Menu

No Quest For The Wicked (Enchanted, Inc. #6) - Page 25/105

“Didn’t bring any. It would just get in my way.” She raised her enormous tote bag. “I’ve got a change of underwear and a toothbrush in here.”

Thor gazed at her in admiration. “Now, there’s a lady who knows how to go on a quest.” He looked up at the rest of us and asked, “So, where are we going to track down this possible lead?”

“Macy’s,” Rod said.

“Good, I could use a new girdle,” Granny said, heading out and plowing her way through the crowds. Although she’d never been to New York before, she somehow headed in the right direction. The rest of us had to hurry to keep up with her.

“Who are we looking for?” I asked Owen as our odd little party entered the department store.

“A Natalie Winters.”

“We need a plan for approaching her,” I said. “We won’t be able to just walk up to her and ask if she got an interesting brooch for her birthday today. If she is our woman, we can’t afford to make her suspicious.”

“A personal shopper would help her choose clothes that flatter her and are suitable for her needs,” Rod said. “If we can get to her before the real shopper does, it would be easy enough to ask if there’s any accessory she wants to match.”

“Looks like we’ve got a volunteer,” I said.

“What? Me?” He shook his head. “No, no, no.”

“You want me helping a woman choose clothes?” I asked, gesturing at my current outfit, which could probably best be described as “business bland.”

He studied me, and I could tell he was wrestling with a diplomatic way to respond. “You don’t look bad,” he said at last.

“It took Gemma’s help to get me this far.”

“And I don’t shop,” Owen added.

A saleswoman approached us, gave Owen a dazzling smile, and asked, “Can I help you find something?”

Owen immediately turned bright red and started stammering. I’d almost forgotten about his shyness, it had been so long since I’d seen him outside the office basement. He could handle himself in an official capacity or with people he knew and trusted, but around strangers, he blushed and clammed up. It was really rather adorable.

Rod intervened, asking the saleswoman, “We were wondering about your personal shopper service.”

“That would be on the third floor,” she told him.

When she was gone, I said, “Owen also doesn’t talk to strangers. Which leaves you. You’re great with women.” I didn’t think that Granny or Thor would even be in the running for posing as a personal shopper.

“Okay, okay. If you think I can pull this off.”

I patted him on the shoulder as we headed to the escalators. “Just pour on your usual charm, and you should do fine.”

“I haven’t used my ‘usual charm’ in ages. I’ve been trying to be good, but it’s hard to reform when you people keep pulling me back in.”

“It’s all in the line of duty. You’re playing Don Juan for a cause now, not for selfish reasons.”

Up on the third floor, a frighteningly thin blond (probably fake, but with no roots showing) woman in a severe suit stood waiting, tapping the pointy toe of her high-heeled shoe impatiently, even though it was still several minutes before her appointment. “That’s got to be her,” Rod whispered.

“Do you feel anything that might be the Eye?” I asked him, also in a whisper.

He shook his head. “If she’s got it, it’s in the box. Do you think she’d be standing there, waiting, if the Eye were working?”

“Good point. Now, go get ’em, tiger. We’re all counting on you. But no pressure!”

While the rest of us lurked behind mannequins, Rod dialed up the charm to maximum levels and approached the woman. “Ms. Winters?” he asked.

“Yes.” She snapped out the word.

“I’m André, and I’ll be helping you today.”

“My appointment was with Cecile.”

“I’m afraid Cecile had a family emergency, so she asked me to fill in until she could get here. She sent her most sincere apologies. Now, is there something in particular you’re looking for today? Any big events you need to dress for or pieces you want to build an outfit around?”

She looked at him like he’d grown a second head. “Cecile usually pulls pieces and has them ready when I arrive. I told her what I wanted when I made the appointment.”

“Oh, ah, um,” Rod stammered. He sounded a lot like Owen. This was not a good time for him to lose his mojo and turn bashful. Then I felt an increase in magical use as he gave up trying to do this the hard way and hit her full-on with the whammy. “I wanted to add my personal touch,” he said, his voice soft and seductive as he reached out to touch her hand.



Category

Discovering the World of Free Online Novels

In an age where digital access is at our fingertips, the world of literature has evolved significantly. For book lovers and avid readers, the prospect of finding and reading novels for free online is not only exciting but also incredibly convenient. Whether you're looking for classic literature, contemporary fiction, or niche genres, there are countless resources available where you can indulge in your reading passion without spending a dime. Let's explore how you can dive into this literary treasure trove.

Why Read Novels Online for Free?

Reading novels online for free offers numerous advantages. For one, it eliminates the need to purchase physical books, saving you money and space. Additionally, with instant access, you can start reading as soon as you find a novel that piques your interest. Online platforms also allow for a vast selection of genres and authors, including rare or out-of-print titles that might be hard to find elsewhere.

Top Websites to Read Novels for Free

Several websites offer free access to novels, whether you're interested in classics, contemporary works, or indie publications. Here are a few reliable sites:

Legal Considerations

While the idea of free books is appealing, it's essential to ensure you're downloading or reading novels legally. Many websites, like those mentioned above, offer books that are in the public domain or have been released for free distribution by the authors. Always check the licensing terms of a book before downloading it to avoid any legal issues.

Genres to Explore

Whether you’re into romance, mystery, science fiction, fantasy, or historical fiction, there’s a wealth of free online novels available in every genre. Sites like Wattpad and ManyBooks categorize novels by genre, making it easy to find what you’re interested in. If you’re in the mood for something classic, Project Gutenberg has a treasure trove of time-honored works from authors like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Mark Twain.

The Rise of Indie Authors

One of the most exciting aspects of reading novels online for free is discovering new voices. Many independent authors publish their work online for free to build an audience. Platforms like Wattpad have become launchpads for these writers, some of whom have gone on to publish bestsellers. By reading these novels, you’re supporting up-and-coming authors and getting in on the ground floor of potentially the next big literary sensation.

Community and Interaction

Reading novels online often comes with the added benefit of community interaction. Platforms like Wattpad allow readers to comment on chapters, interact with authors, and even contribute to the story's development in some cases. This level of engagement can enhance your reading experience, as you become part of a community of like-minded readers.

Accessibility and Convenience

With the ability to read on various devices—be it a smartphone, tablet, or computer—free online novels offer unparalleled convenience. You can carry an entire library in your pocket, ready to be accessed anytime, anywhere. This is particularly beneficial for those who travel frequently or have limited physical space for books.

Conclusion

The availability of free online novels has transformed the reading experience, making it more accessible and diverse than ever before. Whether you’re a fan of classic literature or looking to discover new indie authors, there’s something out there for everyone. By exploring the many free resources available, you can immerse yourself in the world of literature without any cost, and enjoy the freedom to read whatever, whenever you want.

So why wait? Start your journey into the world of free online novels today and discover a universe of stories waiting to be explored.