Page 22 of Half Dead

Ray glided into the kitchen, clutching a two-by-four. “I’m already in the middle of a project, or have you forgotten the library?”

“This is urgent.” Nana Pratt jerked a finger at the trinket. “This thing came from h-e-l-l.”

“One of Birdie’s crows found it. She thinks it’s a sign that Lucifer has discovered Kane’s whereabouts.”

Nana Pratt squinted at the shiny cufflink. “And dressed for the reunion?”

Ray’s face grew contemplative. “What do you think?”

“I think Birdie is a helluva lot smarter than I am, so I’m inclined to listen. She wants me to keep an eye on Kane.”

“You have enough to worry about,” Nana Pratt said. “Kane is a grown demon who can take care of himself.” There was an unspoken harrumph at the end of her declaration.

The cufflink hovered in the air as Ray studied it. “What makes her so sure?”

I pointed to the faint symbol etched in the metal. “That’s his, according to Birdie. Lucifer Morningstar.”

Ray pulled a face. “I don’t know how she could see that. It’s nearly worn away.”

“One of her crows brought it to her. She knew it had to be important enough to keep looking until she understood. She thinks I might be able to use this to track him.”

“You’re not a witch,” Nana Pratt said.

“No, but it would be a simple spell for Phaedra.” And it was in the town’s best interest to know if Lucifer himself was on Fairhaven soil. The mere prospect of it made me shudder.

A familiar image shimmered in front of me. “Alicia’s here.”

“Why isn’t she in school at this hour?”

“It’s Saturday, Ingrid,” Ray reminded her. “I’ll get the door.”

I lowered the ward to let the teenager pass through the gate. Then I stuffed the cufflink in my pocket. I couldn’t be too careful when it came to Alicia. The teenager had a knack for pilfering things from my kitchen.

Alicia entered the kitchen and swung her backpack onto a chair at the table. “Hey, Ghost Lady.”

“Hey, Alicia. You brought your backpack?”

“I’m going to my friend’s house after this. We’re making our own graphic novel.”

“Sounds cool. How was school this week?”

“Mid. Is Grampa here?”

“Of course. He let you in.” I pointed to the doorway where Ray now hovered, eager for an update on his granddaughter’s life.

Alicia pivoted to face him. “Big news. My dad’s in town. He’s staying with us this week.”

“Is that so?” Ray rubbed his jawline. “That’s an interesting development.”

“If your dad is visiting, then why are you here instead of at home?” I asked. Alicia’s parents were separated; she lived with her mother in Fairhaven, and her father lived and worked in San Francisco.

“Because he’s working remotely while he’s here and he warned me that he had an important conference today.”

“It’s Saturday,” Nana Pratt objected. “What about her mother?”

Ray’s expression soured. “Renee works more hours than the Hudson Tunnel. She and Hakeem are both workaholics, which didn’t help their marital issues.”

Alicia sniffed the air. “Do I smell midmorning snacks?”

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