Heretics book 3 - The Apocryphile Press

140 :: JOHN R. MABRY
Charybdis sneered, but turned and limped towards what
Richard assumed must be the kitchen.
“Richard Kinney,” Larch shook his head. “My, my. You
know, I’ve been reading your posts since the early WELL
days.”
“Then we’ve been mutual admirers,” Richard returned, a
real smile emerging.
“Well?” asked Dylan.
“A very popular computer bulletin board in the Bay Area
back in the ’90s,” Terry explained. “The first real internet
community for most of us.”
“Just so,” smiled Larch. “I still remember how you put
those Temple of Set bastards in their place on the Ceremonial
Magick list.”
Richard couldn’t help a smile himself. “Oh, yeah. That
was intense.” Despite himself, Richard found he was warming
to Larch. He told himself it was the result of intentional
flattery and to stay on guard. “Listen, Mr. Larch, we’re here
on business.”
Larch’s smile lessened somewhat, but did not disappear.
“And pray, what would that be?”
“One of our friars has gone missing. We want him back.”
“And you think he might be here? Why?”
“He was staking out your house earlier today.”
Real surprise registered on Larch’s face. “No. My God,
no. Fr. Kinney, you may feel free to scour every inch of this
house. I’m sure you and your companions are familiar with
the paraphernalia of the magician’s craft, it will hold no surprises
for you. Your friar is not here.”
“Then where is he?”
“I’m as clueless as you seem to be, I’m afraid.”
“We’ll see about that. Look, we have one of your brothers.”