Dia smiled at Edwards as he held the door to the breakfast parlor for her. She was, apparently, the last one down this morning. She filled a plate and took a seat across from Smitty, watching him fill a bowl with something labeled Cocoa Puffs. Then he reached for the sugar bowl and she watched, entranced, as he added spoonful after spoonful to his cereal. She glanced around the table. She wasn't the only one fascinated by the process unfolding before her.
Ian shuddered a bit and drug his eyes away from Smitty's cereal bowl. "Good morning Dia. I trust you slept well?"
"Very well thank you," she said. "Smitty, you look like you're feeling much better this morning. How's your arm?"
Smitty flexed his arm and frowned at it as he chewed. "Better. Thanks."
"I trust you are happy with the workshop arrangements?" Ian asked politely.
"Oh, yeah," Smitty replied around a mouthful of cereal. "It's great, you know? And lots of Coke."
"I'm delighted to hear you are happy," Ian replied, although he didn't sound quite as delighted as he said.
Dia stifled a grin and looked at Lev. "I need to go to the museum this morning. I was thinking about the tapestry and there's something I want to check."
Lev looked at his watch. "Right. I'll coordinate with Blackheath and give you a time, if that's all right."
She nodded. "That's fine. Smitty, will you be okay while I'm gone?" she asked. "I know you wanted to follow up on the stuff we talked about yesterday."
Smitty frowned. "I could go with you," he suggested.
Lev looked mutinous.
"Yes, you could," Dia agreed, ignoring Lev. "But I was hoping you'd have everything ready in the workshop when I got back so we could get right to work. Besides, I'm only going to be a couple of minutes. I'll take you to see it when this is all over, how about that, and give you the tour."
"Besides, Cook wishes to consult with you on your lunches. She understands you'd like a tray sent down to the workshop," Ian added. "I told her this morning would be best."
"Oh, yeah. A tray sent down would be great. Could I have a refrigerator down there for Coke, so I can help myself?" Smitty suggested.
"I'll have Edwards see right to it," Ian agreed.
Lev sat back and sipped his coffee, nodding a discreet thank you at Ian.
"So, listen, I'm heading out today," Simon offered. "You seem to be settled in here, Smitty."
Smitty's bottom lip quivered.
"Would you like him to stick around a bit longer, honey?" Bobbie asked, nudging Simon under the table.
"Would you, Si? You're always taking off. I think you like your beach house better than me."
Simon went still for a moment then said, "I'll stay for awhile, Smitty, but I do have business to see to, you know."
Smitty was all smiles.
"Thanks Simon," Dia said. "I appreciate it."
"Yeah, well. Bobbie, when do you have to be back to DC?"
"I asked Billie to talk to Rimes so basically whenever I get there. Is there something I can help you with?"
"No, just wondered that's all."
Ian raised an eyebrow at Betty, but went back to his egg.
"So, Lev, you're like a bodyguard?" Smitty asked, eying Lev.
"Yes. Do you feel you need one?"
"Well," Smitty grinned. "Not here in the house."
"I'm glad you feel safe here," Betty Jo said. "Ian would be hurt if you didn't. And I'm sure Lev will make sure you're safe if you go out. But I'd stay away from the windows onto the street if I were you, at least for now...snipers being what they are."
Smitty looked panicked for a moment. "Maybe I'll take all my meals in the workshop."
"Oh, I think it's quite safe here and in the main dining room, wouldn't you say Lev?"
Lev frowned. "Hard to say. We assassins have our ways, you know."
"Assassins? You're an assassin?"
"Yes, and a spy," Lev replied. "I even wore a tuxedo but never had a car with lots of gadgets."
"We'll have to see what we can do about that, won't we Ian?" Betty Jo said, her mouth not quite still.
"And get my tailor in for fittings," Ian added.
Lev frowned. "What's wrong with how I dress?"
All three women eyed him critically. "Evening wear is so hard to get right off the rack," Betty Jo finally said.
"And with your bod you would display to advantage in it," Dia added. "Still you also do something for denim, too."
"I'll set up the appointment. One for Smitty too."
"What! No!!!" Smitty grabbed his cereal bowl and said, "I'll be in my lab when you get back Dia," and fled.
As soon as the door closed behind Smitty Betty Jo succumbed to laughter. "Oh it's awful, us teasing the poor thing like this."
Dia, laughing just as hard said, "it's good for him."
Simon grinned and Ian was laughing. Only Lev looked a bit doubtful. "I'll go coordinate with Blackheath, which of late seems to be St John." Lev, far too conscious of himself, let himself out of the room.
An hour later Dia and Lev entered the British Museum and headed for the rare book collection. Dia, well known there, showed her ID and signed them both in. Then she filled out a slip and handed it to the librarian. Dia spent half an hour with the book, taking a number of notes and copying three sigils. Then she returned the book to the desk. "Well, that's that," she said.
"Great, I'll be relieved when you're safely at home," Lev replied, his eyes as always scanning the area.
"Me too," she said as she signed them out. She let him proceed her out of the main doors, pausing to let him check the area. Then, at his signal, she followed him down the steps. Once on the street he allowed her to get a pace or two ahead of him as they headed for where the car was waiting, just up the block. Ahead of her she saw three men get out of a taxi and pay it off, before walking towards her. She glanced over her shoulder, looking back at Lev and saw a group of four men behind them, engaged in an animated argument about something.
Lev's hand went to his jacket, but he walked just as casually as always. The argument behind them suddenly turned nasty and Lev turned just as he said, "Dia, zap home now!"
She heard him at the same time as two of the men in front of grabbed her, dragging her into the alley next to her, using the trash dumpsters for cover. She looked in the eyes of the third man and swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry, and her heart pounding.
"You should have sold it to us, Dia. You really should have," he said. "But I'll give you one more chance."
"It's not for sale," she whispered, more afraid than she'd ever been in her life.
He smiled, feral and cold. "And I heard you were such a smart lady," he said sadly and then backhanded her hard, snapping her head back while the other two kept her from falling backwards. "Now really, is it worth all this?"
She licked her lips, tasting blood and shook her head. "It's not for sale," she repeated, her voice a bit stronger.
He hit her again, just as hard, a casual blow that he didn't even seem to think about. "Dia, don't do this. Would you rather I did this to your sisters?"
