Page 119 of Half Dead

It was unsettling how well my friends in Fairhaven had come to know me. Before I moved here, I hadn’t allowed myself to be seen. In London, I’d been as much as a ghost as Nana Pratt and Ray. Aside from the Night Mallt, my only consistent encounters in England had been with clients and their deceased relatives.

This was better.

“I have to be at the crossroads by three. Can we do an early lunch?”

“We can even do brunch if you’d rather. Heidi makes an excellent mimosa.”

“Would you mind an extra mouth to feed?” I told him about my new houseguest. I had no doubt there’d be enough food. Otto’s meals always suggested the vampire was preparing for a winter siege. “He sings,” I added, knowing that factoid would seal the deal.

“Does he now? Pitch perfect like you?”

“I haven’t heard him, so I can neither confirm nor deny.”

“Bring him along. If he can handle himself in a game of chess, he’ll be welcome back.”

“That’s the test, is it?”

“What can I say? You set a high bar.”

I smiled at the phone. “You know I prefer Scrabble.”

“What time should I tell Heidi to expect you?”

“Eleven.”

“I look forward to it.”

I hung up and immediately texted Kane the update in plans. He offered to pick me up at 10:45.

Bring a car with a back seat, I advised.And a spare suit you don’t mind giving away.

Typical Lorelei. Full of surprises.

Nana Pratt poked her head through the doorway. “May I come in?”

“Since you asked nicely.”

She drifted through the closed door. “I apologize for my earlier behavior. I’ve been on tenterhooks ever since these trials started.”

“I understand. Apology accepted.” I ran a brush through my hair.

“Is Kane on his way?”

“Shortly. We’re going to Otto’s for brunch.”

“You should dress up,” Nana Pratt said.

“Why bother? This might be my last meal.”

“I wish you wouldn’t talk like that.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m worried, that’s all. I feel like Lucifer has an ace up his sleeve, and I hate that I don’t know what it is.”

“Then treat this brunch as special. I wish I’d known when my last meal would be. I might’ve done things differently.”

I spun to face her. “Like what?”

“For starters, I would’ve worn my pearl earrings, the ones I always saved for special occasions.”

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