On the way to Roger’s office

“Why a composting toilet?”

Kerr grinned at Ammy’s question. She walked behind him, holding onto his belt as they retraced their earlier route down the mountain on their way to Roger’s office in Assjacket.

“Raisa has running water,” Ammy continued. “I used it to wash my hands.”

“Composting toilets are easier to use in remote areas than digging a septic system.”

Ammy stumbled over a partially buried rock on the downward slope. Kerr turned and picked her up in one continuous motion, then carried her down the steep, rugged slope.

“Kerr!” She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. “You need to put me down. You’ll fall. I’ll make it on my own.”

“Cat here, darlin’. Sure-footed on two and four feet.” He kissed her temple since it was there and tempting him. “While I know and admire that you’re an independent, strong woman used to doing things for yourself, this time, you don’t have to go it alone. I’m here to support you when the going gets rough.” He’d gotten the distinct impression from some of Ammy’s thoughts and actions that she hadn’t had a lot of support growing up. He planned on changing that.

The little sigh she emitted as she relaxed into his hold made him happy. Her acquiescence to his carrying her proved his plan to get her used to him was working. So far, the day with Ammy had been the best day in his life—only superseded by yesterday, the day he met her—and would only be topped by the day when she accepted his bite.

Her head snuggled on his shoulder, Ammy rubbed circles on his chest. Her touch aroused him to the point of pain, but it was sweet torture. He’d bite his tongue off before telling her to stop. He wanted her to want him, wanted her to touch him—especially since sometime later this evening, he planned on touching her right back.

“Kerr,” her voice sounded dreamy, “are you going to put me down now? The ground has leveled off.”

He didn’t want to let go, but— “It has.” He gave her a little squeeze. “I like carrying you.” He swung her down. “But you should be fine now. Take my hand, just in case. There could be some uneven areas before we get into Assjacket proper.”

“Okay.” Ammy reached for his hand.

Her immediate acceptance made Kerr feel ten-feet-tall. He grasped her hand, and they walked hand-in-hand until they reached Roger’s office located on the main street of downtown Assjacket.

Ammy tugged. “Hold on, for a second.”

Kerr stopped and released her. His little witch turned in a full circle at the entrance to Roger’s office.

“Do you sense the artifact?” If she didn’t, then that was solid evidence as far as Kerr was concerned that the reliquary hadn’t been anywhere near Roger’s office.

Ammy stopped turning and went still. Her eyes glowed with an unearthly light, making her violet eyes glitter like the rarest of gemstones. Her magic feathered over his skin, causing the hairs on his arms to stand up.

“Merlin’s Foreskin was here,” she concluded. “The magic is lingering around the entrance. But”—her forehead furrowed—“it’s very faint.”

A frown twisted Amethyst’s lips. “Still, this isn’t a good sign when coupled with Roger’s weirdly obsessive behavior last evening.”

Kerr grunted. “Sounds like Roger has some explaining to do.” He opened the door and waved her in. “Ladies, first.”

“Thank you, Kerr. You take such good care of me.” Ammy sailed inside.

That was his goal—to take such good care of her that she’d find him so indispensable she’d allow him to care for her forever.

Roger’s waiting area was empty. His part-time receptionist wasn’t behind the desk. So Kerr gave out a shout, “Roger. Ammy and I need a bit of your time, please.”

Roger ambled out of his office. His nose twitching. “Hey, Kerr. Ammy. Heard y’all were going to come by and ask me some questions.”

The Assjacket gossip hot line had obviously been busy. Not surprising, since Kerr and Ammy had interviewed well over a dozen locals before lunch.

“Well, then, since you’ve already heard the artifact is missing. Have you seen it?” Kerr asked.

“You mean—did I take it? No, I didn’t.” Roger looked between them. “I will admit to being highly interested in the artifact since its presence scared me.”

“Scared you?” Ammy asked. “Why?”

“You’re new to town so you might not be aware…” Roger began to pace. “My main practice is sex counseling. If couples or individuals can just go to the artifact and request assistance from it, then I’ll lose quite a bit of my business.” If he’d been in his animal form, his ears would’ve been drooping.

“Roger, I don’t think—” Kerr began.

“Kerr.” Ammy touched his arm. “Let me handle this.”

“Okay, darlin’.”

“Roger…” Ammy moved to him and placed a hand on his arm. “Merlin’s Foreskin isn’t a replacement for counseling. Consider it a useful tool for your practice. In fact, Zelda and Mac should allow you to keep the artifact here. You could use it only when regular counseling can’t help one of your patients. Sort of a tool of last resort—because by then the patient would have the true need the magic of the artifact requires. You could also adapt your counseling techniques to assist your patients to focus their magic to achieve their desired results.”

“Really?” Roger’s whole body posture changed from one of dejection to one of hope.

“Really.” Ammy smiled. “I can help you by teaching you some techniques and incantations to use in focusing the magic.”

Roger looked between Kerr and Ammy, then nodded, a smile on his lips. “That would be super. But first we need to find the artifact. Who could’ve taken it?”

“We don’t know,” Kerr replied. “But Ammy sensed the artifact’s magical signature by your front entrance.”

“And I might add,” Ammy said. “I don’t sense that it was ever inside your offices.”

“Well, I can’t explain why you sensed it outside my place,” Roger said. “Maybe the thief walked past with it.”

“Maybe.” Ammy looked at Kerr. “But whoever carried it would’ve had to stop long enough to leave the faint trail of magic. Just passing by wouldn’t have had enough of a contact with Roger’s entryway.”

“Puzzling, that’s for damn sure.” Kerr had learned two things from this visit: Roger hadn’t stolen the artifact—and more importantly, with her offer to assist Roger, Ammy had unconsciously decided to stick around Assjacket.

“Thanks for your time, Roger.” Kerr placed his hand on Ammy’s lower back and angled her toward the front door. “After we find the artifact, we’ll make sure you become its custodian.”

“Thank you so much.” Roger almost bounced as he walked them to the door. “Have a nice evening.”

Once outside, Kerr looked down at Ammy. “You hungry? It’s been awhile since lunch.” Plus, he’d dragged her up and down half a mountain and over some really challenging ground.

“I could eat. What do you suggest?” she asked.

“The diner has good food.” Kerr offered her his arm. “We might also pick up some clues. The place is gossip central.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Ammy linked her arm with his. “Lead on, partner.”

Partner. Kerr liked the sound of that—a lot.