Chapter 11

Wednesday, September 9, 2009: too damned early

I’d set my alarm for 2:15, and it felt like I’d hardly slept when it went off. I groaned and levered myself out of bed, stumbling to the kitchen to put on some coffee. While it brewed, I grabbed a quick shower. Protective circles didn’t require the same level of purification as ritual magic, but being clean never hurt. Besides, turning on the cold water full blast woke me up fast.

I dressed in simple clothes, a dark gray long–sleeve t–shirt and faded black jeans. I figured if I needed to hide in early morning light, they’d help me fade pretty well. Gulping down a mug of hot, black coffee, I reviewed my backpack. Everything I needed was in there. All the materials for the circle were in a wooden box....

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