Page 65 of Dead End

“I need to run an errand, but I’ll be back before your families arrive.”

His eyebrow quirked. “Wouldn’t you rather be inside with Kane?”

I would, but this was important, too. “I’ll see you soon.”

I hurried deep into Wild Acres and whispered the secret code at the requisite oak tree. Brown bark darkened to a black doorway, and I entered One Oak, an underground speakeasy run by Madame Thea, a small troll known as huldrefolk. The larger trolls were the jötunn. Both groups lived underground in Fairhaven and, therefore, out of sight.

I descended the stairs and was met by two larger trolls. “I don’t have a poker chip,” I said quickly. “I’m here to see Madame Thea. Tell her it’s Lorelei Clay.” Madame Thea tended to stay out of Fairhaven affairs. Her only concern seemed to be One Oak and how those events affected her business.

“We know who you are,” the larger guard said. “Follow me.” He left the second guard at the entrance to guide me through the speakeasy to Madame Thea’s office. The various rooms were teeming with guests. The bar was hopping. The poker tables and roulette wheels were at capacity. What a luxury to gamble with money instead of lives.

“Business is booming,” Madame Thea declared, before I even had a chance to ask. Her small and dainty frame was decked out in a silver sequined gown. A shiny onyx earring adorned each delicate lobe. Her chignon hairstyle sparkled like a rainbow.

“I noticed. Congratulations.”

She fidgeted with an earring. “I suppose you’re here to thank me.”

Her comment threw me for a loop. “For what?”

“Half the demons that accompanied Lucifer to Fairhaven spent most of their time down here. They do love their vices. If it weren’t for my illicit entertainment, they would’ve been topside wreaking havoc.”

“I didn’t realize that. I assume they’ve all gone now.”

“Oh, yes, but we managed to retain the customers they enticed here.”

“They didn’t cause you any trouble?”

“We’re equipped for it, much more than you are, doll. My entire business is set up for their kind of clientele.” Madame Thea popped open a compact to inspect her face. “If you aren’t here to thank me, then why are you here?”

“I’d like to ask you to help watch over the crossroads.”

She snapped the compact closed and looked at me. “And why would I do that?”

“Because you’re part of this community, whether you want to be or not.”

She cackled. “Oh, I do love a pot calling a kettle black. You’re a part of this community, too. Why do you get to opt out?”

“I’m leaving town to return to the underworld. My absence will leave Fairhaven vulnerable.”

“Oh, please. This town existed long before you ever came along, and it will endure long after you’ve gone.”

“The world has changed, Madame Thea.”

Her gaze shifted to the closed door. From behind it we heard the energetic cacophony of celebratory cheers, pulsating music, and jingling coins. “The world seems pretty happy from where I sit.”

And I knew all too well that it could all go away in an instant.

“How about this?” she proposed. “If I get wind of any important intel, I’ll be sure to pass it along to Kane. Does that satisfy you?”

“You’re not immune to the dangers that come through the crossroads just because you’re underground. A tragedy topside can still have repercussions down here.”

Madame Thea’s pencil-thin eyebrows raised almost imperceptibly. “Is this a hypothetical or do you know something?”

“It shouldn’t matter.”

At least the troll had the decency to look sympathetic. “I’m fond of Fairhaven, but unless it impacts my bottom line, I’m not getting involved. One Oak is my priority.” Her posture was as rigid and unyielding as her answer. “I have no further interest in discussion unless it involves cold, hard cash.”

“In that case, I thank you for your time, Madame Thea.” I turned on my heel and left One Oak.

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