Dark Callings (Phoenix Intelligence Agency) by Taige Crenshaw Page B

acceptable term of endearment.”
    “You’re so formal. Just call it a pet name.”
    “Fine. That is not a pet name for me. Come up with something else.”
    “Okay, Sweetums.”
    “No.”
    “I’ll have to think on it.”
    “You do that. You know, gargoyles don’t look like that. So how can you watch this false depiction?”
    “It’s just a cartoon.”
    “What is it with you all and these cartoons?” Lennox asked.
    “They’re fun. And some had super powers. We wanted them so bad. Now, we have them.” Harmony laughed.
    “Yes. Remember when you jumped off the garage roof and broke your arm?” Allure asked. “Mom flipped out.”
    “Yeah.”
    Harmony stood, tugging Lennox with her. Allure did the same with Vaughn. They walked out of the room, reminiscing about their childhood. Tomorrow, they would face tracking down Blagden. Tonight, they would bake cookies, eat, and watch cartoons.

    * * * *

    Lennox tightened his power around them as he led the prisoners into their cell. He moved to the side as Lupo passed him, leading his own set. They retreated, closing the cell door behind them. Once outside, they released them. The Xiruis bombarded the cell with power, trying to break out. Lennox didn’t fear they’d succeed. They had reinforced the cell after speaking with Lupo. The older the Shadowers were when they turned Xiruis, the harder they were to kill or contain.
    Lennox rubbed the back of his neck. “A month of rounding up his henchmen, and we’re still no closer to catching Blagden.”
    “He’s wily. But we’re dwindling down his force. He has to be nervous and wondering how. He’ll be hiding deep, but we will find him,” Lupo said.
    They strode towards the elevator. Moments later, they exited onto the Z level. They made their way to the interrogation room that was set aside for the questioning. They went into the viewing room. Lennox frowned at the occupants. Harmony’s face was impassive as she sat beside Cipher while he questioned a Xiruis. Cipher was calm while the Xiruis evaded their questions. From where he was, Lennox felt the malevolence of the being. He felt the strain of it on Harmony, so he sent her some power through their bond.
    “Thank you, Sugar Lump,” Harmony teased. Even through their path he clearly heard her tiredness.
    “Unacceptable pet name ,” he returned, concern filling him.
    Harmony’s laugh in his mind sounded even more strained. Cipher glanced at her then he cut off the interview. He zapped the prisoner away, back to his cell. Lennox faded, then went through the mirrored glass and into the room. He rematerialised, and knelt by Harmony’s side. She raised a shaking hand to cut off what he was going to say.
    “I’m okay, Lennox.”
    “No. You’re pushing yourself too hard,” he insisted.
    “We’re doing as we must,” she stated.
    “Why isn’t Storm doing interrogations? I thought you were rotating days.”
    “She collapsed. Killian took her home to rest.”
    “See? That’s exactly what I mean. There are so many of them. They’re evil. We need more seers or empaths.”
    A male voice said, “I’m both. I can do some. I have some minor glamour abilities I can use to change my appearance so they won’t know who I am. I can get Cairo to help me make it better. I’ll bring in another Shadower to take my place in the search. If Dulé was here, he would.”
    Lennox glanced at Lupo. “Thank you, Dad.”
    Lupo stilled. Lennox frowned, confused as to why.
    “You called him Dad,” Harmony said tiredly.
    Lennox was startled to realise he had. “That’s what he is. He’s grown on me over these last few weeks. Like a fungus.”
    “Always so formal. Say it with me. ‘Like a fungus’,” Harmony teased.
    Lupo smiled, putting out his hand. Lennox stood then accepted it. Lupo pulled him into a hug, slapping him on the back.
    “See you tomorrow. Pamper your lady.” A surge of power enfolded him, before bouncing to Harmony.
    Lennox steeped back. “Thanks,