Page 27 of Thunder Road

“Yeah, why?”

Vic sighed and told Simon about the incident when he left the precinct. “I was fifty-fifty on whether it was a shoddy retaining wall or something supernatural.”

“Pretty sure after what I read today that it was a warning—or an attack.” Simon shivered at Vic’s close call.

“Splitting hairs, don’t you think?” Vic dipped a chip into hot queso.

“Split hairs can make all the difference in magic.” Simon shrugged. “I had a strange thing happen to me too.”

Vic listened as Simon recounted his vision.

“God, Simon. Please don’t take any chances,” Vic said when Simon finished.

“At least mine was just a premonition,” Simon replied. “A wall actually fell on you.”

“It missed.”

“Close enough,” Simon countered.

“Back to the troll,” Vic said. “Why is it so different from the stories we’ve heard?”

“It’s possible that what came down to us through the Victorian folklorists glommed several legendary creatures together and added their own details to make a better story. Tales about a solitary nature creature aren’t as thrilling,” Simon answered.

“But they make people disappear,” Vic protested.

“If they only choose people who want to vanish, there’s a level of intelligence beyond a creature that simply kills for food,” Simon answered. “If we can reinstate the lighthouse protections, we should be able to stop the disappearances.”

“Except there aren’t lighthouse keepers anymore. So how does that work?” Vic countered.

“One thing at a time. I’m still figuring it out.” He didn’t mention how much it bothered him that the troll had clearly connected him and Vic and that the link endangered Vic. They set the case aside for the rest of the evening, listening to the music, remarking on costumes, and enjoying the beach party vibe of the event. Even though summer was over and winter was fast approaching, Myrtle Beach never lost its vacation vibe despite cooler temperatures. Simon understood why some people preferred the shore when days were more moderate and crowds thinner.

Each night of the Boo and Brew featured a different local band. Simon nodded along with the music as he and Vic finished their food and nursed their cocktails. Myrtle Beach had strict open container laws, so the party couldn’t spill out onto the boardwalk. That didn’t stop people from dancing to the music outside the large, open windows.

The air smelled of smoke from the tiki torches, beer, and more faintly, weed.

Simon realized Vic was watching him with a soft smile. “What?”

“It’s nice to see you look relaxed. Even if it doesn’t last long.”

“Just enjoying the music—and the company.” He let his hand brush Vic’s, enough to make the connection.

The party continued until midnight, but Simon and Vic left not long after ten. They both had to get up for work in the morning, and the second band wasn’t a favorite.

Despite the late hour, lots of people still walked the boardwalk even though the beaches themselves were closed.

Simon spotted someone he recognized and turned to call out to them, but they had already passed out of range.

“Something important?” Vic asked.

Simon shook his head. “No. I saw one of my Skeleton Crew who I haven’t seen in a long time. I’ll give him a call tomorrow and check in.”

Over the years Simon had been in Myrtle Beach, he had attracted a small following of younger people with fledgling psychic gifts who could use a mentor. Although he steered them to others suited to teaching their focus, Simon kept in touch and encouraged them to explore their abilities and learn to manage what they could do. He had jokingly referred to the group as his Skeleton Crew, and the name stuck.

Once they left the boardwalk, the music faded, overshadowed by the hum of traffic. Despite the well-lit route back to the bungalow, Simon and Vic remained alert. Crime wasn’t rampant in Myrtle Beach, but it was wise to be wary, and the troll threw a dangerous wild card into the mix.

Simon couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. Vic didn’t seem to sense anything amiss, and Simon trusted his husband’s cop instincts. Still, Simon’s intuition also took in paranormal elements, which Vic didn’t always note. He remained wary even if he couldn’t pinpoint a threat.

If the troll is a shapeshifter, he could look like anyone. Does he know I’m looking into his history? Would he care? Myrtle Beach has had plenty of psychics and witches that have come and gone. The troll is still here.

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