"You wouldn't," she gasped.
"You think not? Well you have two days to consider things and then we'll see if I will or not." He tucked a card onto her blouse. "Call me at that number when you're ready to face reality. And because I'm a honest man I'll still pay you the five million," he said, gesturing to his companions who let go of her arms. "You should get some ice on that lip," he said as they walked away.
Dia closed her eyes and leaned back against the dumpster, the dizziness and roaring in her ears almost overwhelming her.
Lev felled the third man, breathing heavily. St John had given chase to two others. Lev looked around, relieved that Dia had zapped back to the townhouse and had been spared the sight of him breaking a man's windpipe. He was straightening up his clothes to look a bit more proper when he turned at a movement out of the corner of his eye down a narrow alleyway. There he saw Dia, paler than even normal, stagger away from a dumpster that had hidden her from his sight. He zapped himself to her side and grabbed her when her knees began to buckle. "Dia. Dia. Are you hurt?" There was blood on her lip and some on her chest, he hoped from where it had trickled down from her split lip.
He pulled her in tightly against his breast, cursing as he zapped them straight into the hallway at Ian's townhouse.
"Thank you," she whispered as they re-emerged in the hallway, her palms flat against his chest, looking up at him. Then she brushed her lips across his, impelled by some unknown part of herself. She was acutely aware of every part of him touching her, her skin tingling at the contact.
His eyes went wide at the kiss, then suddenly she felt him push her away. She turned to see her mother standing there in the hallway watching them.
"She's had a fright," Lev explained.
She forced her wits into action and stepped back out of his arms. She staggered, almost falling when she lost their support.
"Indeed," Miryam said. "And you're the teddy bear she chose to clutch for reassurance?"
Lev was growing furious as was plainly evident. Ian spoke, as he too had been in the hallway. "Thank you for getting her back here safe."
"Not me. I failed," Lev replied, turning on his heel and heading off.
Ian reached out to offer Dia some physical support. "You're hurt. Here, sit down. Any other injuries than to your poor face?" he asked, touching it with his palm and making it hurt less immediately.
"No, I'm fine, really," she said, flushing, her eyes on her mother.
"So it would seem," Miryam said.
"Why are you here?" Dia asked, her flush deepening.
"I missed you?" Miryam suggested.
"Stay here a moment, Dia," Ian instructed. "Edwards is bringing tea." Ian conjured up a damp cloth and wiped her face, again touching her lip and easing the pain. "What happened as you remember it?"
"We were coming out of the museum. There were three men in front of us and four behind. Lev told me to zap out as the four behind us moved in on him but I couldn't because the three in front had already grabbed me. They told me..." she stopped for a moment, closing her eyes. Then she opened them again and went on, "that either I sold them the book or they'd hurt my sisters. Then they left and Lev brought me back here." She met Ian's eyes "There wasn't anything he could do that he didn't do."
Ian nodded. "I guessed that. But he takes his job seriously. Even when we ask the impossible of him. Where was Blackheath during all this? I thought they were supposed to be backing him up?"
"As far as I know they were. But they hauled me into an alley and I've no idea what else happened."
"Ah, Edwards. Ms Dia needs some tea. I'll pour. Would you please bring Ms Dubois. Both of them if Bobbie's free. Miryam do have a seat and stop glowering."
"So masterful," Miryam murmured as she complied. "I do so love that."
"Yes, no doubt," Ian replied unwilling to give her the satisfaction of a more blunt answer. After he'd handed Dia a cup, and watched her sip some of it he turned to Miryam. "Are you here for a reason? If so, do share."
"I came to see my daughter," she said.
"Balderdash," Dia spat, setting her cup aside. "You only come to see me when you want something. What is it this time?"
Miryam smiled benignly. "So suspicious. I wondered how you were getting on with your new responsibilities. Maternal instinct coming to the fore I suspect."
"Ah, there you are. Thank you for coming," Ian said to a presence standing behind Miryam. Jonah was still just materializing as he said it.
Jonah ignored everyone except Dia. "What happened?" he demanded of Ian.
"Someone tried to threaten her into giving up the Book, that's what happened," Ian replied, getting up and backing away so Jonah could sit beside Dia.
Jonah put his arm around her, looking at her face. "Are you alright, sweetheart?"
She smiled at him. "I'm fine Daddy."
He kissed her forehead and then turned to Miryam. "And why are you here?" he asked.
She laughed. "The only question anyone knows. Why am I here. I came to see our daughter. To see how she was doing with the Book."
"But not to help, I'm sure. Just to satisfy your curiosity."
Miryam shrugged. "What is it you think I can help with?"
"You could begin by telling us just who else is after the Book and what you know about them," Ian suggested.
Miryam shrugged again. "I suppose the most likely would be the Golden Dawn."
"Jonah, you never told me Miryam was, or perhaps I should say is, involved with the Golden Dawn," Ian was commenting when Betty Jo arrived.
"Bobbie's coming," she said, taking in Miryam and Dia. She kissed Jonah on the cheek. "Hi Daddy." Then, taking a seat on the other side of Dia, handing her the icebag she held. "Edwards said this was for you."
"Perhaps I should leave and let this be a family thing," Ian suggested.
Betty Jo frowned at him. "You are family," she said.
"That's a bit frightening," Ian replied, standing off to watch the fireworks from a safe vantage point.
Jonah grinned and then turned back to Miryam. "Whatever the game you're playing it's time to stop before she gets hurt worse. What's your connection with the Golden Dawn these days? And don't tell me none or that the Dawn is defunct. We both know that's not true."
Miryam's eyes flashed, "It really is none, darling. They were interesting for a short while. But that faded in a hurry. So obsessed with with their secrets and rituals."
"Then who are you keeping company with?" Ian asked, as Jonah glared at Miryam.
"No one," she said. She stopped as the door opened and Bobbie came in with Smitty. Fury showed in her eyes for a moment and was gone. "My, you have been busy."
Smitty turned on his heel and headed for the door, except Simon was behind him and blocked the doorway. "I don't wanna be here," Smitty said, looking up at his friend. "I don't like her."
"You'll be fine," Simon said to him and put a hand on his shoulder and steered him toward a chair well away from Miryam. Smitty still obviously didn't want to be there.
