Page 108 of Dead Heat

“Now that’s service,” Ray remarked.

Monica and Cedric collected what remained of their belongings and headed to their respective vehicles.

“You should stockpile supplies,” Max said. “It’s all well and good to fortify your Castle, but if there’s a siege, you’ll need enough supplies to outlast your opponent.”

“This is Fairhaven, not medieval Europe.”

Max motioned to the yard. “I just watched you set up the supernatural equivalent of defense artillery. A siege is every bit as likely.”

Terrific. I crossed one big job off the list only to add another one. This was starting to feel like just another version of hell.

Phaedra and Ashley were next to arrive to install the upgraded ward. Phaedra explained how to approve regular visitors in advance, create limited admittance for others, rescind approval, and lower the ward completely.

“And instead of getting your arm tickled or whatever effect the ward has now,” Ashley added, “you’ll get a vision of the visitor.”

“The bad news is I need your blood to activate it,” Phaedra said.

Ashley rushed to add, “But the good news is we only needa few drops at the gate and that’ll be enough to support the entire border.”

Nana Pratt was thrilled to see her granddaughter in action.

“She sounds so smart,” the ghost said in awe.

I had no doubt Phaedra was a great teacher. She possessed all the right attributes—patience, knowledge, generosity, and kindness. Considering her family, Phaedra was nothing short of a miracle.

“Thank you for this,” I told them, once the ward was up and running. “You’ve gone above and beyond.”

“It’s my pleasure,” Phaedra replied. “You’re the liminal deity of the crossroads. Friendship aside, it’s in this town’s best interest to keep you safe.”

“On the subject of friendship, are you free later? I know it’s last minute, but I’d like to invite you for game night.”

“You’re hosting?” Phaedra eyed me with suspicion, and with good reason. She’d once accused me of only seeing her when I needed something—which was absolutely true. It was time to remedy that.

“Yes. All the trimmings.” I hesitated. “Whataretrimmings?”

“Popcorn?” Ashley offered.

“What time is this momentous occasion?” Phaedra asked.

“Eight o’clock?”

“Make it seven, and I’ll be here. I like to be in my flannels by nine-thirty.”

Ashley cut her a glance. “We need to work on that. Life is for the living.”

“Not necessarily,” I replied, thinking of my resident ghosts.

“Your assistance ends at witchcraft,” Phaedra told her.

Ashley pretended to zip her lip. “I have plans tonight, andif I play my cards right, I won’t be in pajamas until nine thirty tomorrow morning.”

Nana Pratt gasped.

“Your grandmother is concerned,” I said.

Ashley grimaced. “Shit. She heard that?”

“Language!” Nana Pratt hissed.

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