4 Terramezic Energy by John O'Riley

six powerful wizards approaching the beach. She was still tapped into the vortex so her psychometric and magical abilities were still enhanced. Power continued to course through her body. Josephine focused on the newcomers who were pulling into the parking lot in a large black SUV. Two of them were sixes while the rest were category fives. They all wore the standard black uniforms of federal enforcers. Josephine warned her companions of their approach.
    “Those stupid feds,” Alice grumbled. “They always steal your cases.”
    “Maybe this time it’s a good thing.” Josephine gestured at the deadly enchantment that remained intact inside the massive vortex which still writhed with sickly green and angry red energy. Josephine reached out with her mind and searched it for weaknesses so she could start dismantling it. She stopped her assessment when the feds came into view. Arthur Gallagher led his team towards them. He was a tall, slender man with salt and pepper hair and blue eyes.
    His expression was disapproving. “It looks like we have a problem.”
    “It’s an enchantment that the mind control spell forced Yvonne and Charlotte to make,” Josephine explained. “We managed to stop them in time from activating it.”
    “But not from finishing it,” Arthur said icily.
    “By the way, I’m Josephine and this is—”
    “I know who you are,” he interrupted her. “There’s no need to waste time with introductions. I expected this type of fiasco when I learned that Alice was going to attempt removal of the mind control spell. This type of work is best left for the experts in the field.”
    Alice glared at him. “I’ve performed hundreds of successful claro mentis enchantments and healed patients from a wide variety of disorders caused by invasive magic.”
    “That’s true. You were once an accomplished professional and did some amazing work. However, you are retired and have grown rusty.” Arthur swept his cool, disdainful gaze over Alice, Mark, Perry, and Josephine. “Our first order of business is to neutralize the enchantment in this vortex and then we’ll take Yvonne and Charlotte into protective custody. Your services are not required. All of you must leave this place immediately.”

 
     
    Chapter 9
     
    When Josephine stepped into Helen’s cramped condo, she noticed many of the houseplants were drooping or suffered from brown, dying leaves. This wasn’t a good sign for Helen’s attempts to grow a white magic power center. Mark and Perry had assisted her with setting it up but ironically Helen was one of those rare few who worked with light energy that didn’t possess the natural intuitive ability to make plant life flourish.
    “Do you need Mark and Perry to come over?” Josephine asked as the two of them made their way to her kitchen.
    “I don’t want to impose. Besides, Mark is so busy with his business I don’t think he’d be able to help much,” Helen said.
    “I’m sure he would make the time. And you’re forgetting about Perry. He likes you a lot. You’re welcome to visit him anytime,” Josephine said.
    “Thank you.” Helen’s lips curved in a relieved smile. “I think I’ll do that.”
    Alice was already seated at the dining room scowling over her mug of coffee as the two women crossed the room towards the kitchen. Alice wore a pink satin blouse and her red hair was styled in pig tails. Garish pink lipstick was smeared on her lips.
    “Good morning, Alice,” Josephine greeted her.
    “Hey, Josie. What’s up?” Alice forced a breezy smile on her face.
    “Josie?”
    “That’s the nickname for Josephine. Come on, girlfriend! Get with the program!” Alice said.
    Josephine and Helen exchanged grievous looks. Obviously, Alice was in one of those unpleasant moods where she didn’t want to face the fact that she was an elderly woman. This meant she would do everything in her power to give the appearance of being hip and cool. Josephine filled her green mug only a quarter