"I'm hurt to hear you say that, Smitty," Miryam said. "And after all this time, too, that I've been paying your bills."
Smitty looked down at his hands. "I did the research for you. Gave you the data. What more do you want with me?"
She smiled at him. "It's just I thought we were friends."
"Stop it!" Dia said. "If you want to play the bitch do it with someone else. And if you aren't going to help then get out. The sight of you makes me want to vomit."
Ian blinked at that, having thought the mother and daughter relationship much more pleasant. "Perhaps you'd best leave us then Miryam."
"She doesn't mean it," Miryam said, locking eyes with Dia. "She's just defending the helpless again. Tell me darling, have you consulted the Grimnoire of Honorius yet?"
"Why?" Jonah asked. "I wouldn't have thought that would have anything to do with this."
"Well it's just a thought, trying to be helpful like she asked me so nicely to be."
"Honorius studied shape shifting, as I recall," Dia said.
"I've got a copy," Ian said frowning thoughtfully. "The tapestry which has gone missing? Might it have changed appearances following Elihu's death? Was he the one who camouflaged it?"
Bobbie's eyes narrowed for a moment. Then she was punching in a speed dial number on her cellphone. "Billie," she said when the call was answered. "Pull the vault tapes for the day Elihu died, and take a look at about the time he died. I'd say that would be around six am your time and then call me back and tell me what you see." She listened for a moment and then hung up.
"Who then is controlling the spell that disguises it?" Ian asked, looking thoughtfully at Dia.
"It's possible no one is." Dia said, looking at her mother, "Honorius was a mage obsessed with secrets and secrecy and he wrote a second grimoire that is little known in which he talks about his research into shapeshifting spells triggered by events. So it's possible that the spell was woven into the tapestry when it was made and includes an instruction to change the glamour that is used to cloak it at certain times. The tapestry would be keyed to the Book and would know that the guardian had died and another one had taken his place."
"So," Simon asked, "would the tapestry know you as the guardian of the Book and change to its natural shape if you handle it? Or would you have to find the secret to unlocking the glamour?"
"It would depend entirely on the spell. But I would think it likely," Dia said.
"Well, if Billie finds anything on the tape we might find out. Or, if not, they can run the inventory list against everything there and see what isn't listed," Ian commented. Then to Miryam, "Thank you for the assistance."
"You're welcome," she said, standing up. "Now I think I'll be going. I'm sure you'd prefer it." She nodded at Jonah and smiled at Dia, then disappeared.
"Yes, I do prefer it," Smitty muttered.
"I know, honey," Dia said. "If you like you can work for me from now on and not her, how does that sound?"
"A lot better," Smitty said with a smile. "I like you. You aren't, well, mean. I'm sorry Dia, I know she's your mother. I did like Elihu."
"I know. She doesn't mean to be the way she is, she just gets so focused on something that people don't matter anymore. And that's what worries me."
"Yeah, but she should still be kind to you. You were hurt!" Smitty huffed.
"True," Ian said. "And I should go find Lev and make sure he's not planning on quitting."
Dia was about to speak when Bobbie's phone rang.
"Hi Billie," she said when she answered. Then she listened, a smile lifting the corners of her mouth. "Thanks sweetie," she said. "We'll be there in a few minutes." She hung up and pocketed the phone. "There was quite the display in the vault that morning. Lasted less than thirty seconds."
"So the missing tapestry is found?" Smitty said hopefully.
"Sounds like it," Ian replied, from the doorway as he'd stopped to listen to hear what Billie had reported. "But will Rimes let Dia have it?"
"Billie checking now, but I imagine so, or at least borrow it," Bobbie said.
Ian left them to it, Simon and Smitty talking quietly off to the side, the women gathered together with their father. Simon was keeping one eye on Jonah, although he was doing his best to act like he wasn't.
Bobbie held a hand out to Dia and helped her up. "Simon do you want to come with us?" she asked while Dia went to change into unbloodied clothes.
"No thanks. I better stay here," Simon replied. "I'll keep an eye on Smitty."
"Okay," she said.
"Come on, Smitty, let's go down to your Lab. I want you to show me what you've been doing," Simon said. He met Bobbie's eyes for a second as he walked past her. "Be careful," he said.
"You too," she said, her hand brushing his as he went by.
Dia came in as they left. "Ready?" she asked and at Bobbie's nod they winked out, winking in again at Bobbie's office.
Bobbie led her to the vault, where Billie and Leroy were waiting. "What did Rimes say?" Bobbie asked.
"He's okay with it." Billie answered.
"Surprised the hell out of me," Leroy added. "Here, I set up the video feed so you could see for yourself." Leroy ran the playback on the computer by the vault. "See, there. I'm sorta surprised the lightshow didn't knock out the electronics, myself. I've checked the inventory and that thing right there should be your tapestry," he said, pointing to a rather innocuous looking serape. "Why it looks Mexican or Peruvian you got me," Leroy added with a grin.
"Inclusiveness, I suppose," Dia said. "Can I go in?"
"Sure, go ahead. I've got the alarms off," Leroy explained.
She went in, the lights coming on automatically as she entered. She headed towards the spot Leroy had highlighted on the tape, the feeling a power just waiting to be released becoming stronger with every step she took. It was folded up carefully on a shelf and as she approached it seemed to shimmer for an instant and then go still. She held a hand out over it carefully, her eyes closed. Gradually she let her hand drop until her palm was resting on the cloth, feeling the almost living warmth of it. She smiled, as if in recognition and opened her eyes. "Oh yes, sweetheart," she murmured as she picked up, stroking it. "You don't want to stay here any longer, do you?"
She had it folded over her arm when she left the vault. "Do I need to sign anything?"
"I've signed it out," Leroy replied. "We figured better not put anything in writing by a foreign national, you know? So, uhm, give me something to put back in it's place when you can. I'd rather not go to jail if I can help it," he added with a grin.
Dia grinned and concentrated for a moment. A duplicate of the serape appeared in her other hand and she held it out to Leroy. "Will that work?"
"Oh hey, that's great. Rimes ain't lookin' forward to jail either." Leroy walked into the vault and laid it where the other one had been. "There that should do it. I'll amend the paperwork later."
