The Hollows Series Books 1-4. Kim Harrison

barely.

      “This is fantastic,” I said, ignoring the belligerent pixy as he walked over the paper and into my line of sight. “I was planning on you dropping me off somewhere in the woods so I could hike my way in, but this is great. Thanks.”

      Ivy gave me an honest, closed-lipped smile. “A little research can save a lot of time.”

      I stifled a sigh. If Ivy had her way, we would have a six-step plan posted over the john for what to do if it backed up. “I could fit in a big purse,” I said, warming to the idea.

      Jenks sniffed. “A really big-ass purse.”

      “I have someone who owes me a favor,” Ivy said. “If she bought the ticket, my name wouldn’t be on the roster. And I could wear a disguise.” Ivy grinned to show a faint slip of teeth. I returned it weakly. She looked altogether human in the bright afternoon light.

      “Hey,” Jenks said, glancing at his wife. “I could fit in a purse, too.”

      Ivy tapped her pen on her teeth. “I’ll take the tour, and misplace my purse somewhere.”

      Jenks stood on the brochure, his wings moving in abrupt fits of motion. “I’m going.”

      I jerked the pamphlet out from under him, and he stumbled back. “I’ll meet you tomorrow past the front gate in the woods. You could pick me up just out of sight.”

      “I’m going,” Jenks said louder, ignored.

      Ivy leaned back in her chair with a satisfied air. “Now that sounds like a plan.”

      This was really odd. Last night Ivy had nearly bit my head off when I suggested nearly the same thing. All she needed was to have some input. Pleased for having figured this small bit of Ivy out, I rose and opened my charm cupboard. “Trent knows about you,” I said as I looked my spells over. “Only heaven knows how. You definitely need a disguise. Let’s see … I could make you look old.”

      “Is no one listening to me?” Jenks shouted, his wings an angry red. “I’m going. Rachel, tell my wife I’m fit enough to go.”

      “Uh, hold up,” Ivy said. “I don’t want to be spelled. I’ve got my own disguise.”

      I turned, surprised. “You don’t want one of mine? It doesn’t hurt. It’s just an illusion. It’s not anything like a transformation charm.”

      She wouldn’t meet my gaze. “I have something in mind already.”

      “I said,” Jenks shouted, “I’m going!”

      Ivy scrubbed a hand over her eyes.

      “Jenks—” I began.

      “Tell her,” he said, darting a glance at his wife. “If you say it’s okay, she’ll let me go. I’ll be able to fly by the time I need to.”

      “Look,” I said. “There will be other times—”

      “To break into Kalamack’s estate?” he cried. “Don’t freaking think so. Either I go now, or never. This is my only shot at finding out what Kalamack smells like. No pixy or fairy has been able to tell what he is. And not you, or anyone else, is going to take that chance from me.” A wisp of desperation had crept into his voice. “Neither of you are big enough.”

      I looked past him to Mrs. Jenks, my eyes pleading. He was right. There would be no other time. It would be too chancy to risk even my life if it hadn’t already been in the blender and waiting for someone to push the button. The pretty pixy’s eyes closed, and she clasped her arms about herself. Looking pained, she nodded. “All right,” I said, my attention back on Jenks. “You can come.”

      “What?” Ivy yelped, and I shrugged helplessly.

      “She says it’s okay,” I said, nodding to Mrs. Jenks. “But only if he promises to bug out the second I say. I’m not going to risk him any more than he can fly.”

      Jenks’s wings blurred to an excited purple. “I’ll leave when I decide.”

      “Absolutely not.” I stretched my arms out along the table, putting my fists to either side of him and glaring. “We are going in under my discretion, and we will leave on the same terms. This is a witchocracy, not a democracy. Clear?”

      Jenks tensed, his mouth open to protest, but then his eyes slid from mine to his wife’s. Her tiny foot was tapping. “’Kay,” he said meekly. “But only this time.”

      I nodded and pulled my arms back to myself. “Will that fit in with your plan, Ivy?”

      “Whatever.” Chair scraping, she got to her feet. “I’ll call for the ticket. We have to leave in time to get to my friend’s house and out to the main bus station by four. The tours run from there.” Her pace was edging into vamp mode as she strode from the kitchen.

      “Jenks, dear?” the small pixy woman said softly. “I’ll be in the garden if you—” Her last words choked off, and she flew out through the window.

      Jenks spun, a heartbeat too late. “Matalina, wait,” he cried, his wings blurring to nothing. But he was nailed to the table, unable to keep up with her. “The Turn take it! It’s my only chance,” he shouted after her.

      I heard Ivy’s muffled voice in the living room as she argued with someone on the phone. “I don’t care if it is two in the afternoon. You owe me.” There was a short silence. “I could come down there and take it out of your hide, Carmen. I’ve nothing to do tonight.” Jenks and I jumped at the thunk of something hitting the wall. I think it was the phone. It seemed everyone was having a fabulous afternoon.

      “All set!” she shouted with what was obviously forced cheerfulness. “We can pick up the ticket in a half hour. That gives us just enough time to change.”

      “Great,” I said with a sigh, rising to pluck a mink potion from the cupboard. I couldn’t imagine mere clothes would make a good enough disguise for a vamp. “Hey, Jenks?” I said softly as I rummaged in the silverware drawer for a finger stick. “How does Ivy smell?”

      “What?” he all but snarled, clearly still upset about his wife.

      My eyes shot to the empty hall. “Ivy,” I said, even more softly so she couldn’t possibly hear. “Before the fairy attack, she stormed out of here like she was going to rip someone’s heart out. I’m not going to put myself in her purse until I know if …” I hesitated, then whispered, “Has she started practicing again?”

      Jenks turned serious. “No.” He steeled himself and made the short flight to me. “I sent Jax to watch her. Just to make sure no one slipped her a charm aimed at you.” Jenks puffed with parental pride. “He did well on his first run. No one saw him. Just like his old man.”

      I leaned closer. “So where did she go?”

      “Some vamp bar on the river. She sat in the corner, snarling at anyone who got close, and drank orange juice all night.” Jenks shook his head. “It’s really weird, if you ask me.”

      There was a small sound in the doorway, and Jenks and I straightened with a guilty quickness. I looked up, blinking in surprise. “Ivy?” I stammered.

      She smiled weakly, with a pleased embarrassment. “What do you think?”

      “Uh, great!” I managed. “You look great. I never would have recognized you.” And I might not have.

      Ivy was wrapped in a skintight yellow sundress. The thin straps holding it up stood out sharp against her shockingly white skin. Her black hair was a wave of ebony. Bright red lipstick was the only color to her face, making her look more exotic than usual. She had sunglasses on, and a wide-brimmed yellow hat that matched her high heels. Over her shoulders was a purse big enough to carry a pony.

      She spun in a slow circle, looking like a stoic model on the runway. Her heels made a sharp click-clack, and I couldn’t help but watch. I made a mental note—no