A Member of the Council Read Online Free Page A

do.”
    “Why did you come here?” Ty watched Parris, wondering what emotion her face would betray as she answered. He wasn’t disappointed. The girl could blush.
    “I thought, I mean, after last night, I hoped,” Parris paused, apparently realizing how her words sounded.
    “You thought since I kissed you, you’d call in a favor.” Ty’s index fingers folded into a steeple and he leaned his chin forward, considering his options.
    “Are you going to help me or not?” Parris stood, her eyes reflecting red.
    Ty cocked his head. Interesting. Most witches controlled their feelings, especially anger. When emotions weren’t controlled, bad things happened. The first lesson a young witch learned. Never cast a spell in anger. Yes, he needed to meet the grandmother who’d raised Parris. He might not only bring in a single rogue, but two. Decided, he punched a button on his telephone.
    Sally’s voice came over the speaker. “Yes?”
    “Cancel today’s appointments.” Ty pushed away from the desk, motioning to the door. “After you. I’ll drive.”
    “Drive where?” Parris stood.
    “Over the river.”
    “What the heck are you talking about?” Parris put her hands on her hips.
    “We’re going to your grandmother’s house.” Ty put his hand on the small of her back, gently pushing her forward.
    “You’re quoting a Christmas song?” She stared at him, falling in step, pausing at the door. “I didn’t think you’d actually go meet her.”
    “I meet my clients in person. It’s the only way to know if they are telling the truth.”
    That brought Parris up short. Forward movement stopped. “You think I’m lying?”
    Ty knew she was lying . “You’re not my client. If I take this case, your grandmother is my client. You’re an interested party.” He looked at her. “Are we ready to go?”
    Parris sighed. He’d won. He saw resignation.
    “Why not? Grans would love to meet you. But beware.”
    “Beware of what?” This time, Ty paused with his hand on the door handle.
    “She thinks I should be married. Every man under eighty she meets is a potential husband. She imagines herself quite the matchmaker.” Parris reddened.
    “Believe me, I’ve been hunted before.” Ty swung open the door. Walking to the elevator taking them to the parking garage, he called, “Sally, I’ll see you in the morning.”
    * * * *
    As she sat on the leather seat, Parris wondered exactly how much the black sedan had set the lawyer back, questioning if she could afford to hire Ty. He must make more in a week than Parris cleared from the bar in a month, maybe even a year. She’d have to work harder. Going cheap with Grans’ house on the line wasn’t an option. He might say no, anyway.
    “You like classical?” Ty’s voice startled her. She’d been focused on the car’s trappings she hadn’t even noticed he’d entered the driver’s side door.
    “Whatever. I’m not picky with music. After you hear Walk the Line sixty times a night, diversity in music choice is a good thing.” Parris slid the seatbelt over her chest, clicking the latch shut.
    “You need a better jukebox.” Ty pulled the car out of the parking spot, speeding up the ramps.
    Grasping the door handle, Parris watched the path in front of them. She couldn’t believe he drove like this. What if someone darted between parked cars or backed up? She took in a calming breath.
    “You okay?” Now, Ty watched her.
    “Watch the road and slow down.” Parris caught a glimpse of a family at a stairwell door. She threw a mental command at them, stay there, stay there . The car zoomed past the family without the parents’ faces even registering a flicker of concern.
    “I’m a good driver. Never been in an accident.”
    Parris found that impossible to believe as fast as he drove, although he didn’t seem to be lying. “Sorry, I’m not used to cars. I take the bus or train everywhere I can. Not counting today, I haven’t even started my bug since I last