Page 21 of The Vampire and the Case of the Perilous Poltergeist

Sidnee huffed. ‘Can you two just be Stan and Connor for one damned dinner? Leave your titles and politics at the door?’

Connor looked amused. ‘Yes, ma’am.’

Stan looked at him. ‘She’s small but feisty. Frankly, I’ve always found it easier to do what she says.’

‘He’s not wrong,’ I agreed.

Reggie had a small smile on his face, which was worth all the silly bickering in the world. Stan patted him on the back in greeting; I’d seen Stan push people over with that gesture but he didn’t even sway Reggie’s frame.

‘Thank you,’ I mouthed and Stan winked back at me.

‘So.’ Stan sat back and helped himself to some bread. ‘Have you both been having a nice holiday?’

‘Holiday?’ Sidnee screeched. ‘I’ll give you a holiday!’ She swatted him on the arm.

Nowthiswas home.

Chapter 19

Dinner went smoothly. I thought that Reggie was a little more comfortable in his skin by the end of it, but when we returned to the truck he looked around to check no one was looking and instantly shifted back into Fluffy. I sighed; it was a work in progress. I loved my dog but he was a person too, and I ached that he liked being a dog more than being himself – but everyone had the right to be what they wanted to be.

‘It’ll take time,’ Stan murmured. ‘I’ve seen shifters who lost themselves to their animal forms come back to human, but you gotta be patient. Don’t push too much. Just be there for him.’

‘Always.’ I sighed.

‘You’re a good person.’ He gave me a one-armed hug. ‘I can’t stay too long. Sidnee and I are going to have a movie night and then I’m taking her out tomorrow for breakfast. After that, I’m flying back – I’ve got a meeting I can’t be late for.’

‘So this is goodbye?’ I felt unexpectedly emotional. Man, this homesickness was doing a number on me. I couldn’twaitto get back to Portlock in a couple of weeks, even if it would be to my favourite situation: situation normal, all fucked up.

‘For now.’ He flashed me one of his exuberant, cheeky grins. ‘Hey, what’s a bunny’s favourite mode of transport?’

I groaned.

‘A hareplane!’

I groaned even louder, making Stan laugh. ‘I’ll be seeing you, Bunny.’

‘See you, Stan. Thanks for coming. It means the world to Sidnee and to me.’

A hint of wistfulness filled his gaze as he looked at me. ‘Anytime.’

I broke the awkward moment by giving Sidnee a big hug goodbye. ‘You’re the best,’ she whispered.

‘Back at you, lady. Have a fun night.’

They motored off in a truck that looked a darned sight better than the monstrosity Connor and I were riding in.

‘How did you do it?’

‘Do what?’

‘Get him here in…’ I checked my phone for the time. ‘Four hours?’

He gave a casual shrug and unlocked my door. ‘I know a guy.’

‘Does he have a portal?’

Connor laughed. ‘No, he has a very nice helicopter.’

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