The Magi (The Magi Series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

in.
    “I’m headed out to meet with some friends soon,” Elijah lied in desperation.
    “I won’t be long,” said Detective Scott, concentrating on something in the house. “Where’s your uncle?”
    “He just went to get us some dinner,” Elijah lied again. As soon the words came out, he dreaded it. If the pizza delivery person showed up now, Detective Scott would know Elijah was lying. “What do you need?” Elijah tried to calm himself down as he felt an increasing sense of danger.
    Detective Scott had been looking around the house ever since he came in and never really took an interest in Elijah’s presence. He finally turned to Elijah and smiled. “You don’t mind if I look around do you?” he said, ignoring Elijah’s question. Elijah began to panic. What was a homicide detective doing so far from his area, and why was he investigating something other than a murder scene?
    “I really do have to get going,” Elijah responded, trying to sound impatient. He hoped the detective would get the message.
    “It’ll just take a minute,” said Detective Scott, who was already walking away toward Elijah’s bedroom. Elijah followed him, becoming more and more uncomfortable. Something was not right about this. As Detective Scott looked through his bedroom, Elijah stepped inside.
    “I’m going to make a phone call,” he stated. “I’m sure someone will be wondering where I am.” Detective Scott stood up slowly and put his hands in his pockets. They stood studying each other for a long time. Elijah may have been frightened of the detective, but he stood his ground. He was determined not to show fear. Finally, Detective Scott relaxed and began to walk out of the room.
    “No need, I’m just doing my job. I’ll let myself out.” As he was walking down the hall, he said, “It’s a bit drafty in here. Your uncle would be wise to turn on the heater so you don’t catch cold. That wouldn’t look good for the courts.” Elijah glared at him as he walked out the door. He didn’t shut it until he saw Detective Scott’s car turn the corner. Uncle Stan could not get back fast enough.
    Elijah had trouble focusing for the rest of the night. He had forgotten all about the pictures and the cube of dirt that had been so fascinating just a little while ago. He was now obsessed with wondering why Detective Scott was in the house. What was in his room that the detective needed to see? Was he here to check on living conditions? Homicide detectives didn’t care about child custody, did they? Elijah was so confused and mixed up that he found himself pacing the living room floor for hours, deep in thought.
    Elijah desperately tried to dismiss the visit so he could get some sleep, but he kept imagining the detective going through his bedroom. He didn’t look long, so he was either scared away quickly or he saw what he needed to see. Elijah looked around. There didn’t seem to be anything to see. He had only been living in Uncle Stan’s house for a short while, so he hadn’t had time to fix the room as he liked. The walls were bare, the furniture was minimal, and it was mostly clean except a few clothes scattered about on the floor. All of a sudden, Elijah’s stomach dropped as he remembered the treasures he kept to remember his family. He was currently carrying the pocket watch, but the others were in a box under his bed. Did the detective take them? He dove under the bed and pulled out the box. He lifted the lid and sighed. They were still there—two diaries and a locket. He felt a great wave of relief hit him as he sat frozen by his bed for a long time. It was well after one o’clock when Elijah finally felt comfortable enough to go to bed. He left on the lights, crawled under the covers, and went to sleep surprisingly fast—after he had turned on the heater, of course.
     
    Elijah woke up early the next morning. The daylight helped settle his nerves from the visit the night before. He found that it was easier to