Dia kissed his cheek and hugged Billie. "Thanks you two."
Leroy rubbed his cheek. "Too bad I'm dating your sister," he said grinning as Billie kicked him. "So you think you can make that puppy sing?" he asked Dia.
She smiled and stroked it lightly. "I think it's already humming," she said.
"Cool. How's Ian handling all the action in his otherwise staid life, Bobbie? And how's Simon doing?" Leroy asked.
"Ian's suffering and Simon's got a lot on his mind. Otherwise things are fine with both of them," she said, a wry grimace on her face.
"Ah, well, I hope you two work it out. I didn't like him at first, but he's grown on me." Leroy grinned. "I doubt Ian's suffering too much. I'm betting Betty's making up for it."
"Oh yeah. At least she's almost always smiling, so that's a good sign," Bobbie said.
"Well, I wanna see you smile more," Leroy said squeezing Bobbie's hand.
"I'm working on it, honey. You just keep Billie smiling."
He grinned. "Doin' my best but she's not real happy with my dirty socks."
"So grow up, be a man and pick up after yourself," Bobbie advised.
"What and not have arguments and then make-up sex, are you crazy?"
"I'm gonna tell her you said that," Bobbie promised.
Leroy laughed. "I'm thinkin' she's already guessed it. So y'all off to London. We'll visit soon. Say hi to Daddy for me."
She grinned and the two of them winked back to Ian's study. "So now what Dia?" Bobbie asked.
Dia was spreading it out on Ian's desk and didn't answer. It was about three feet by four feet and woven out of silk and metallic thread in silver and gold. In the light in the study it had a faint, unearthly iridescence that faded when Dia backed away.
"So how do you remove the glamour?" Ian asked, "since it obviously isn't gone from it by your touch."
"Well,I have an idea about that," she said. "It's what I checked at the museum this morning in the museum, in the Picatrix grimoire, in a round about sort of way, anyhow. I'm just afraid I'm going to trash your study again."
"Well," Ian replied, "since we know ahead of time now, I think we could manage a containment spell around the phenomenon."
She laughed. "I think if the book and tapestry are put together in company with me something will happen, but I also think it's an issue of proximity rather than contact. A matter of resonances, as the iridescence suggests. It's as if the will is there but there isn't enough power."
"All right. Well, I'll wrap you and the Book and the tapestry in a cocoon which should help you contain the power and direct it properly."
She nodded. "Whenever you're ready," she said.
"Betty, join with me and I'll show you what I'm doing," Ian said. She nodded and felt his mind in hers and locking them together. He began from the ground up building layer upon layer of containment, centering on Dia. As it got up to about Dia's knees, Ian, standing off to the side and motioning the others back, nodded at Dia. "Now."
She her hand out, palm up and flicked her fingers out hard, like she was shaking of excess water and then pulled them back in a grabbing motion, clenching her hands into a fist. The Book appeared at her command, about three feet above the tapestry. Instantly light exploded from the book, engulfing Dia and the tapestry, blinding white, sparking along the boundary set by Ian's spell. Then almost as quickly it was gone.
"Dia?" Ian asked holding the spell in place.
"It's fine," she said. "You can let it go, I think." She was looking at the book, still hovering in the air and the tapestry, the glamour gone, on the desk.
Ian with a hand motion erased the spell, dissipating it, with the energy it had contained into the atmosphere with a snap. He walked over to look down at the tapestry and the book. "So, what have we here?"
Lev, sensing the magical energies, appeared in the doorway.
Dia reached for the book, to pluck it out of the air and set it on the desk. As her hand neared it energy arced again, spraying sparks in a shower over the desk. She jerked her hand back, her eyes narrowing. "I might have spoken too soon," she said, her tone dry.
"Not a problem," Ian said, this time quickly building the spell around her. "Go."
She reached for the book again and the power exploded as she grabbed it. She held it, absorbing the energies and when they'd calmed she set the book atop the tapestry and watched as the book appeared to melt, spreading out and running over the tapestry. As it did, following the metallic threads they rearranged themselves. When it reached the edges the molten flow returned along the new pattern, converging on the center, seeking itself like mercury and it flared upward again, blinding Dia. When she could see again the book was gone and in it's place, atop the tapestry was heavy, gold seal ring. The design in its face was the same as the main symbol that had been tooled into the leather cover of the book, and also surrounded by other sigils of power on the cover page.
She reached for it, helpless to stop herself and as she picked it up power exploded again, this time burning a hole through the containment barrier and jumping the distance between Dia and Lev. It flowed for several seconds and then died away.
"Lev, are you all right?" Ian asked worriedly as he erased the containment spell.
Lev looked down at himself. The spell had burnt a hole in the sleeve on his right arm. In the flesh there glowed a copy of the symbol. Lev reached over with his hand and touched the place gingerly. "I seem to be marked but mostly otherwise fine."
"Oh thank goodness," Dia said, worry wrinkling her brow.
"I can't say as I like the tat, however," he added. "And it was my favorite shirt."
Dia made a gesture with her hand and his shirt repaired itself. "I could try to remove the sigil as well if you'd like me to," she said, distress clouding her eyes.
"Please," he said.
"If you'd hold out your arm," she said. When he did she laid her fingers on the sigil and closed her eyes, concentrating. Power glowed faintly and as it did the sigil glowed and then faded into invisibility. She opened her eyes and lifted her fingers. His forearm was smooth and unmarred. Seeing it she started to smile and stepped back. As she moved away the sigil reformed, exactly as it had been.
"Interesting," Ian said watching this.
"Particularly when it isn't you?" Lev asked.
Dia flushed scarlet. "I'm truly sorry Lev," she said, her voice choking.
Lev frowned at her. "Hardly something to be upset about. It is nothing."
"No it is something. You wanted nothing to do with this. And now..." she broke off, biting her lip. "I had no idea."
"It's all right, Dia. Honestly."
"Well, if you're sure," she said.
"Yes. Save your magic for things you'll need it for," Lev replied.
"It did reach out specifically for you, Lev," Ian commented thoughtfully.
Lev frowned at Ian and turned on his heel and left.
Betty Jo watched him go. Then she rang for Edwards and went and gave Dia a quick hug. "You look done in sweetie. Are you all right? What do you say to cup of tea?"
