Page 59 of Dead Heat

“What’s rule number one?”

“Do no harm.”

Ashley blew a dismissive raspberry. “Somebody should’ve reminded your family about that one before they kidnapped me and tried to sacrifice me for money.”

Ignoring her, Phaedra wiped her hands on her apron. “Does your urgency have anything to do with the flying monsters spotted in town this week?”

“One of multiple incidents.”

Phaedra raised her eyebrows. “I see. Were the monsters here for you?”

“Yes.”

“What were they?”

“The Erinyes.”

Phaedra stiffened. “Shit. As in the Furies?”

I nodded. “They attacked me and left. Never changed shape. I don’t know why.”

Concern flickered in Ashley’s blue eyes. “Is Nana Pratt okay?”

“Absolutely fine. She missed the whole thing.”

Ashley snorted. “Typical. Nana was just as clueless when I was younger. I used to sneak multiple cupcakes from the cooling rack so Steven and I could scarf them down before supper and she never noticed.”

“Speaking of Nana Pratt, she’d love a visit from you when you have time.”

Ashley groaned. “Do I have to?”

I was taken aback. I thought Steven and Ashley adored their grandmother.

Ashley noticed my reaction. “It isn’t that I don’t want to visit her. It’s just that I can’t see or hear her, so it doesn’t seem real. I feel like I’m talking to you about her, like she isn’t even there. It’s bizarre.”

I felt a pang of guilt. I hadn’t considered that I might seem like more of a wall than a bridge.

“I can help you with that later,” Phaedra told Ashley.

“Actually, while we’re on the subject,” I began, “do you have a spell that can give humans the Sight?”

“I only know of a temporary one offhand. It lasts for a few hours before it wears off.”

Ashley perked up. “Can I have it?”

Phaedra nodded. “You can be my lab rat.”

Ashley scrunched her nose. “No, thanks. Not a fan of rodents. I’d much rather be a test monkey.”

Phaedra shifted her focus back to me. “I take it this spell is for someone other than Ashley.”

I told her about the meeting with the police.

“Wow. I wasn’t expecting that.” Phaedra braced herself against the counter. “All these years…”

“It was a big step,” I agreed, “but a necessary one.”

“Do they need the Sight? Can’t they just contact you or West if they encounter what they think is a supernatural issue?”

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