Chapter 68

The meeting had been brief but exciting for Kyle.

“Like I said previously, the Magic Crimes Division handed the transfer of the artifact and the dragons.” Arcas nodded towards Kyle. “It was definitely two dragons, which will be its whole own can of worms I’m afraid.” His slight and vaguely European accent made the vowels sound rounder to Kyle. But whether that was the correct term, he really didn’t know. His ‘w’s though, had just the tiniest hint of a ‘v’ sound to them. Sometimes Kyle suspected that the vampire was playing it up a bit to fit the stereotype that was expected of him by the museum’s rich and powerful patrons.

“There’s a registry of all the dragons in North America.” Jones volunteered. “It shouldn’t be too hard to identify them.” Arcas narrowed his eyes just a tad before smiling again.

“If they are on the registry, yes.” The Director agreed. “However,” He continued, “considering the circumstances, one has to wonder…” The sentence trailed off and he left it hanging.

“Anyways, Kyle, you will be continuing the examination of the device at the facility Magic Crimes have set up.” Glancing down at a very expensive pocket watch chained to his waistcoat, the dapper vampire verified the time. “Your flight will be here in about ten minutes.”

Kyle’s heart soared. He was so excited. Another shot at his first acquisition. But he as his eyes focused on the multitude of diplomas, certificates, and artifacts from the directors personal collection – presumably belongings from his long life – on the wall behind the director’s head, Kyle couldn’t help but to forcibly tamp down his eagerness. He had to ask.

“Is it really okay that I left the artifact acquisition incomplete? I know there’s extenuating circumstances…” Arcas threw back his head and bellowed a hearty laugh.

“Kyle. Kyle. Kyle. It’s not only alright, but it was also the best possible course of action.” Nodding reassuringly Adrian Arcas began gathering up the paperwork Kyle would need for transferring whatever artifact they would find beneath the dragon in the truck from the Magic Crimes Division to the Museum’s possession.

“Sir?” Kyle’s quizzical and doubtful look drew another laugh from his boss.

“You rescued so many rich children with rich parents. Imagine the potential for gratitude or even guilt donations.” His Burnt umber eyes gleamed with avarice. “So, many parents so happy that their children are still alive. Wracked with guilt that they were safe and sound and so far away while they experienced such trauma.” Licking his slightly parted lips between his fangs, Adrian continued excitedly as his fingers steepled together. “Your actions have certainly generated so much new revenue, not to mention the potential for ancestral artifact donations.”

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It brought a grin to Kyle’s face and a whimsical roll of the eyes. Of course that was what Arcas cared about. Money. And artifacts. As long as Kyle’s actions benefited the museum.

“I’m glad to be of service, Director.” Blushing a bit as the director smiled his way too handsome smile at him, Kyle bowed his head with not entirely mock humility.

“Now, stop that. Take compliments with your head high. Some might think it arrogant, but everyone has the right to be proud of themselves and their accomplishments.” Upon finishing his sentence he paused to watch Kyle and Jones, glancing between the two of them until they nodded acknowledgement of his admonition. Then he handed over the folder of documents he’d been gathering, signing and filling with stamps, embossings, and official government enchantments as he’d spoken.

“These are all the documents you two will need. Get a full lab kit and your personal tools. I don’t trust that the FBI will have the kind of equipment necessary for truly arcane magic.” It wasn’t said with malice, just a fact. And Kyle agreed.

“I do believe they work more with modern threats as a counterpoint to the more ancient magics and techniques that we deal with here at the museum.” Kyle agreed.

“Excellent. You two, get ready. A helicopter will be on the roof in about fifteen minutes.” Giving a delicate sniff, he turned his attention fully to Jones. “I suggest you take the opportunity to get a fresh uniform and a second shower, Mister Jones before you gear up.”

Fifteen frantic minutes later, Kyle and an impressively decked out Jones were standing in the door onto the museum’s rooftop helipad as a helicopter descended towards them. Its blades whipped the air up into a frenzy while beating gravity into submission. It was something Kyle admired about the physical sciences.

Sure, magic would have been smoother, more elegant. But there was something just as magical about the way human ingenuity could conquer the physical world in a purely physical way. It almost made him think that society would be okay if magic suddenly disappeared. Then he shook that crazy thought out of his head.

When the pilot waved them over, Kyle tightened his grip on the handles of the shock-proof cases in each hand. He moved them as a means of indirectly adjusting the messenger style magic bag whose strap crossed his body. This was it. This was his first solo acquisition. Again.

His codex rested snugly in its holster, quiet. Which meant the environment was safe and his path was clear since it had no warnings for him. Jones and Kyle ran low under the idling blades of the helicopter. Kyle hurled himself inside, grateful to be away from the heartrate raising spin of the blades. Being a trained Magicorps mage, Jones was more collected in his entry, easily taking his place and strapping himself in. The young warlock of the archivist found himself fumbling with the safety straps which Jones helped him chuckling all the time.

“Laugh it up, wise guy.” Kyle grinned back and shook his head.

“You don’t think it’s funny that you can do the things you do, but safety belts stymie you?”

“When you put it that way…” Rolling his eyes, Kyle had to kind of agree with the fact that he had a lack-of-coolness problem.

“I’m really just smiling because we’re going on our first solo acquisition.” It felt good to hear it. It felt… Right. Kyle’s smile broadened. Then the words echoed in his mind. We’re going on our first solo acquisition. And his codex stirred. It wasn’t negative, or a warning. It agreed.