The Nights We Stay Awake (TemperancexReader)

13. "We make a good team"

Y/n pov

The cool air of Portland bites at my skin as Emily and i step out of the SUV. We didn't even head to the station between, just going straight into business. Just asking questions, no badges. The objective is simple: find out if anyone's seen him or if there's been any unusual activity. The part that's throwing me off? The fact that we're going in as a couple, something that hasn't exactly been discussed between us. It was just said by Morgan, and the others agreed that it'd be less conspicuous for a couple to ask questions than two agents.

Beside the morning conversation, we haven't had the chance to talk about the feelings now simmering beneath the surface, but now that i've acknowledged them, they're there- unspoken, electric. It's been building for a while for me too, but i've been too focused on Temperance to even realise them. How stupid of me.

I glance at Emily as we approach the first shop, Abracadabra Emporium. The Neon sign flickers above the entrance, casting a strange glow on the wet pavement. She catches my eye, her expression steady, though there's a hint of something else- anticipation, maybe.

"You ready?" She asks, her voice calm, but i can sense the underlying tension.

"Yeah," i say, trying to sound just as composed. "Let's get this over with."

We push open the door, and a small bell tinkles above us. The shop is exactly what you'd expect- shelves lined with props, books on magic, and posters of famous magicians. The air smells faintly of old paper and incense. A middle-age man with a greying beard stands behind the counter, polishing a deck of cards.

Emily's hand slides into mine as we walk, and i have to resist the urge to stiffen. Her grip is warm, grounding, and find myself leaning into it, trying to ignore the way my heart skips a beat.

"Good afternoon", the man behind the counter says, his eyes flickering to our joined hands before he gives us a knowing smile. "How can i help you ladies today?"

Emily takes the lead, her voice smooth and confident. "We're looking for something special. My girlfriend here has a birthday coming up, and i wanted to surprise her with a few magic tricks."

My girlfriend. The words hang in the air, making my pulse quicken. I haven't been called that in a very long time. That's how hung up i've been on Temperance. I can feel the heat rising to my cheeks, but i manage to smile at the man, playing along.

The shopkeeper's smile widens. "Well, you've come to the right place. What kind of tricks are you interested in? Something for beginners, or do you two have a bit of experience?"

Emily squeezes my hand gently, and i have to remind myself to breathe. "We're more into the theatrical side of things. We've been attending a lot of local shows recently. Actually, we heard about this place from a friend who used to work here- Marcus Kane? Do you know him?"

The man's expression falters for just a second, but it's enough. "Ah, Marcus. Yes, he worked here for a while, though i haven't seen him in quite some time. He was... an interesting character."

I can feel Emily's body shift slightly toward me, a subtle signal. "Interesting how?" she asks, her tone light, but i know she's digging for more.

"Well, he had a real talent for illusion, but he was a bit of a loner. Kept to himself, mostly. After that incident at the theatre, he wasn't the same. He stopped coming in regularly, and then he just... disappeared."

I decide to push a a little further. "Did he mention where he might go next? Or if he was planning anything big?"

The man shakes his head. "Not that i recall. He was always talking about some grand illusion he wanted to perfect, but he never gave details. If you're looking for him, i'm afraid i can't help much. He was a mystery, even when he was here."