Medfield for a mere four and ten.”
“You want me to give you more?”
“I want you to tell me more,” she said, still holding the wineglass.
“I’ve told you everything that-”
“Not about Paxton and his servant. I want to know what or who has you so fearful that you would offer me coin we both know you need.”
He remained wary of telling her that Ramsey was back in Boston-she hated the man too much. He didn’t trust her not to get herself killed, and Ethan and others along with her. He didn’t know, however, that he could convince her to help him without telling her.
“It’s a private matter, Sephira.”
She shook her head. “It ceased to be private the moment you walked into my home.”
“Isn’t it enough to say that-”
“I want the truth-all of it. And you’re going to tell me, because you need my help even more than you need that four pounds ten. We both know that you wouldn’t come to me unless you had a good deal at stake.” She regarded him through narrowed eyes. “I would surmise that you learned the truth of what had happened but didn’t act soon enough. Thus, you let this soldier and his girl escape Boston, and then you had to admit as much to Paxton. Which means that your reputation as a thieftaker is at risk.” She sipped her wine again. “Do I have it right so far?”
“Don’t you always?”
Her smile was radiant. “Yes, I do. Now, tell me what this about.”
Ethan kept silent as he considered his options. The truth was, he had precious few.
Apparently, Sephira misinterpreted his silence. “Very well. Retrieve the jewels on your own. Nap, Gordon, I believe it’s time for Ethan to leave.”
The two men took a step toward him.
“Ramsey is back.”
Sephira raised a hand, and her toughs froze where they were, her single gesture as powerful in this house as a spell. “Nate Ramsey?” she asked, ice in her voice.
“Aye.”
“You are certain of this?” Mariz asked. “You have suspected-”
“I’m certain. He’s been using me to cast spells, including the one that made Gordon attack Will Pryor.”
“You knew about this?” Sephira demanded of Mariz.
“He knew nothing,” Ethan said, drawing her gaze. “When last Mariz and I spoke, I mentioned that the spells being used against me were the sort that Ramsey might try. But it was conjecture; that’s all. Only yesterday did I determine that he is in fact alive and in Boston once more.”
Again, Sephira appeared dissatisfied with his assurances. And no doubt this exchange was further eroding her trust in Mariz.
“What is it he wants?” Sephira asked.
“He wants to hurt me; his ultimate goal, no doubt, is to see me dead. But he’s in no rush to kill me. Right now he is using my power to cast spells that make others behave violently. I’ve been the cause of brawls between soldiers and workers, I’ve been attacked, I might well bear some responsibility for the death of Christopher Seider.
“He wants to make me an exile in my own city; he wants me to doubt my every action, and he wants me fearful not only for my own life but for those of the people I love. Once he’s accomplished all of that, he’ll come to finish me.”
“Do you know where he is?” Mariz asked.
“No. I’ve searched the waterfront for his ship, and several days ago I tried a finding spell. But until Ramsey wants to be found, his location will remain a secret.”
“I’ll help you kill him,” Sephira said.
“Before this is over, I’ll be grateful for your help. For right now, though, I would ask that you retrieve Paxton’s jewels.”
She made an impatient gesture, nearly spilling her wine. “We’ll see to that today. What shall I do with the soldier and the girl?”
Ethan hadn’t even considered this. “To be honest, Sephira, I don’t care.”
“Well, now I know that Ramsey has you scared.”
“Aye,” Ethan said.
“I assume you’ll wish to consult with Mariz. Until Ramsey is dead you have my leave to do so whenever necessary.”
It was Ethan’s turn to cock an eyebrow. “I guess you’re scared of him as well.”
“I fear no man. But I do want the bloody bastard dead.”
“That’s a common sentiment where Ramsey is concerned. Thank you, Sephira.” To Afton he said, “I’ll need my blade and my herbs.”
Afton held them up, but Mariz took them from him, and turning to Ethan said, “I will see you out.”
With one last nod to Sephira, Ethan picked up his hat and coat and walked back to the foyer. Mariz followed.
“What are these spells Ramsey is using against you?” the conjurer asked, handing Ethan his knife and the leather pouches.
“Have you ever heard of borrowed spells?”
“Borrowed?”
“The translation to Portuguese might not be exact. In essence, Ramsey has found a way to use my power to cast spells, regardless of distance or simple wardings. The residue of his conjurings is all over me, and so far I’ve not been able to do a damned thing to stop him.”
“So he is using conjurings to make you cast spells for him-spells you do not wish to cast. Is that right?”
“Aye, that’s close enough.”
Mariz removed his spectacles and rubbed the lenses with a handkerchief. “Last time we spoke, I might have been too quick to say that I had never heard of such things. Your phrase-‘borrowed spells’-has stirred a memory. There is a kind of conjuring, one that I heard mentioned back in my country, long ago. We call them stolen spells, but I believe they involve the same magick.”
“Stolen spells sounds more apt. Do you know how to prevent them? Is there a warding that you can teach me?”
“I am not certain. There may be something. I have a teacher, a man back in Lisbon who taught me much about casting. I can ask him.”
“Not by letter, Mariz. I haven’t time.”
“I understand. I will find out what I can.”
“My thanks.”
Ethan pulled open the door and stepped out onto the portico.
“Kaille, have you considered-?”
“Leaving Boston?”
Mariz nodded. “I see that you have. But you have decided to stay.”
“What would you do? Would you allow yourself to be hounded from your home?”
The conjurer gave a small shake of his head, his spectacles catching the glare from outside. “You and the senhora are much alike in many ways.”