Chapter 5

The explosion.




When I went back to my desk, I pretended that everything was all right and that the most bizarre meeting of my entire life didn’t just occur.
"So, who was that old guy?" my friend asked typing something on the screen.
"He was selling some personalised business cards, but I told him that we weren’t interested," I lied feeling like a complete coward. Kate didn't dwell on the stranger and I was glad I didn't have to keep making up stories about Tron. She was my best friend, but I couldn't get her involved in what was going on with me lately.
I left work just after six and went straight to the hospital. In the tube I thought about calling my grandmother. I was ready to confess to her about the meeting with Tron, then I imagined how she would react if I told her that I might have accidentally murdered someone. Within a few seconds I decided against it.
Just outside the hospital Ella popped into my mind. She hadn’t returned any of my phone calls. I was worried about her and made a mental note to speak to her in a couple of days.
Quentin was ready to go once I entered his room. He looked better than he did two days ago, although the healers believed that his usual strength hadn't return yet. He kissed me hard whispering in my ear.
"I'm glad you’re here. I’ve missed you."
"Good, I missed you too. How are you feeling?"
"Excellent, the usual sensitivity is gone. I don’t know how I’ll be in an auction without my abilities, but I should get used to it soon enough. Maybe everything will come back in a matter of days."
"I'm sure it will," I agreed feeling guilty as hell that he was the one who was suffering because of me. By the time we made it to Quentin’s home it was dark. Quentin had to check on Gomez. I agreed to stay for a night because I was still anxious to get back to my own apartment. We spent a pleasant evening together but the thoughts about the kitchen knife kept haunting me. Quentin had clear instructions from the doctors. He was supposed to take it easy, so we watched a few films, while Gomez stayed in the kitchen downstairs. He wasn't particularly happy about those arrangements, but hey, I needed some time alone with my boyfriend.
By the end of the week I settled back into my usual routine. Blackouts didn't occur, but I stayed alert all the same, checking to make sure that I was in my own bed every morning when I woke up. My energy wasn't as active as it used to be. Dad was very secretive about Jennifer’s murder. Somehow the press hadn’t sniffed out the story, but I was certain that the news about the murder reached Nathaniel. After all, he owned the company and he had to be up to date with everything that was going on in London.
Mum called me on Wednesday night. She started asking about Quentin and demanding to know why I hadn't told her that I was seeing someone. Apparently, Dad mentioned Quentin during their morning rush. Mum loved Nathaniel and she was disappointed when we broke up. She was ready to marry me off to anyone suitable, that’s why I kept quiet about Quentin, however, the secret was out, and I had to bring him for dinner sooner or later, otherwise Mum wouldn’t leave me alone.
I’d been waiting for a phone call from Tron all week. He offered to train me, but he never gave me any specific time. I tried not to get excited about anything, just as he’d advised but I was also angry that he didn't contact me in any way.
Quentin had no idea about my blackouts, and I never told him about the visit from the old mysterious elf. I was relieved when Friday came. I had a hell of a week, so I was glad when Quentin invited me to an Art Exhibition at one of the galleries in town. He was supposed to take it easy, but he ignored all the doctor’s orders and went back to work on Thursday. Kate’s boyfriend was showing off a few paintings, so I was happy that she would be there as well. Kelsie demanded to get an invitation because she wanted to drink for free. I tried to reached Ella, but her phone was going straight to voicemail. Nicky was away in Spain. At least I thought I could gather all my friends in one place, but it seemed my luck had run out.
On Saturday night I wanted to forget about Jennifer and my mysterious magic, so I put my best dress on and had a drink before Quentin arrived. After a few days of normality, I thought that maybe the blackouts were behind me. Tron didn't say anything about consumption of alcohol. I was desperate to have fun tonight.
The girls were already inside when Quentin and I arrived. Kelsie looked stunning, wearing a short cream dress, exposing her amazing legs. She curled her black hair. Yesterday, Kate and I found out that she’d broken up with her recent boyfriend; a shifter who was involved in transporting stolen cars abroad. Kelsie had caught him cheating on her last night. She didn't seem too upset and I assumed she didn't take her romances too seriously.
The gallery that we’d been invited to had just opened. Kate had been dating Chris, the werewolf, for over a year now. Her parents weren't thrilled with her choice, but I liked him. He was always polite and charming, but her parents preferred she date a wizard.
