âTake it,â the old gypsy, Passionata Chagari, demanded. âThe mirror is meant for no one else.â
She narrowed her eyes and watched as Tyson Steele glanced over his shoulder at the empty French Market square behind him. Passionata snickered as he looked for the cameras that would mean this was some kind of practical joke. She knew nothing but darkness would meet his gaze at this late hour.
The gypsy sensed Tyson setting his shoulders with determined skepticism. This young Steele heir had appeared tall and strong-willed as heâd swaggered to her corner. She was well aware that an hour ago heâd been at a meeting with his cousin, Nicholas Scoville, whoâd claimed he had been given a gift of an antique book from a strange gypsy earlier in the evening at this very place.
She chuckled, knowing that pure curiosity was what had brought the young Texas native out into the quiet New Orleans night. This heir to the gypsy magic would not be so easily won over as was his cousin. But she knew her duty.
On her fatherâs deathbed, she had given her word.
âIâm not accepting anything from you until I know the scam,â Tyson Steele told her with a scowl.
âI want nothing. I bring your legacy.â
âLegacy? Iâm not in the mood for games. What the hell are you talking about?â
The gypsy spread her lips in an enigmatic smile. âI know the reason for your somber mood, young man. You spent the better part of the day at your great-aunt Lucilleâs funeral. And you have already been told that you were not mentioned in her will.â
âThat doesnât matter,â he insisted. âI donât need her money now. She gave me everything I needed years ago, when it mattered the most. I could never have repaid that debt in a thousand lifetimes.â
âThis gift comes not from Lucille Steele,â Passionata told him sharply. âBut it is because of her kindnesses that you have been so honored by the wise and powerful gypsy king who was also in her debt.â
âExcuse me?â Tyson backed up and put his hands in his pockets, trying fruitlessly to keep her from placing the golden mirror into his hands. âWhat king?â
âMy father, Karl Chagari, king of the gypsies, master tinker and magician.â She lowered her voice and took the proper deferential tone. âHe has at long last gone ahead to the ancestorsâ¦as has Lucille. But he charged me with settling his debts.â
Tyson eyed the antique mirror in her hands and she could hear him wondering to himself if it was stolen property. âSorry about your father, maâam. But uh⦠I donât think so. Thanks anyway.
âI shouldnât have come here,â he argued. âBut my cousin Nick said something so ridiculous that I just had to see for myself.â
âIt is magic, Tyson Steele,â the gypsy hissed. âAnd it is your legacyâ¦designed just for you. It will take you to your heartâs desire.â
âThe only thing I desire is someone to fill the vacant fund-raising assistantâs position at my charitable foundation,â Tyson muttered. âAnd it isnât likely that a âmagicâ hand mirror will be helping me with an applicant.â
Passionata knew that at the exclusive personnel office where Tyson Steele had met his cousin earlier this evening, the young heir hadnât been able to find anyone who would agree to relocate to his remote town in deep south Texas. Tyson was frustrated. Sheâd planned it that way.
The gypsy shoved the mirror in his direction and concentrated her efforts on making him want a better look.
At last Tyson reached out and took the mirror from her hands, turned it over and inspected the back. Passionata saw his amazement when he spotted his name engraved in the gold-leaf scrollwork, adorning the sides and back.
âWhat the devilâ¦?â he stammered.
âYou see? It belongs to you, and you alone.â
Tyson flipped it over to inspect the mirrorâs front side, and Passionata nearly laughed aloud.
âI donât see my image,â he complained. âThis isnât a mirror. Itâs simple glass. I donât understand.â
âThe true nature of that which you seek will be reflected in the depths of the glass when the time is right,â she said. âItâs made to reveal the truth, no more.â
Passionata took the easy opportunity to slip out of sight while Tyson Steele stared at the mirror and tried to comprehend what he held. When he finally glanced up with more questions, he was all alone.
âThatâs just creepy,â he mumbled to himself. âSo far, I havenât managed to get any answers for my cousin. I havenât been able to locate an assistant fund-raiser. And now I have to worry about some old gypsyâs magic mirror, too?â
Passionata nodded as she watched him in her crystal. âJust until you accept the gift of sight and use the magic, young Steele.â