He worked on developing practical applications for them, but when he presented them as potential products to the board, they declined to pursue commercial production. When we found out he was still working on these projects, we dismissed him."

"Was he working on these projects on company time, using company resources?"

"Yes. All of his work was based on a spellbook we own."

"It's not information he could get any other way?"

Owen shook his head. "We have the only existing copy."

"Do we have a case?" I asked.

"It's hard to say based on only this information," Ethan replied. "I'd have to take a closer look, and even then, it's not particularly clear-cut. The fact that your company declined to commercialize his work when given the opportunity shades things somewhat, but then there's also the fact that he was using company resources. And then it might ultimately be up to a judge or jury. But that doesn't mean we can't take action. You can sometimes get a favorable result just by sending a carefully worded letter. A lot of people back down when they see the letterhead."

"You could write such a letter?" Merlin asked.

"That's what I spend a good amount of my life doing."

"So you're willing to take our case?"

Ethan smiled for the first time that day. "I couldn't pass it up. It's too fascinating."

"This won't cause a problem for you at your firm, will it?" I asked.

"I have my own firm. If I want to take a case, it's my business."

Merlin looked supremely satisfied. "Very well. You can discuss your fees with Mr.

Gwaltney. Mr. Palmer can give you access to all the information you need. He's also your best resource for any questions you might have about magic."

Ethan pulled a Palm Pilot out of his breast pocket. "Let's see, I have tomorrow afternoon open if you'd like to meet then."

"I'll work around your schedule," Owen said. A business card appeared in his hand, and he handed it to Ethan.

"Okay, you just pulled that out of your sleeve, didn't you?"

Owen grinned. "Actually, I did. Stage magic is a hobby of mine."

That was news to me, but then I remembered that I knew nothing about Owen's personal life other than that he liked baseball and opera.

"That seems like a weird hobby for a real wizard," Ethan remarked, and I had to agree.

"It's fun," Owen said with a shrug. "But what I'll show you tomorrow has nothing to do with sleight of hand."

Rod made a show of shoving his sleeves up, then his business card appeared in his hand. "And here's my card. Call me to discuss your retainer."

Ethan slipped his Palm Pilot back into his pocket. "I suppose I'll see all of you tomorrow afternoon." They shook hands all around, then I walked Ethan to the exit.

"Are you going to be okay?" I asked.

"Yeah, I think so. In fact, I feel better than I have for a while."

"That's good to hear. I wouldn't want to think you were going around the bend. We need you too much."

"This stuff that's going on, it's that bad?"

"They're afraid this is the first step in a possible magical war. It opens the door for magical people who want to use their powers in a darker way, and that makes life riskier for everyone. If we stop it now, we may be able to prevent a lot of suffering."

"Then I'd better do a damn good job." He started to go, then paused and turned back. "I realize you didn't exactly have dating on your mind when you had me get in touch with you, and I know our date isn't going to make the hall of fame—at least, not in a good way—but would you be interested in trying again? This time, I promise not to have a nervous breakdown."

I hesitated. I did like him, and he was cute. He was also the most normal man I knew. But did I really want to date him? This didn't seem like the best time to mix business with pleasure. "Can we talk about it once the immediate crisis is averted?"

"That gives me plenty of incentive for getting this done right, and soon. I hope I'll see you tomorrow when I come by."

"I'll try to at least drop by and say hi while you're here."

* * *

"It would be a good idea for you to be there when Ethan comes by this afternoon,"

Owen said as we walked to the subway station the next morning.

"Why's that?"

"It'll help him feel more comfortable. He's going to see things that are beyond his imagination, and it'll help to have someone he knows and trusts nearby. You're an anchor to him, someone he knows is real."