Kelsie went straight to the bar and came back holding two glasses of champagne. I wanted to walk around and admire the art, but Kelsie was adamant about staying close to the bar.
"I swear to God, if this is going to be boring, I’ll be wasted after an hour," Kelsie muttered, looking around the room. Kate rolled her eyes.
“It's an art exhibition, darling. I don’t know what else you expected to find here tonight."
"Kate’s right. Art is dull if you aren’t into that sort of thing," I said. Kelsie frowned taking a generous gulp of her champagne.
"Well, last time, I remember you managing to get yourself sorted with Quentin. Besides, guys like him are definitely up my alley." Kelsie giggled fluttering her eyelashes towards my boyfriend. He smiled widely putting his hand around my waist.
“Don't worry. I was planning to introduce you to one of my friends. I'm sure you two will get on," Quentin said.
"My God, you’re so depressing," Kelsie fumed. "I don’t know; where do you find these men, Julia? Handsome, rich and offering to hook me up with someone else."
Kate took a drink of her champagne and nearly spit it out laughing. Quentin winked at me. I had to agree with Kelsie. Quentin was the complete opposite of Nathaniel. He wanted to spend time with my friends, get to know my family and always made sure I was happy.
Quentin shoved his mobile phone into his pocket and kissed my hand.
"Men? I truly hope she’s joking. You aren’t dating anyone else, are you?"
I shot Kelsie a stern look, but she was already looking around, probably for some other available men.
"I'm only dating you. I'm glad that you want to introduce her to Patrick, but just a warning: Kelsie doesn’t date, she uses men and throws them away like a used rug," I explained. I had to warn Kelsie to keep her mouth shut about Nathaniel. I wasn't ready to talk about my ex with my current boyfriend, besides I had more important things to worry about, like proving to everyone that I was still sane.
The gallery was getting busy. A few humans always slipped through the door, but those evenings were open mostly for paranormals. Everyone looked incredibly stylish. I could smell magic in the air; a group of elves were standing by one of the impressionist paintings. Quentin was scanning the space. I’d noticed that since we walked in he’d been glancing at a dark painting on the left that was gaining quite a lot of attention from other giants and wizards.
"He should be here any moment. I hope Kelsie stays sober until then," Quentin muttered, placing a small kiss down below my collar bone. I relaxed automatically enjoying his attention. "I booked a table at the local restaurant; you girls want to join Julia and I later?"
"Yes, of course, Chris hasn’t had a decent meal in ages. He’s been working so hard to get all his paintings out on time," Kate said. Kelsie was already on her third glass of champagne smiling at a tall, dark-haired waiter.
"Yep, I'm in, as long as you’re paying, handsome."
"Yes, the meal is on me. Now, if you’ll please excuse me, ladies, I’ve just seen the person I need to speak to urgently. Time is money,"
Then off he went with a look of determination of his face. Quentin had this superior ambiance around him and I liked that he always considered me in his decision-making process. I didn't know much about art, but I was learning fast and he was patient with me.
"So, I see the romance is evolving, before you know it you’re going to be married." Kate chuckled, rolling her finger around her purple hair. Kelsie nearly dropped her glass.
"Oh, come on, she won’t marry him,” Kelsie interrupted. “Quentin’s too prefect. Guys like him don’t exist. I bet he’s a serial killer or something like that." A shifter in a very expensive suit was eyeing her from across the room. She hadn't noticed yet, but I did.
“We've only just started dating, and I'm not rushing into anything," I replied feeling a little dizzy. All week long, I’d been fighting to feel that intense magic wash over me, and now my energy was back. What the hell was wrong with me? The hair on the back of my neck rose and my fingertips became hypersensitive. Somehow, I felt relieved that I was back to normal. I didn't want to have another blackout.
"Now, you’re making some sense. You’re using him to get over that gorgeous douche who broke your heart. It’s obvious," Kelsie whispered. Kate shot her an angry look, but I didn't care anymore. Nathaniel was my past and Quentin was my future. Kelsie probably didn't get it, but she’d most likely never been in love and couldn’t understand what I went through while Nathaniel was in my life.
"I think you should stop drinking because you’re not making any sense," Kate muttered, pushing me and Kelsie away from the crowd. "Have you forgotten about that murder already?"
"Kate, please. Jennifer was involved with some shady individuals. It’s clear that she pissed off the wrong crowd. There’s nothing else to dwell on," I pressed feeling a little overwhelmed with the sudden dose of magic.
