Wicked Burn by Rebecca Zanetti

Simone eyed the brunette. “Although I could leave town even wearing the bracelet, as a matter of fact.”
    “True, but having your powers reduced would make you vulnerable,” Peter countered.
    Nessa sat back. “I’m against the bracelet. Even though Simone is accused of a terrible crime, right now she’s innocent in our eyes and deserves the respect of her Council position. A bracelet is an insult. A dangerous one.”
    Peter glanced at Sal, who just shrugged.
    “Fair enough. No bracelet. See you in trial.” Peter banged the gavel one final time. He stood and followed Nessa and Sal through the opening in the wall. It snick ed shut.
    The prosecutor nodded at Simone. “Good luck.” He pivoted and soon disappeared through the side doorway.
    “I’ve never liked him,” Moira said, shoving curls out of her eyes.
    Nick reached for the stack of files. “Let’s get away from here to go through this evidence. I already have investigators on the issue, but this might help them focus their search.”
    Simone paused in turning. “You have people on this?”
    “Of course.” He nudged her hip. “Let’s go.”
    Moira reached the wall first and opened the doorway again. “We’ll use the penthouses overlooking the Liffey as a case headquarters.”
    Simone followed as if in a dream, her mind swimming. Shock. Aye. Must be shock. As they moved through the labyrinth, she followed the Kayrs sisters without question. Trust. She had that with them. God, she hoped she wasn’t convicted and sentenced to death. Her chest compressed.
    “It’s okay, little bunny.” Nick was a solid force behind her. “Trust me.”
    She nodded and blinked back tears. Simone Brightston didn’t cry.
    They finally reached a series of arches that led to a quiet street behind an old church. Night had fallen, and a soft rain pattered down. Bear and Tori sat across the cobbled road on a short rock wall fronting a graveyard.
    Tori jumped up, her eyes concerned. She rushed forward to hug her friend, her arms damp. “Simone! You’re okay. Where the hell are we?”
    Simone cut a look at Bear.
    He shrugged and shoved to his feet. “I didn’t know what to tell her.”
    Simone sighed and leaned back. “Tori? I’m part of the government here. There was a skirmish, and you were accidentally taken in. It’s my fault, and I’m so sorry. We’ll get you back home as soon as possible.”
    Tori blinked. The purple streaks through her hair glowed in the dim moonlight. When had it become night? Then her gaze narrowed. “What the hell is going on?”
    Simone sighed. Many people underestimated Tori because of her youth and wild hair, but the woman was sharp as a blade. “Let’s get out of here and away from the graveyard, and I’ll try to explain better.” During that time, while she was once again lying to her friend, transport back to the States would be arranged for Bear and Tori.
    A rumble filled the night.
    Simone half-turned just in time to see four motorcycles barreling toward them from the north. Almost in slow motion, she turned to see four more from the right.
    Fire flashed.

Chapter 8
    Nick grabbed Simone and Tori by the hands, propelling both women toward the wall. “Jump and run,” he ordered, gratified when they both launched themselves into motion.
    A ball of plasma smashed him square in the back, and pain exploded down his spine. The force threw him over the wall, and he flew face-first into an ancient headstone. Agony burst in his forehead. The stone cracked down the middle, and he kept going, rolling over wet grass. His vision clouded.
    His back smacked a tree trunk, and his body folded.
    Holy fucking damn it.
    Roaring, he stood, turning to face the melee.
    Simone and Moira had taken shelter on his side of the rock wall and were hurling fireball after fireball at the eight motorcycle riders. The men had created some sort of plasma shield and were advancing while throwing their own plasma. Their different-colored fire hit another shield