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There was still plenty of work for Marvin to do, so he decided to try again later. That was forgotten after a phone call a few minutes later. It was a friend of the psychic he gave his card to. Apparently some friends of her's were having trouble with someone who had managed to craft some kind of magic wand that shot fire. The wand had been destroyed, but the man who made it was on the loose.

She didn't know anything but his first name, but directed him to a magic shop whose owner is active in the magical community. Magical community? How do we not know about this? he wondered as he drove to the shop.

When he arrived he half expected to find magical symbols all over the building or something, but it was nothing unusual. Inside were books, candles, and various paraphernalia. He would have thought it was all a sham, if not for his recent experiences. Even so, he found it hard to believe much of it could be real. Surely everyone would know about it if this stuff really worked? he thought.

A young woman's voice brought him out of his thoughts, "Hi, how can I help you?"

"My name is Marvin Garner. Someone asked me to come here and talk to Charlotte?" Marvin said.

"Okay, she's over there at the register." she said, pointing further into the shop.

Marvin thanked her and walked over to where an older woman was standing at the register talking to a customer. He waited until the customer left and said, "Hello, I'm Special Agent Marvin Garner. I was told you might have some information on a...Nathaniel?"

The woman paled and looked to see if anyone was nearby before saying, "Yes, we need your help. He's been causing a lot of trouble, and we have reason to believe he is going to kill someone. Someone you know can help, but I don't know who she is."

"Someone I know? What are you talking about?" Marvin said in surprise.

She shrugged, "I don't know who it is, or I'd contact her myself. I just know it's someone you know, because you've been watching her." She looked over his shoulder and he turned to see the girl approaching that had directed him to Charlotte. "Tina, this is Agent Garner. Tina's my granddaughter."

"Hi." she said shyly.

"Hello Tina." he said, and turned back to Charlotte, "I think I know who you mean, but how is she supposed to prevent Nathaniel from killing someone?"

Charlotte shrugged, "I don't know. I just know she can."

"And how do you know that? How do you know he's going to kill someone, for that matter?" Marvin asked.

"Well, a friend of mine is a seer. She had a vision. If we didn't contact you, and this woman through you, then he would kill her. But if we do, she'll be safe. We don't know how she's saved, only that she is." Charlotte said.

"That's rather vague. But I suppose it wouldn't hurt to talk to her. I've been planning on doing so anyway. I don't suppose, in return for this favor, that you'd be willing to tell me a little more about this seer?" Marvin said.

"I'll let her know you're interested in talking to her, but that's the best I can do. You must understand, people aren't ready to know that magic is real. And those with magical abilities are, at least for the most part, not strong enough to protect themselves from the fearful." Charlotte said.

Marvin nodded, "I can understand that. I've already helped the person you want to meet to keep their abilities a secret once. If your friend doesn't want to talk to me, I'll understand. But you should know that I'm in charge of a new division of the FBI charged with investigating paranormal phenomenon. I'm not interested in exposing people with abilities. In fact, I'm looking to make as many contacts as I can, as it's obviously only a matter of time until I have to deal with someone else like this Nathaniel. If you could give me more information on him, I could find him myself."

Charlotte shook her head, "Judging from my friend's vision, it's very doubtful that you would find him in time. But I'll let my friends know what you've said and perhaps they'll contact you."

"I suppose that will have to be good enough." Marvin said with a sigh. I guess it's understandable they're a little paranoid. I suppose I would be too, in their shoes. "Should I direct this person to come here?"

"Yes, I think that would be best." Charlotte agreed.

Marvin nodded and said goodbye to Charlotte, stopping to nod to her granddaughter on the way out. It looks like this woman may be something of a nexus for this 'magical community'. She, and perhaps even her granddaughter if she lives with her, may know a great deal. Better not to push my luck, though. They are an understandably skittish group.

He went straight to Sarah's apartment. As he was walking towards the door he saw a tall woman with silvery white hair wearing an odd outfit of a similar color to her hair come out. She didn't seem to notice him, but almost as soon as the door was closed she vanished! He looked all around, but there was no sign of her at all. Figures. Nothing's normal around this woman. he grumbled to himself.

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To Be Continued…

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