"Why are you suddenly not interested in this case?" Kate asked eyeing me with curiosity. “When Rufus went missing you were risking your skin just to find out more."
"Jennifer is not Rufus."
“Don't change the subject. We want to know what’s been going on with you lately. You’ve had strange panic attacks twice; one during the meeting with Rufus and the other when you saw Jennifer’s body. Come on, Julia. You’ve seen far worse than that and you always kept your shit together."
Kate was reading me so well and now I had no idea what to say. She was right. I normally handled everything well and I never before lost it like I did in the factory. For a split second I was considering telling them about the blackouts, the fire and the mysterious visit from Tron but then I realised that I needed to solve my problems on my own; there was no point getting my friends involved.
"I'm fine, really. It’s just stress, anyway, I need to find the loo. See you guys later?"
"As usual, Julia and her secrets. Sooner or later you’ll have to tell us what’s going on!" Kate shouted after me.
I vanished in the toilet room breathing steadily. Kate was right. The secret would come out; it was just a matter of time. I didn't want to think about that now. I had to blend into the crowd, admire the art and try to enjoy myself. Quentin was talking to an older guy in grey suit pointing at his beloved painting. I was sipping my champagne looking around, checking the most expensive pieces. My love life was slowly turning around. I didn't want to think about the hurdles that I had to face. Everything was finally getting back to how it used to be.
"Meredith, have you noticed that sculpture on the north side? Apparently, it was made by a Ukrainian giant. You know, the one who painted the Secret castle?"
The voice belonged to a very high pitched strong English woman. I smiled to myself because I knew what piece of art she was talking about. Quentin was planning to purchase it straight after he got his hands on the paining. The sculpture was pricy, but he was hoping to make a lot of money on it.
"No, I told you, I hate Eastern European art. My apartment is set in Asian style. He should have known that it was a waste of time coming here tonight," another woman replied. She wasn't English. She sounded foreign; French maybe, but I couldn't tell because her accent was difficult to pin point.
I finished my champagne aware of the sudden change in my energy. Magic was charging through me, sparkles of current appeared on my arms. I started taking long pulls of air. I had this odd heavy sensation inside my chest. Waves of magical energy were passing through my forehead and a small breeze started ruffling my hair. Something was going on with me, but so far no one else noticed it. We were in a locked building with no air conditioning, so I knew that someone was creating this small wind, or maybe it was simply me.
I turned around in a search of a waiter and more alcohol. I needed to get a drink fast before I accidentally caused something to explode.
"Oh, there you are, darling. I was just telling Kim that we shouldn’t have come here. Our new apartment in Geneva is set in Asian style and—"
I waved to the waiter who was walking towards the woman who was still bragging about this unfortunate trip when a powerful wave of energy hit me so hard I thought I was having a heart attack.
"We just got back to London and we aren’t here hunting for your next treasure. It’s a night out, Meredith,” another voice said. I instantly recognized it straight away. A cold chill passed through my entire body electrifying all my senses. Then the waiter who was carrying a stack of champagne glasses stopped abruptly. My heart gave me a giant smack in my chest then suddenly, all the glasses exploded, and the waiter went down on the floor. Someone screamed, people started rushing towards the poor caterer.
Nathaniel La Caz was standing a few meters away from me by two mermaids who looked like supermodels straight from the cat walk. My heart was pounding, and my usual, crazy and unpredictable magic was back, swaying me away back into the darkness. I had no idea what to do.
For a long moment I felt like time had stopped. People around me became transparent—stuck—and no one was moving when Nathaniel and I were staring at each other. The air changed consistency, growing heavy and thick in waves of hot energy.
"I told you so, there’s too many paranormals here. Magic gets out of control, and people go crazy," a woman ranted directly to Nathaniel. He wasn't paying the slightest bit of attention to her, because he was looking directly at me and my insides were slowly melting. Lust curled my toes and I was completely numb and breathless.
I needed to do something, react or run away, otherwise I was going to make an absolute fool of myself.
My heart was dangerously close to cardiac arrest territory when I approached him.
"Julia, how nice to see you here," he said before I had a chance to open my mouth. "Darling, let me introduce you to an old friend of mine."
My energy was driving my oversensitive body into another seizure-like episode. All of a sudden, I thought I was going to collapse again, not because I was afraid or scared, because all those emotions that I’d buried in the past year were out in the open, ready to crush me down. I wanted to die because I realised that Nathaniel La Caz was back in London.