[The Dresden Files] Untitled

[alcesverdes]

G-Rated
~720 words

One of Thomas's customers hires Harry. Happens after White Night.

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There was no way my mother-in-law knew everything I did with such detail, unless there was witchcraft involved. So, when I finally had enough and decided to fight back, I took my hairdresser's advice and went to the yellow pages.

"You can never know," he said in that dreamy accent of his. "Perhaps there is someone waiting to jump at your call. But you have to take the first step, sweetheart."

And lo and behold, there was one wizard listed. Only one, but that was all I needed. He promised to come over as soon as possible when I called him. His voice sounded familiar, but I couldn't place it. I didn't know many wizards outside books and movies, so I was puzzled. Nevertheless, since I was going to find out soon enough, I left it at that for the time being and went to prepare some coffee just in case.

The bell rang in due time.

I started laughing as soon as I opened the door.

"Excuse me?" the tall man said, understandably confused.

"I'm sorry," I said, trying to control myself. "It's just that... Well, the wizard Harry is also Thomas's Harry! I can't believe I didn't notice!" Thomas, my hairdresser, had a very interesting taste for men. Harry may have looked somewhat impressive and a little scary, but if you looked at the way he treated their dog---their baby---, you knew he was a good person. And he really cared about Thomas; it was obvious in the way he looked at him.

Harry, still on the other side of the door, was doing his best not to look annoyed. "Maybe he didn't want to give the impression he was plugging me in. May I enter?"

I moved aside, trying to look my cutest. "Of course. Please, come in. Where is your dog?" I asked as he stepped inside.

"Mouse needed some quality time with his other daddy."

The loveliest of families, those three.

"What seems to be the problem?" Harry said after clearing his throat.

I told him.

He nodded. "I see. I can check for tracking spells, but I'll need to go around the house."

"It's okay," I said. "Follow me, please."

He did. We moved silently throughout the house. There was a look of concentration on his face and I didn't dare to disturb him.

The tour didn't take long. There were only two floors and an attic, after all. No basement. We finished right where we started, in the living room. I waited until he spoke first. I didn't know anything about the supernatural, so maybe he was already doing something and I could ruin it if I opened my mouth.

"There was nothing out of the ordinary magically speaking, madam," he began, "but I did find microphones in most rooms. I didn't hex them so I wouldn't ruin your other, legitimate electronics. You'll still want to take care of that. I can recommend a professional."

I was appalled. "How dares she!" Granted, I would've been upset whatever the result but... Something as mundane as microphones? "I most definitely want to take care of that," I grumbled as I accepted the card he was giving me. "I guess you can't recommend a hitman."

He laughed. "I could, but I don't want to be held as an accomplice."

I snorted. "Very well, then. How much do I owe you?"

He shrugged. "There was no supernatural thing going on and I didn't do anything, so there's no charge."

"Really? At least let me invite you some coffee and cookies."

He smiled. "I appreciated, but I have to leave. I can accept those cookies to go," he added as an afterthought.

I gave them to him, sighing inwardly. There went my chance to find out juicy details about his relationship with Thomas. "Please, say hello to Mouse for me."

"I will," Harry said as he walked out the door.

"And I will make sure Thomas knows how good you were to me," I said, winking.

By the way he cleared his throat, he caught my meaning. He tilted his head, said nothing, and left. I waved him goodbye.

Harry and Thomas two had such a wonderful relationship, it was inspiring. And if I wanted to keep mine, I was going to have to do some work. Starting now.