Dia gave her a grateful smile. "It sounds lovely. But I'm fine, really." She looked down at her hand, curled into a fist and opened it slowly, revealing the ring."
Ian shuddered a bit and drug his eyes away from Smitty's cereal bowl. "Good morning Dia. I trust you slept well?"
"Very well thank you," she said. "Smitty, you look like you're feeling much better this morning. How's your arm?"
Smitty flexed his arm and frowned at it as he chewed. "Better. Thanks."
"I trust you are happy with the workshop arrangements?" Ian asked politely.
"Oh, yeah," Smitty replied around a mouthful of cereal. "It's great, you know? And lots of Coke."
"I'm delighted to hear you are happy," Ian replied, although he didn't sound quite as delighted as he said.
Dia stifled a grin and looked at Lev. "I need to go to the museum this morning. I was thinking about the tapestry and there's something I want to check."
Lev looked at his watch. "Right. I'll coordinate with Blackheath and give you a time, if that's all right."
She nodded. "That's fine. Smitty, will you be okay while I'm gone?" she asked. "I know you wanted to follow up on the stuff we talked about yesterday."
Smitty frowned. "I could go with you," he suggested.
Lev looked mutinous.
"Yes, you could," Dia agreed, ignoring Lev. "But I was hoping you'd have everything ready in the workshop when I got back so we could get right to work. Besides, I'm only going to be a couple of minutes. I'll take you to see it when this is all over, how about that, and give you the tour."
"Besides, Cook wishes to consult with you on your lunches. She understands you'd like a tray sent down to the workshop," Ian added. "I told her this morning would be best."
"Oh, yeah. A tray sent down would be great. Could I have a refrigerator down there for Coke, so I can help myself?" Smitty suggested.
"I'll have Edwards see right to it," Ian agreed.
Lev sat back and sipped his coffee, nodding a discreet thank you at Ian.
"So, listen, I'm heading out today," Simon offered. "You seem to be settled in here, Smitty."
Smitty's bottom lip quivered.
"Would you like him to stick around a bit longer, honey?" Bobbie asked, nudging Simon under the table.
"Would you, Si? You're always taking off. I think you like your beach house better than me."
Simon went still for a moment then said, "I'll stay for awhile, Smitty, but I do have business to see to, you know."
Smitty was all smiles.
"Thanks Simon," Dia said. "I appreciate it."
"Yeah, well. Bobbie, when do you have to be back to DC?"
"I asked Billie to talk to Rimes so basically whenever I get there. Is there something I can help you with?"
"No, just wondered that's all."
Ian raised an eyebrow at Betty, but went back to his egg.
"So, Lev, you're like a bodyguard?" Smitty asked, eying Lev.
"Yes. Do you feel you need one?"
"Well," Smitty grinned. "Not here in the house."
"I'm glad you feel safe here," Betty Jo said. "Ian would be hurt if you didn't. And I'm sure Lev will make sure you're safe if you go out. But I'd stay away from the windows onto the street if I were you, at least for now...snipers being what they are."
Smitty looked panicked for a moment. "Maybe I'll take all my meals in the workshop."
"Oh, I think it's quite safe here and in the main dining room, wouldn't you say Lev?"
Lev frowned. "Hard to say. We assassins have our ways, you know."
"Assassins? You're an assassin?"
"Yes, and a spy," Lev replied. "I even wore a tuxedo but never had a car with lots of gadgets."
"We'll have to see what we can do about that, won't we Ian?" Betty Jo said, her mouth not quite still.
"And get my tailor in for fittings," Ian added.
Lev frowned. "What's wrong with how I dress?"
All three women eyed him critically. "Evening wear is so hard to get right off the rack," Betty Jo finally said.
"And with your bod you would display to advantage in it," Dia added. "Still you also do something for denim, too."
"I'll set up the appointment. One for Smitty too."
"What! No!!!" Smitty grabbed his cereal bowl and said, "I'll be in my lab when you get back Dia," and fled.
As soon as the door closed behind Smitty Betty Jo succumbed to laughter. "Oh it's awful, us teasing the poor thing like this."
Dia, laughing just as hard said, "it's good for him."
Simon grinned and Ian was laughing. Only Lev looked a bit doubtful. "I'll go coordinate with Blackheath, which of late seems to be St John." Lev, far too conscious of himself, let himself out of the room.
An hour later Dia and Lev entered the British Museum and headed for the rare book collection. Dia, well known there, showed her ID and signed them both in. Then she filled out a slip and handed it to the librarian. Dia spent half an hour with the book, taking a number of notes and copying three sigils. Then she returned the book to the desk. "Well, that's that," she said.
"Great, I'll be relieved when you're safely at home," Lev replied, his eyes as always scanning the area.
"Me too," she said as she signed them out. She let him proceed her out of the main doors, pausing to let him check the area. Then, at his signal, she followed him down the steps. Once on the street he allowed her to get a pace or two ahead of him as they headed for where the car was waiting, just up the block. Ahead of her she saw three men get out of a taxi and pay it off, before walking towards her. She glanced over her shoulder, looking back at Lev and saw a group of four men behind them, engaged in an animated argument about something.
Lev's hand went to his jacket, but he walked just as casually as always. The argument behind them suddenly turned nasty and Lev turned just as he said, "Dia, zap home now!"
She heard him at the same time as two of the men in front of grabbed her, dragging her into the alley next to her, using the trash dumpsters for cover. She looked in the eyes of the third man and swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry, and her heart pounding.
"You should have sold it to us, Dia. You really should have," he said. "But I'll give you one more chance."
"It's not for sale," she whispered, more afraid than she'd ever been in her life.
He smiled, feral and cold. "And I heard you were such a smart lady," he said sadly and then backhanded her hard, snapping her head back while the other two kept her from falling backwards. "Now really, is it worth all this?"
She licked her lips, tasting blood and shook her head. "It's not for sale," she repeated, her voice a bit stronger.
He hit her again, just as hard, a casual blow that he didn't even seem to think about. "Dia, don't do this. Would you rather I did this to your sisters?"
"You wouldn't," she gasped.
