Read Online Precarious Possessions (Maxwell Investigations) by Dawn Ibanez - Free Book Online Page A

younger brother was thinking. “It could be worse. At least you’re a
detective,” he reasoned. “Mom and Dad could have pushed you into becoming a
lawyer.”
    Barry felt some of his humor return. Eric was known as a
silver tongued devil. Little did people know, Eric’s magic was more like a
Siren’s song. When he spoke, one was almost compelled
to do whatever he wanted. Unless they were related to him or
just too damned stubborn. “Could be worse,” he agreed. Amusement danced
in his eyes. “I could be a Jewel Witch.”
    Both men started laughing as they thought of their other
brother Jimmy. While they were pushed into careers that dealt with the law, the
youngest Maxwell son was forced to become an art dealer because of his affinity
to precious gems. It didn’t seem fair to any of the boys. Madison and Dylan
were the girls, and they had ended up with the coolest of the traits.
    Barry looked though the file with a frown. The ME’s report
said that all of the fluids have been drained out of each body. The pictures
showed what appeared to be large Slim Jims, and whatever appetite he had
quickly left. “There’s not even a hint of what could have done this?” he asked.
    Eric shook his head with a frown. “I really want to take
this to Madison. She could try to at least Raise the
last victim and get some clue to what happened.”
    “Victor wants her out for a while. And since Mom and Dad are
still active, he doesn’t want to run the risk that they may have to work
together.” Barry continued to look at the photo of the last victim. His face
seemed to be frozen in sheer terror. There was something seriously wrong about
the beings he was looking at. “I’ll try to Raise him,”
he said simply.
    Eric’s face mimicked the horror in the photo. “Are you
high?” he asked in turn. When Barry’s frown deepened Eric leaned forward in his
chair. “You aren’t skilled enough to handle a Raising. What if something goes
wrong?”
    Barry arched an eyebrow. “You were just ready to serve Madi up and make her Raise him.
What’s the difference?”
    “ Madi knows what she’s doing. You
don’t.” Eric shook his head as he stood and walked over to his office window.
“If something happens to you, how am I supposed to explain that to Mom?”
    “And again, I’m pointing out the fact that Madi does this all the time and you’re not this terrified
for her. And she’s got kids to look after.” Barry paused when a light knock
came from the door.
    Eric took a slow breath and sighed. By the timid sound he
could tell it was his newest secretary. Without a word to his brother he
crossed the room and opened the door. “Hi Lilavanti, come inside the office.”
    Barry sat straighter in his chair as his brother spoke
quietly with the young Indian woman. She was dressed in an orange sari that
seemed to compliment her rich caramel skin tone. Dark hair that could have been
either a really rich wine or deep brown was pulled back in a severe bun. What
made him frown were the exceptionally thick glasses she wore. “You finally hired on that new assistant, huh?” Barry asked his brother.
    Eric’s back went rigid. He looked at Barry with a deep
frown. “Yes. Lilavanti Dallas, this is my brother, Barrence.”
    Barry narrowed his eyes at his older brother for a moment
before turning his eyes to the young woman between them. “Everyone calls me
Barry,” he greeted in a smooth tone. He easily took her hand and gently kissed
it.
    Lilavanti blushed as she looked at Barry. “It’s very nice to
meet you.” With large eyes she glanced at Eric and cleared her throat. She then
turned to Eric. “Is he the art dealer?” she asked.
    “That’s actually our brother Jimmy,” Barry said quickly.
“I’m a Detective here in the District.”
    “Oh, I’m sorry,” she apologized as she bowed her. Her eyes
were full of pure innocence when she hugged the files in her arms to her chest.
“The whole kissing the hand thing threw me. I’m