Page 9 of The Vampire and the Case of the Perilous Poltergeist

I winced; the necromancer didn’t have a whole lot of love for me since I’d arrested her ass. ‘How is she doing?’ I asked.

‘Still keeping her head down.’

Liv had been possessed by some gemstones and under their influence she’d done some pretty damnable stuff, like seriously hurting Sigrid and Stan. She hadn’t been in control of her actions, though, so she was still free to go about her business. Thinking of her gave me an idea: I’d call Father Brennan! Surely the priest could help since spirits were inhiswheelhouse.

‘Understandable. And how are you, Connor? Is everything okay?’

He laughed a little. ‘Situation normal—’

‘—all fucked up?’ I finished with a grin. Portlock was never dull.

‘You got it. It’s fine, nothing to worry about. As I said, relatively quiet. I’m looking forward to seeing you.’

‘Me too,’ I said wistfully. ‘But I’d better go. I don’t have much time until lights out.’

‘No problem.’ He paused. ‘Bunny?’

‘Yeah?’

‘I’ll be thinking of you at lights out.’ His voice was low and husky. And then he hung up.

Oh boy! I took a cold sip of water to ease my suddenly parched throat and struggled to get my head back in the game for my next two calls.

Unfortunately, Father Brennan’s Irish lilt filled my ear as his voicemail told me to ‘leave a message’. I did so but kept it vague. Finally I called Gunnar and was surprised – and alarmed – when Sig answered his phone. ‘Hi, Bunny,’ she answered with her usual maternal warmth.

I gripped the phone tighter. ‘Is Gunnar okay?’

She sighed. ‘He’s fine but tired. With you and Sidnee both gone, he’s run ragged.’ I felt a surge of guilt. ‘I finally persuaded the stubborn man to get some sleep and I snuck his phone away from his bedside when he was snoring. I didn’t want him to be disturbed. I’m watching the office on CCTV for him tonightso April can get some downtime, too.’ April Actos had been a brilliant addition to the Nomo’s office; that woman was fierce.

‘I’m sorry.’ My voice was small.

‘Now don’t you go feeling guilty, Bunny! This course is necessary for your advancement. You’re going to come back swinging, and Gunnar needs that from you. This is a short-term hassle for a long-term gain – it’s worth it andyouare worth it. And Sidnee is, too. I’m so proud of you both.’

The rising guilt settled. ‘Thanks, Sigrid.’

‘Now, what are you calling for?’

‘To chat,’ I lied hastily. Now that I knew Gunnar was flat out, I didn’t need to add poltergeist research to his plate. Connor would come through, or maybe even the library here, and I still had Father Brennan. I had plenty of lines to tug so I could call Gunnar another time if I got desperate. ‘I won’t call again,’ I promised Sig.

‘Don’t you dare stop calling!’ she scolded. ‘That man loves you with all of his big heart and he’d be crushed if you stopped checking in! You hear me?’ Sig was a hearth witch and she was often all cuddles and gentle curves, but today her tone brooked no argument. All her softness had been stripped away to show her iron core now that she was in full protective mode. I would rather have removed my charmed necklace and stepped into sunlight than mess with her.

‘Yes ma’am,’ I said hastily.

‘Good.’ She paused. ‘How’s my Sidnee doing?’

I looked at my friend. Her books were spread out on her bed and she was frowning as she made notes. She was working hard and I felt another twinge of guilt: it was so much easier for me because of my ridiculous memory. ‘She’s doing great. Working hard, kicking butt and taking names.’

‘That’s my girl,’ Sigrid said proudly. ‘You keep an eye on each other.’

‘We will,’ I promised. ‘Good night Sig.’

‘Goodnight, Bunny. Sweet dreams.’

I slid my phone into my footlocker. ‘Hey, Sidnee,’ I called. ‘Sigrid sends love.’ I hesitated but in the end, I went for it. ‘Can we talk about your experience with poltergeists?’

She froze, then buried her head in her books again. ‘Not now.’ Her voice was sharp. ‘I’m studying. Not all of us are lucky enough to have your memory.’

Ouch. She was stressing out, so I let her snarl slide and checked the time. I had maybe half an hour left for tomorrow’s reading. I pulled out the text and started to scan-read the next chapter. Who knew what sort of instructor Engell would be? If hewasex-MIB, I was guessing he’d be tough.

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