Fly by Midnight by Lauren Quick

again, Ms. Mayhem. Right on time.”
    “I’m looking forward to speaking with you. The package you gave me last night was fascinating, to say the least.”
    “Please come in, and don’t mind Rex. He gets a little excited. We don’t have guests much, and he loves attention.” She was dressed in a pale blue cardigan covered in elaborate embroidery with a matching shell underneath. The jean skirt she had been wearing last night had been replaced with simple black pants and a pair of ballet flats.
    Honora stepped into the vestibule, and Jane led her into a tastefully decorated living room with a matching sofa and love seat adorned with a massive collection of needlepoint pillows.
    “Can I get you a glass of water? You must be parched after such a long flight out.” Jane drifted into the kitchen.
    “Sure. That would be great.” Honora followed Jane as far as the hallway. She raised her voice as Jane ran the tap. “I’d like to get some personal details—where you work, what your persuasion is, that sort of thing.”
    Jane brought her a glass. “I’m a researcher studying the culture of Everland. The history of witches is an important, often overlooked subject. I first met Jon at a seminar at the academy. We’re self-proclaimed bookworms,” Jane said with a dreamy expression. They both took a seat on the sofa.
    “Interesting. And now?”
    “I’m on sabbatical. I’m actually working on a passion project that I’ve been fascinated with my whole life, and I finally have a chance to dive in.” She crossed her legs and relaxed into the sofa, a marked change in her demeanor from their nervous first meeting. Rex barked from the doorway, but Jane did her best to ignore him.
    “Really? And what subject is that?” Honora asked as the hyperactive dog scampered into the room and jumped up onto her lap.
    “The Otherworld.” Jane grinned girlishly. “I’ve learned enough about witches to last a lifetime. Now, I want to know more about the entire world beyond the wall.”
    Honora coughed, practically choking, and took a swig of water. That can’t possibly be a coincidence, she thought.
    “Are you okay?” Jane patted her on the back. “Rex, get down. Leave our guest alone.” She shooed the dog off the sofa while Honora cleared her throat. The Otherworld was obviously a popular topic with the Rainers.
    Honora set her glass down and broached the subject of Jonathan’s job. “I must confess my assistant and I have been reviewing the materials you supplied us on your husband, and I was a little surprised by what I found. Especially Jon’s secret, as you put it in the bar.”
    “You’re referring to the photos. It’s a shock. But Jon’s a paranoid wizard, and he used the younger appearance as a precaution. His work is sensitive.”
    “I see. And specifically, what did your husband do?”
    “He’s a magical consultant to the council. His specialty is protection spells, wards, and barriers.” Jane picked a minuscule piece of lint off her pants.
    “Prior to his disappearance, did he do or say anything out of the ordinary? Was he having problems at work with his superiors or any coworkers? Perhaps someone on the council was giving him trouble?” Honora asked, digging for a little dirt.
    “We don’t talk about his work. We never have. The council expects him to be quiet about such things for security. It’s unconventional, but I’ve learned to live with it,” she said, drumming her fingers on the armrest.
    “But you do realize your husband had an important job? I’m wondering why the council wouldn’t do everything they could to find him. I’m curious—what did they tell you when your husband went missing?” It appeared that Sawyer was right and Jane didn’t know what her husband was really working on.
    “That’s the problem. They didn’t seem to care. They believed the police report.” Jane shook her head. “They swept Jon’s disappearance under the rug to avoid a scandal, but I think