Page 56 of Dead Heat

“You might,” I said, “but not necessarily. Sometimes people feel something isn’t quite right, but they can’t put their finger on it.”

“Like the hobgoblin?”

“Exactly. If you’re roaming through the woods and you feel an odd sensation, you’ll fill in the blanks based on your known experiences. Bear, coyote, but not a multirealm crossroads.”

Leo shook his head in awe. “So if I go in there, where will I end up?”

“Hard to say. More than likely, somewhere you’d very quickly want to leave.”

He twisted to view the chief. “How do we not get more missing person cases in Fairhaven?”

“We’ve had plenty over the years.” Her expression grew solemn. “Like the hikers that went missing around Bone Lake. Is the monster still in the lake?”

“No. The lake is safe,” West said.

“But there is a water spirit that lives there now,” I added. “His name is Goran. He’s friendly. Fond of water lilies.”

“We can’t predict when trouble will come through those trees,” West said. “I can only promise you that, when it does, we have your back.” He nodded to me. “Lorelei has accepted the role of liminal deity of the crossroads, which makes her its official guardian.”

“I’d like to see you put that on a business card,” Leo joked.

“Is this why you don’t want to work as an investigator?” Chief Garcia asked. “Because you already have a job?”

“Unfortunately, I don’t get paid for this one.”

The chief’s brow furrowed. “What if you did?”

“I don’t see how.”

“I don’t see yet either, but if you’re risking your life to protect this town, you should be on the payroll, the same as us.” She gestured to Leo. “You, too, West. The pack should be compensated for the work they do. I can’t promise you a retirement fund and health insurance, but if I handle this right, I should be able to send some money your way.”

I waved her off. “I wouldn’t be comfortable accepting payment.”

“You’re not Spider-Man,” Leo said. “And you have a big, old house crying out for restoration.”

“And new ductwork,” I admitted.

“Let me see what I can do,” Chief Garcia said. “Please.”

I shifted from one foot to the other. “If you’re sure.”

“I wouldn’t feel good about myself if I didn’t try.” She zigzagged a finger at the crossroads. “Is this why you moved here?”

“No. It was a coincidence.” Although there may have been higher powers at work; it was impossible to know for certain.

“More like serendipity,” the chief said. “Whatever the reason, I’m glad you’re here.”

Leo bumped my shoulder with his. “What are yourpowers? Anything cool like webs that shoot from your wrists?”

“I think we’ve probably overloaded your brains enough for one day. Why don’t we leave that conversation for another time?”

“What other creatures live here?” the chief asked.

“You name it; there’s probably one in Fairhaven. Incubi. Mages. Ghosts.”

Neither of us mentioned demons.

Leo danced in front of him. “Who’s a vampire? Anyone I’ve met?”

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