"You think not? Well you have two days to consider things and then we'll see if I will or not." He tucked a card onto her blouse. "Call me at that number when you're ready to face reality. And because I'm a honest man I'll still pay you the five million," he said, gesturing to his companions who let go of her arms. "You should get some ice on that lip," he said as they walked away.
Dia closed her eyes and leaned back against the dumpster, the dizziness and roaring in her ears almost overwhelming her.
Lev felled the third man, breathing heavily. St John had given chase to two others. Lev looked around, relieved that Dia had zapped back to the townhouse and had been spared the sight of him breaking a man's windpipe. He was straightening up his clothes to look a bit more proper when he turned at a movement out of the corner of his eye down a narrow alleyway. There he saw Dia, paler than even normal, stagger away from a dumpster that had hidden her from his sight. He zapped himself to her side and grabbed her when her knees began to buckle. "Dia. Dia. Are you hurt?" There was blood on her lip and some on her chest, he hoped from where it had trickled down from her split lip.
He pulled her in tightly against his breast, cursing as he zapped them straight into the hallway at Ian's townhouse.
"Thank you," she whispered as they re-emerged in the hallway, her palms flat against his chest, looking up at him. Then she brushed her lips across his, impelled by some unknown part of herself. She was acutely aware of every part of him touching her, her skin tingling at the contact.
His eyes went wide at the kiss, then suddenly she felt him push her away. She turned to see her mother standing there in the hallway watching them.
"She's had a fright," Lev explained.
She forced her wits into action and stepped back out of his arms. She staggered, almost falling when she lost their support.
"Indeed," Miryam said. "And you're the teddy bear she chose to clutch for reassurance?"
Lev was growing furious as was plainly evident. Ian spoke, as he too had been in the hallway. "Thank you for getting her back here safe."
"Not me. I failed," Lev replied, turning on his heel and heading off.
Ian reached out to offer Dia some physical support. "You're hurt. Here, sit down. Any other injuries than to your poor face?" he asked, touching it with his palm and making it hurt less immediately.
"No, I'm fine, really," she said, flushing, her eyes on her mother.
"So it would seem," Miryam said.
"Why are you here?" Dia asked, her flush deepening.
"I missed you?" Miryam suggested.
"Stay here a moment, Dia," Ian instructed. "Edwards is bringing tea." Ian conjured up a damp cloth and wiped her face, again touching her lip and easing the pain. "What happened as you remember it?"
"We were coming out of the museum. There were three men in front of us and four behind. Lev told me to zap out as the four behind us moved in on him but I couldn't because the three in front had already grabbed me. They told me..." she stopped for a moment, closing her eyes. Then she opened them again and went on, "that either I sold them the book or they'd hurt my sisters. Then they left and Lev brought me back here." She met Ian's eyes "There wasn't anything he could do that he didn't do."
Ian nodded. "I guessed that. But he takes his job seriously. Even when we ask the impossible of him. Where was Blackheath during all this? I thought they were supposed to be backing him up?"
"As far as I know they were. But they hauled me into an alley and I've no idea what else happened."
"Ah, Edwards. Ms Dia needs some tea. I'll pour. Would you please bring Ms Dubois. Both of them if Bobbie's free. Miryam do have a seat and stop glowering."
"So masterful," Miryam murmured as she complied. "I do so love that."
"Yes, no doubt," Ian replied unwilling to give her the satisfaction of a more blunt answer. After he'd handed Dia a cup, and watched her sip some of it he turned to Miryam. "Are you here for a reason? If so, do share."
"I came to see my daughter," she said.
"Balderdash," Dia spat, setting her cup aside. "You only come to see me when you want something. What is it this time?"
Miryam smiled benignly. "So suspicious. I wondered how you were getting on with your new responsibilities. Maternal instinct coming to the fore I suspect."
"Ah, there you are. Thank you for coming," Ian said to a presence standing behind Miryam. Jonah was still just materializing as he said it.
Jonah ignored everyone except Dia. "What happened?" he demanded of Ian.
"Someone tried to threaten her into giving up the Book, that's what happened," Ian replied, getting up and backing away so Jonah could sit beside Dia.
Jonah put his arm around her, looking at her face. "Are you alright, sweetheart?"
She smiled at him. "I'm fine Daddy."
He kissed her forehead and then turned to Miryam. "And why are you here?" he asked.
She laughed. "The only question anyone knows. Why am I here. I came to see our daughter. To see how she was doing with the Book."
"But not to help, I'm sure. Just to satisfy your curiosity."
Miryam shrugged. "What is it you think I can help with?"
"You could begin by telling us just who else is after the Book and what you know about them," Ian suggested.
Miryam shrugged again. "I suppose the most likely would be the Golden Dawn."
"Jonah, you never told me Miryam was, or perhaps I should say is, involved with the Golden Dawn," Ian was commenting when Betty Jo arrived.
"Bobbie's coming," she said, taking in Miryam and Dia. She kissed Jonah on the cheek. "Hi Daddy." Then, taking a seat on the other side of Dia, handing her the icebag she held. "Edwards said this was for you."
"Perhaps I should leave and let this be a family thing," Ian suggested.
Betty Jo frowned at him. "You are family," she said.
"That's a bit frightening," Ian replied, standing off to watch the fireworks from a safe vantage point.
Jonah grinned and then turned back to Miryam. "Whatever the game you're playing it's time to stop before she gets hurt worse. What's your connection with the Golden Dawn these days? And don't tell me none or that the Dawn is defunct. We both know that's not true."
Miryam's eyes flashed, "It really is none, darling. They were interesting for a short while. But that faded in a hurry. So obsessed with with their secrets and rituals."
"Then who are you keeping company with?" Ian asked, as Jonah glared at Miryam.
"No one," she said. She stopped as the door opened and Bobbie came in with Smitty. Fury showed in her eyes for a moment and was gone. "My, you have been busy."
Smitty turned on his heel and headed for the door, except Simon was behind him and blocked the doorway. "I don't wanna be here," Smitty said, looking up at his friend. "I don't like her."
"You'll be fine," Simon said to him and put a hand on his shoulder and steered him toward a chair well away from Miryam. Smitty still obviously didn't want to be there.
"I'm hurt to hear you say that, Smitty," Miryam said. "And after all this time, too, that I've been paying your bills."
Smitty looked down at his hands. "I did the research for you. Gave you the data. What more do you want with me?"
