And that’s when it hit me. Robby Sommer had been Claudia’s dealer.
CHAPTER 17
I’d been at ’Toine’s the third time I felt the sorcerer test my magic, and now the kid was dead. I’d been outside Robo’s the second time, and I’d nearly died there a couple of hours ago.
The first time I’d felt the red sorcerer’s magic, I’d been at Robby’s house.
I threw the Z-ster into gear and raced away from Q’s place, my tires screeching. It was a long drive back to Tempe from Maryvale, but by now the freeways were clear and I made good time.
When I arrived, though, it seemed that I needn’t have bothered rushing.
Robby’s place looked much the way it had the last time I saw it. There was no sign of the violence I’d seen at Orestes’ house or at Antoine’s. The door was still on its hinges, the windows were intact. There was a light on inside, which was a bit strange, given how late it was. But for all I knew, Robby was a night owl.
I got out of the car and walked up to his door. I’d even gone so far as to raise my hand to knock before I noticed that the door was already unlatched, and that there was a small but brilliant flare of crimson magic on the knob and lock. Seeing this tiny bit of craft, I was reminded once more-as if I could have forgotten-of how powerful this red sorcerer was. The stronger the magician, the faster the traces of his sorcery fade from view. The magic at Q’s house had seemed bright, but compared with this, it was flat and dull. This magic, though, was as fresh as warm blood.
Once more, I pulled out my pistol and prepared to push the door open. I knew he could use magic to deflect bullets, but I also knew that I didn’t have enough knowledge of assailing magic to hurt him. The Glock seemed my best bet.
My hands were shaking and I was breathing hard. Back when I was on the force, I was no braver than any other cop. I was no more a coward either. You learn to accept fear as part of the job, to manage it and live with it. But right then, I was really scared; as scared as I had been in years. Just the thought of going up against this guy so soon after Robo’s made my chest ache. I tried to sense him and knew in an instant that he was near, though I wasn’t sure that meant “in the house.” I wasn’t sure it didn’t, either.
I took a breath and kicked the door open.
Robby was sprawled on the couch, his eyes open and fixed sightlessly on the ceiling. A bag of Spark lay beside him, his pipe sat on the coffee table in front of him. The television was on, but the sound was turned down low. Making as little noise as I could manage, I stepped through the living room and peeked around the corner into the kitchen. Nothing. Still holding my weapon, still expecting to be attacked at any moment, I followed a corridor toward the back of the house, edging along the wall. I reached a door, counted to three in my head, and kicked it open. It appeared to be a spare room. An electric guitar leaned against one wall, an amplifier beside it. A bike was propped against the closet door. Otherwise the room was empty. I checked the closet but found only a few cardboard boxes filled with books and junk. The bathroom was across the hall from this room. It was empty, too, as was Robby’s bedroom, which was all the way in the back.
I exhaled, relieved. As much as I wanted to catch this guy, I didn’t want to face him tonight. I tucked my Glock into my belt against my back and returned to the living room.
I checked Robby for a pulse, but I knew I wouldn’t find one. There was a small but bright red glimmering around his head and neck, but to anyone who couldn’t see magic he would appear unmarked.
I’d had enough of this guy killing off my leads and hurting my friends. I wasn’t crazy about him attacking me, either. But most of all, I resented the fact that he always seemed to be one step ahead of me.
I reached for the phone to call the police yet again, but then I stopped myself. Robby wasn’t going anywhere, and it was possible that a quick search of the house might turn up something tangible that would connect Robby with ’Toine and Shari.
My first thought was to use the scrying stone, but I knew from ’Toine’s place that it wouldn’t work here. Then something occurred to me. I pulled out the stone and fished in my jacket pocket for the evidence bag containing Claudia’s hair. I still had it with me. Whatever else this case might have done for me, it was making me an expert at seeing-spells.
I chanted the spell to myself, and a moment later, there was Robby, sitting on the same couch he was lying on now. He was adjusting a scale, measuring out Spark for a sale.
I told you this was good stuff, Claud, he said, his eyes fixed on the balance. It costs, too. So I gotta make sure that the bags are right, you know? I don’t wanna be giving away too much, and I sure don’t want someone coming back at me claiming that I shorted them.
I wouldn’t do that.
He glanced up at her and smiled. I know you wouldn’t. But I wouldn’t want to shortchange you, you know? You least of all.
She didn’t answer and a moment later she started to glance through his DVD collection. I had the feeling she didn’t like the turn their conversation had taken.
Just hurry it up, she said, her voice low.
You still with that Tilo guy?
Don’t, Robby. You and I are history, and I’d like to forget about it, all right?
I’m just asking.
You’re not just asking. You never just ask.
He said nothing, and a moment later he turned his attention back to the scale. He fiddled with it for a few seconds. Then, with utmost care, he brushed the Spark he’d laid out into a bag and handed it to her. Check that out.
For severals moment Claudia stared at it.
Eyeing the stuff lying beside Robby’s body, I understood why. In all the years I’d worked narcotics I’d never seen Spark like this. The color was so deep, so rich, it reminded me of desert dirt, the kind you might see in Monument Valley or the Superstition Wilderness.
Where did you get this? she asked.
Usual place. My scalper said he’d found some great stuff, and, man, did he ever. I’ve tried it, he said, his eyes widening. It’s amazing. He nodded. You want some now? On the house? He was lying to her. Spark was a blocker-it wouldn’t have gotten Robby high; it might have made the phasing less intense, but he wouldn’t have gotten off on it. Of course, she wouldn’t have known this.
I better not, she said. Thanks, though.
She rolled up the bag and put it in her pack. Then she pulled out a wad of twenty-dollar bills and handed it to Robby.
There you go, she said. Three-sixty.
Robby made a quick count and smiled at her. Thanks, Claud. Always a pleasure taking your money.
I don’t like your new prices. I might have to start shopping elsewhere.
You say that now, but after you try this stuff you won’t think twice about what it cost. I promise. Cleanest burn you ever had.
At one-eighty a ‘g’ it better be. She swung her pack onto her shoulder, walked to the door and pulled it open. Later, Robby. Thanks.
Close the door, Claud! You want the whole neighborhood to see what I got here?
She laughed. Hey, everybody! she called, raising her voice. Check out Robby’s stuff!
He jumped up, yanked her back into the house, and slammed the door.
Claudia pulled her arm out of his grasp and rubbed it. Geez, Robby!