Dark City (The Order of Shadows Book 1) (21 page)

I
had
no idea what I'd find at the funeral. All I knew was Glory said she'd be there, so at least there would be two of us.

The wind battered the rain at me as I walked along the stony path that ran between the graves. A large service was being held in the distance and I could see a black mass of mourners under their umbrellas. It was only when I caught a flash of Glory's signature red dress below her long black coat and hat, that I realized it was all for Tom.

I pulled my raincoat up to my neck and strode on, amazed at how many people were there. It was a mixed bunch; suited professionals, people he'd met on the streets and more than a few of the cagier members of the magical community. There was even an ogre, cloaked of course but obvious to my eyes.

Glory glanced up and nodded for me to join her. I nodded back and pushed my way through the starry eyed knot of men and women that had gathered around her.

An expensive marble headstone marked Tom's place in this unconsecrated part of the graveyard, and below it was a neatly dug hole and a polished mahogany coffin. Someone had lovingly paid good money to ensure he'd had a proper send off, and it was clear by the crowd standing below the slate-grey sky that Tom had been much loved and had walked in many different circles.

The realization made me feel hopeful somehow, and I smiled as Glory squeezed my hand, her eyes thankfully shielded below her thick black shades.

* * *

T
he wake was held
in an ordinary bar. A mix of blues and contemporary folk blared from the speakers and the place was heaving with people. There was food everywhere, not to mention a buffet crammed with hors d'oeuvres, casseroles, pastas, salads and a plethora of cakes. The bar was doing a brisk trade and after what seemed like forever, I managed to order myself a double whiskey.

Someone had cast a low level enchantment over the place so that the bar staff, and any other non-magical types, wouldn't quite notice the more unusual guests.

I had no wish to talk to anyone, so I stood by the window watching the rain pound the street. I lifted my glass. "To you, Tom, wherever you are." I swallowed the whiskey, enjoying the warm fiery blaze as it slipped down my throat.

The world seemed grayer than usual, which was fitting. As I thought of Tom, I thought of the assassin and then the shade who had sent it. And I took a second vow. I had no idea how, but I would find Rowan Stroud, just like I would find Elsbeth Wyght.

That's what I did, I righted the wrongs as best I could.

"Can I buy you another?"

A blast of drug store aftershave filled my nostrils and I turned to find Dauple standing behind me, holding what looked like a glass of absinthe. "What are you doing here?"

He pulled a notebook from his coat and held it up. "I was in the graveyard minding my own business, and then I spotted you. Nice suit by the way."

Logging graves.
Maybe. He did do that. "If I find out you followed me..."

Dauple looked insulted, and then angry. "I wasn't following you. But after I saw you leave the graveyard and come over the road to this fine establishment, I suppose maybe I did. Technically. But only to buy you a drink. You looked sad and soaked through. Like a puppy in a well."

"Listen, I appreciate the offer, but I need to be on my own for awhile. Process things, you know?"

Dauple nodded. "I know. So much to process. Death. Life. People. Flies. Traffic. More death." His eyes grew wide as he seemed to take in the gravity of his crazy thoughts.

"But...you know, I do have some business I need to take care of. And I could use some help, if you're free?" I needed to go back for Hellwyn, pay my respects and bury her but it really wasn't something I wanted to face alone.

"Indeed. I will always help you if you ask." Dauple's lips took on a slightly green tinge as he sank the rest of his absinthe.

"Thanks" I nodded and I was about to walk away when Dauple reached out and grasped my wrist. Usually I'd have words for him, but the gesture was oddly comforting.

"It will be alright, you know, everything will be. I think." He released my wrist and nodded, before vanishing into the crowd.

I downed the last of the whiskey and turned to look for Glory in an attempt to be social, when my phone buzzed.

I considered turning it off, then a message flashed on the screen.

- DH -
I got a call that's right up your alley. Am at the scene now, looks pretty bad.

"Doesn't it always." An abandoned glass of beer rested on the table before me. I thought about dropping my phone it and taking that vacation I'd promised myself.

But I didn't.

I'm Morgan Rook - odd job man, and odd jobs are what I do.

T
hank
you so much for reading Dark City. If you enjoyed the novel I'd be incredibly grateful if you can leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads, and spread the word to friends and anyone you know!

Thank you & kind wishes,

Kit Hallows

K
it Hallows loves urban
& dark fantasy, occult horror and magical adventures in strange other worlds. Currently Kit is plotting out further adventures with Morgan Rook, and dreaming up the darkest of dreams.

J
oin
him at
kithallows.com
and sign up for exclusive reads and further journeys to fantastical worlds and lost, mysterious places.

For more information

• @kithallows
  
• KitHallows