She smiled at him. "It's just I thought we were friends."
"Stop it!" Dia said. "If you want to play the bitch do it with someone else. And if you aren't going to help then get out. The sight of you makes me want to vomit."
Ian blinked at that, having thought the mother and daughter relationship much more pleasant. "Perhaps you'd best leave us then Miryam."
"She doesn't mean it," Miryam said, locking eyes with Dia. "She's just defending the helpless again. Tell me darling, have you consulted the Grimnoire of Honorius yet?"
"Why?" Jonah asked. "I wouldn't have thought that would have anything to do with this."
"Well it's just a thought, trying to be helpful like she asked me so nicely to be."
"Honorius studied shape shifting, as I recall," Dia said.
"I've got a copy," Ian said frowning thoughtfully. "The tapestry which has gone missing? Might it have changed appearances following Elihu's death? Was he the one who camouflaged it?"
Bobbie's eyes narrowed for a moment. Then she was punching in a speed dial number on her cellphone. "Billie," she said when the call was answered. "Pull the vault tapes for the day Elihu died, and take a look at about the time he died. I'd say that would be around six am your time and then call me back and tell me what you see." She listened for a moment and then hung up.
"Who then is controlling the spell that disguises it?" Ian asked, looking thoughtfully at Dia.
"It's possible no one is." Dia said, looking at her mother, "Honorius was a mage obsessed with secrets and secrecy and he wrote a second grimoire that is little known in which he talks about his research into shapeshifting spells triggered by events. So it's possible that the spell was woven into the tapestry when it was made and includes an instruction to change the glamour that is used to cloak it at certain times. The tapestry would be keyed to the Book and would know that the guardian had died and another one had taken his place."
"So," Simon asked, "would the tapestry know you as the guardian of the Book and change to its natural shape if you handle it? Or would you have to find the secret to unlocking the glamour?"
"It would depend entirely on the spell. But I would think it likely," Dia said.
"Well, if Billie finds anything on the tape we might find out. Or, if not, they can run the inventory list against everything there and see what isn't listed," Ian commented. Then to Miryam, "Thank you for the assistance."
"You're welcome," she said, standing up. "Now I think I'll be going. I'm sure you'd prefer it." She nodded at Jonah and smiled at Dia, then disappeared.
"Yes, I do prefer it," Smitty muttered.
"I know, honey," Dia said. "If you like you can work for me from now on and not her, how does that sound?"
"A lot better," Smitty said with a smile. "I like you. You aren't, well, mean. I'm sorry Dia, I know she's your mother. I did like Elihu."
"I know. She doesn't mean to be the way she is, she just gets so focused on something that people don't matter anymore. And that's what worries me."
"Yeah, but she should still be kind to you. You were hurt!" Smitty huffed.
"True," Ian said. "And I should go find Lev and make sure he's not planning on quitting."
Dia was about to speak when Bobbie's phone rang.
"Hi Billie," she said when she answered. Then she listened, a smile lifting the corners of her mouth. "Thanks sweetie," she said. "We'll be there in a few minutes." She hung up and pocketed the phone. "There was quite the display in the vault that morning. Lasted less than thirty seconds."
"So the missing tapestry is found?" Smitty said hopefully.
"Sounds like it," Ian replied, from the doorway as he'd stopped to listen to hear what Billie had reported. "But will Rimes let Dia have it?"
"Billie checking now, but I imagine so, or at least borrow it," Bobbie said.
Ian left them to it, Simon and Smitty talking quietly off to the side, the women gathered together with their father. Simon was keeping one eye on Jonah, although he was doing his best to act like he wasn't.
Bobbie held a hand out to Dia and helped her up. "Simon do you want to come with us?" she asked while Dia went to change into unbloodied clothes.
"No thanks. I better stay here," Simon replied. "I'll keep an eye on Smitty."
"Okay," she said.
"Come on, Smitty, let's go down to your Lab. I want you to show me what you've been doing," Simon said. He met Bobbie's eyes for a second as he walked past her. "Be careful," he said.
"You too," she said, her hand brushing his as he went by.
Dia came in as they left. "Ready?" she asked and at Bobbie's nod they winked out, winking in again at Bobbie's office.
Bobbie led her to the vault, where Billie and Leroy were waiting. "What did Rimes say?" Bobbie asked.
"He's okay with it." Billie answered.
"Surprised the hell out of me," Leroy added. "Here, I set up the video feed so you could see for yourself." Leroy ran the playback on the computer by the vault. "See, there. I'm sorta surprised the lightshow didn't knock out the electronics, myself. I've checked the inventory and that thing right there should be your tapestry," he said, pointing to a rather innocuous looking serape. "Why it looks Mexican or Peruvian you got me," Leroy added with a grin.
"Inclusiveness, I suppose," Dia said. "Can I go in?"
"Sure, go ahead. I've got the alarms off," Leroy explained.
She went in, the lights coming on automatically as she entered. She headed towards the spot Leroy had highlighted on the tape, the feeling a power just waiting to be released becoming stronger with every step she took. It was folded up carefully on a shelf and as she approached it seemed to shimmer for an instant and then go still. She held a hand out over it carefully, her eyes closed. Gradually she let her hand drop until her palm was resting on the cloth, feeling the almost living warmth of it. She smiled, as if in recognition and opened her eyes. "Oh yes, sweetheart," she murmured as she picked up, stroking it. "You don't want to stay here any longer, do you?"
She had it folded over her arm when she left the vault. "Do I need to sign anything?"
"I've signed it out," Leroy replied. "We figured better not put anything in writing by a foreign national, you know? So, uhm, give me something to put back in it's place when you can. I'd rather not go to jail if I can help it," he added with a grin.
Dia grinned and concentrated for a moment. A duplicate of the serape appeared in her other hand and she held it out to Leroy. "Will that work?"
"Oh hey, that's great. Rimes ain't lookin' forward to jail either." Leroy walked into the vault and laid it where the other one had been. "There that should do it. I'll amend the paperwork later."
Dia kissed his cheek and hugged Billie. "Thanks you two."
Leroy rubbed his cheek. "Too bad I'm dating your sister," he said grinning as Billie kicked him. "So you think you can make that puppy sing?" he asked Dia.
