they're limited. Something pops up that goes against their view of the world, they don't have the vocabulary to name it." Her eyes slid to Georgia. "I don't need to tell you how important the right name can be."

Darius turned to look at her too. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Magic, D." Georgia kept her eyes on J. "Invocation, evocation, banishment. Hell, even basic prayer. All spellwork starts with being able to name what you need, who you're summoning, what you're trying to keep away." She finally looked over at him. "Use the wrong name, and the spell is worthless."

J jumped in. "Witchcraft 101, Darius. She is a witch, isn't she?"

Darius nodded. He studied her a moment longer, then turned back to J. "So, do you know its name?"

"NotStill, he couldn't shake the feeling that someone—or something—was out there. The back of his neck prickled. Darius shook himself.

J said something. Georgia laughed. Darius looked over at her. Jesus, was she actually here? He still couldn't quite believe it. "What's so funny?"

J grinned. "I was just telling her about all the hell you and Dante used to get up to. Used to think you boys were feral, the way you tore around here." Mock censure filled her face. "You know, I never did get that scorch mark out of the bathtub."

Darius snorted. "I told you, the cat was his idea."

"I bet it was." J shook her head, but her eyes twinkled. "Never saw that cat again, poor creature."

Georgia stared at him, her face torn between amusement and