Page 81 of Half Dead

I realized with a start those were the kinds of words I wished Kane had said to me. Although I knew Kane’s comments came from a place of love, they still stung like hell.

Hell.

This was exactly what we said would happen betweentrials. Lucifer laid down the field of shit and we’d willingly stepped right in it. I shook my head, annoyed with myself for falling victim to his plan, especially when I knew better. I’d apologize to Kane the second I could.

The library was relatively quiet. No small children. No line of ladies brandishing their canes in anger over the absence of their favorite new releases. I found Hailey in her office with her forehead pressed against the desk. I knocked on the open door, causing Hailey’s head to jerk upright.

“Ouch.” She rubbed her neck. “Looks like I have a date with the heating pad tonight.”

“Sorry about that.” I planted myself in the chair in front of the desk. “What do you have for me?”

She slid a sheet of paper across the desk to me. “You’d be surprised how good kids can be at research when they’re interested in the topic.”

I reviewed the printout. “The Zorya.”

“You said bonus points for Slavic, right? I found a short paragraph in one book that referenced them, so I tried to tug that thread.”

I read the page while she explained her process. Three goddesses that act as guardians of the universe. Shocker. Poor number four. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride.

Morning Star. Evening Star. Midnight. According to myth, they kept watch over the dog constellation Sirius who was chained to the little bear known as Ursa Minor, because if the chain broke, it meant the end of the world was nigh.

Were the goddesses still around and, if so, were they free agents or members of The Corporation?

“I’m sorry I didn’t find more than that, but the kids were fascinated by them. They even drew pictures.” She held up a half dozen pictures, which were drawn in a colorful array of crayons. “And Bella Beaufort is very confident that if theprince wishes upon the Zorya’s stars, that his wish will come true.”

“How old is Bella?”

“Five.”

I nodded. “I like the way she thinks.” It wasn’t a slam dunk by any means, but it was surprisingly promising. “This is great stuff, Hailey. Thank you.”

“No, thankyou. We had a blast. I had fun. The kids were engaged. It was a win-win.”

My mind flicked to Kane, currently awaiting my return to the Castle. “I’m glad to hear it. If you stumble across anything else, would you let me know?”

“Always. One of the highlights of my day.” She shook a picture at me. “I’ve got to say these are another one. There’s something about bright colors, you know?” Her eyes popped. “Speaking of which…” She held up two lollipops. “Which color do you want?”

“I wasn’t here fast enough.”

Hailey gave me a stern look. “Take one off my hands, please. I’ve already eaten two today.”

I chose the purple one.

I sped back to the Castle and strode into the foyer, waving the sheet of paper in the air. After the events of yesterday, it felt fantastic to be holding a sliver of hope in my hand.

“This might be the answer to Goran’s prayers,” I announced.

Ray snatched the sheet from my fingertips. “I’ll be the judge of that.”

“It’s all right, Ray. You’re still my Director of Research.”

“You’ve been busy with other tasks,” Nana Pratt chimed in.

Ray mulled over the page. “I haven’t come across anymention of these goddesses.” He returned the paper to me. “Hailey does excellent work.”

I didn’t have the heart to tell him about the children’s involvement. “I’m grateful for both of you, and Goran will be, too.” Once I was able to put the new plan in motion.

“Kane’s brooding in the parlor,” Nana Pratt said in a hushed tone. “He drank his tea, though. I think he’s feeling better.”

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