She smiled and stroked it lightly. "I think it's already humming," she said.
"Cool. How's Ian handling all the action in his otherwise staid life, Bobbie? And how's Simon doing?" Leroy asked.
"Ian's suffering and Simon's got a lot on his mind. Otherwise things are fine with both of them," she said, a wry grimace on her face.
"Ah, well, I hope you two work it out. I didn't like him at first, but he's grown on me." Leroy grinned. "I doubt Ian's suffering too much. I'm betting Betty's making up for it."
"Oh yeah. At least she's almost always smiling, so that's a good sign," Bobbie said.
"Well, I wanna see you smile more," Leroy said squeezing Bobbie's hand.
"I'm working on it, honey. You just keep Billie smiling."
He grinned. "Doin' my best but she's not real happy with my dirty socks."
"So grow up, be a man and pick up after yourself," Bobbie advised.
"What and not have arguments and then make-up sex, are you crazy?"
"I'm gonna tell her you said that," Bobbie promised.
Leroy laughed. "I'm thinkin' she's already guessed it. So y'all off to London. We'll visit soon. Say hi to Daddy for me."
She grinned and the two of them winked back to Ian's study. "So now what Dia?" Bobbie asked.
Dia was spreading it out on Ian's desk and didn't answer. It was about three feet by four feet and woven out of silk and metallic thread in silver and gold. In the light in the study it had a faint, unearthly iridescence that faded when Dia backed away.
"So how do you remove the glamour?" Ian asked, "since it obviously isn't gone from it by your touch."
"Well,I have an idea about that," she said. "It's what I checked at the museum this morning in the museum, in the Picatrix grimoire, in a round about sort of way, anyhow. I'm just afraid I'm going to trash your study again."
"Well," Ian replied, "since we know ahead of time now, I think we could manage a containment spell around the phenomenon."
She laughed. "I think if the book and tapestry are put together in company with me something will happen, but I also think it's an issue of proximity rather than contact. A matter of resonances, as the iridescence suggests. It's as if the will is there but there isn't enough power."
"All right. Well, I'll wrap you and the Book and the tapestry in a cocoon which should help you contain the power and direct it properly."
She nodded. "Whenever you're ready," she said.
"Betty, join with me and I'll show you what I'm doing," Ian said. She nodded and felt his mind in hers and locking them together. He began from the ground up building layer upon layer of containment, centering on Dia. As it got up to about Dia's knees, Ian, standing off to the side and motioning the others back, nodded at Dia. "Now."
She her hand out, palm up and flicked her fingers out hard, like she was shaking of excess water and then pulled them back in a grabbing motion, clenching her hands into a fist. The Book appeared at her command, about three feet above the tapestry. Instantly light exploded from the book, engulfing Dia and the tapestry, blinding white, sparking along the boundary set by Ian's spell. Then almost as quickly it was gone.
"Dia?" Ian asked holding the spell in place.
"It's fine," she said. "You can let it go, I think." She was looking at the book, still hovering in the air and the tapestry, the glamour gone, on the desk.
Ian with a hand motion erased the spell, dissipating it, with the energy it had contained into the atmosphere with a snap. He walked over to look down at the tapestry and the book. "So, what have we here?"
Lev, sensing the magical energies, appeared in the doorway.
Dia reached for the book, to pluck it out of the air and set it on the desk. As her hand neared it energy arced again, spraying sparks in a shower over the desk. She jerked her hand back, her eyes narrowing. "I might have spoken too soon," she said, her tone dry.
"Not a problem," Ian said, this time quickly building the spell around her. "Go."
She reached for the book again and the power exploded as she grabbed it. She held it, absorbing the energies and when they'd calmed she set the book atop the tapestry and watched as the book appeared to melt, spreading out and running over the tapestry. As it did, following the metallic threads they rearranged themselves. When it reached the edges the molten flow returned along the new pattern, converging on the center, seeking itself like mercury and it flared upward again, blinding Dia. When she could see again the book was gone and in it's place, atop the tapestry was heavy, gold seal ring. The design in its face was the same as the main symbol that had been tooled into the leather cover of the book, and also surrounded by other sigils of power on the cover page.
She reached for it, helpless to stop herself and as she picked it up power exploded again, this time burning a hole through the containment barrier and jumping the distance between Dia and Lev. It flowed for several seconds and then died away.
"Lev, are you all right?" Ian asked worriedly as he erased the containment spell.
Lev looked down at himself. The spell had burnt a hole in the sleeve on his right arm. In the flesh there glowed a copy of the symbol. Lev reached over with his hand and touched the place gingerly. "I seem to be marked but mostly otherwise fine."
"Oh thank goodness," Dia said, worry wrinkling her brow.
"I can't say as I like the tat, however," he added. "And it was my favorite shirt."
Dia made a gesture with her hand and his shirt repaired itself. "I could try to remove the sigil as well if you'd like me to," she said, distress clouding her eyes.
"Please," he said.
"If you'd hold out your arm," she said. When he did she laid her fingers on the sigil and closed her eyes, concentrating. Power glowed faintly and as it did the sigil glowed and then faded into invisibility. She opened her eyes and lifted her fingers. His forearm was smooth and unmarred. Seeing it she started to smile and stepped back. As she moved away the sigil reformed, exactly as it had been.
"Interesting," Ian said watching this.
"Particularly when it isn't you?" Lev asked.
Dia flushed scarlet. "I'm truly sorry Lev," she said, her voice choking.
Lev frowned at her. "Hardly something to be upset about. It is nothing."
"No it is something. You wanted nothing to do with this. And now..." she broke off, biting her lip. "I had no idea."
"It's all right, Dia. Honestly."
"Well, if you're sure," she said.
"Yes. Save your magic for things you'll need it for," Lev replied.
"It did reach out specifically for you, Lev," Ian commented thoughtfully.
Lev frowned at Ian and turned on his heel and left.
Betty Jo watched him go. Then she rang for Edwards and went and gave Dia a quick hug. "You look done in sweetie. Are you all right? What do you say to cup of tea?"
Dia gave her a grateful smile. "It sounds lovely. But I'm fine, really." She looked down at her hand, curled into a fist and opened it slowly, revealing the ring."
The Seal of Solomon
Chapter Twenty