Demons Like It Hot by Sidney Ayers Page B

wasn’t buying all this wisdom baloney. Me? One of the all-wise and knowing Pure Persons Network? Yeah, right! “And then there’s lil ol’ me.”
    “Stop, Serah,” Matthias ground out. “There is nothing little about you.”
    “As to ol’—the only thing old about you is your soul,” said Minerva.
    “Great, my soul is a Geritol-popping, walker-pushing dinosaur. I’m surprised it’s able to keep up with my body.”
    Minerva groaned. “Don’t play dumb, Serah. You know what I meant.”
    Matthias rolled his eyes, albeit only a little. “Now is not the time to be cracking jokes.”
    Serah held back the snort that threatened. “Is there ever a time for jokes with you?”
    “When you are safe from the Infernati that will never rest until you are killed.”
    “It’ll be a while, I guess.”
    “Just get this over so you can return to the safety of your home.”
    “Sir! Yes, Sir!” Serah said, flashing her favorite salute, the one-fingered kind. With that, she padded behind Minerva toward the back room.
    “So is this where you go to do all your secret goddess stuff?”
    “Very funny.” Minerva twisted the knob and opened the door. “Unfortunately, it’s just a sitting room used for private readings.”
    “Tarot readings?”
    “Among others.” Stepping into the room, she flipped the switch. Bright fluorescent lights illuminated the room. Rows of books lined the back wall. Old grimoires as well new ones were stacked from floor to ceiling.
    In the center of the room sat a simple circular table covered with a plain white tablecloth. Serah scrunched a brow. For a room used to predict the future, it looked ordinary.
    “Something wrong?”
    “It just wasn’t what I was expecting.”
    “We don’t need all those fancy embellishments. Our readers’ and psychics’ work speaks for itself.”
    “Fair enough.” Serah turned to see Matthias standing in the doorway. Hands on his hips, he stood tall and proud. It was a wonder he even fit through. She turned back to Minerva. “So are you going to give me a tarot reading?”
    With a dramatic flourish, she plopped into one of the seats. She reached across to grab the tarot deck.
    Minerva’s hand stopped hers. “Not tonight.” She grabbed the tarot deck, shuffled the cards and placed them on the stand behind her. “What I have is much better than a tarot or rune stone reading.” Twirling a golden lock of hair around her finger, she flounced to an old, worn-out armoire. Paint chips peeling off of it and the door creaked as Minerva pulled it open. She mumbled to herself as she sorted through dozens of boxes in myriad sizes and shapes.
    “I know it’s here somewhere. She asked me to keep it hidden.” She pulled out a false bottom and continued her search.
    “Who?”
    She pulled out an antique box and brushed off a layer of dust. Carved vines were etched across the sides of the tiny box. Serah stepped back and drew her lips straight. Hell, no . She’d had enough of creepy boxes and chests to last a lifetime. “Sorry. I don’t want it.”
    “Good, because I wasn’t giving the box to you.”
    Matthias, sensing Serah’s unease, stepped forward, hand clasped on his dagger. Did he ever let go of that thing? “Is everything okay?”
    “Everything is fine, Matthias. Save the dagger for someone who deserves it.” Minerva drew her fingertips across the latch and lifted it, the old metal creaking in protest. “I’m giving you what’s inside. The chest stays with me.”
    “Maybe I don’t want what’s inside either.”
    Minerva simply shook her head. “Oh, you’ll want this. Close your eyes and open your hand, Serah.”
    “Is it necessary for her to close her eyes?” Matthias stalked into the room and grabbed Serah’s arm. He turned her to face him, concern flashing in his dark gaze. “You don’t need to do this. Minerva sometimes uses her wisdom to trick the unsuspecting.”
    “I can hear you perfectly, Matthias.” There was no mistaking the