Page 96 of Dead End

“Protecting others.”

“Phaedra is a powerful witch. Bridger Farm is closer to the crossroads than the Castle. She has every reason to be part of this discussion.”

The muscles in my stomach clenched.

“You’re dismayed,” Kane said.

“What gave it away?”

“Mainly the folded arms, the scrunched nose, and the row of lines between your eyebrows, but there are other tells.”

I tried to relax the muscles in my face. “I don’t want to be a Negative Nellie, but I don’t think what we have will be enough.”

“Isn’t it Negative Nancy?”

“I always say Nellie, like Nellie Olsen. I watched a lot ofLittle House on the Prairiewith my grandparents.”

“Haven’t seen it, but I look forward to watching many episodes with you in the future.” He offered me an encouraging smile, which I failed to return. “Talk to me, Lorelei.”

“I’m worried I’m going to get us all killed.”

“Youwon’t be responsible for getting anyone killed. That blame will go to The Corporation.”

I recalled the devastating images of Dilmun that Nabu had shown me. “I’m concerned our defenses won’t be enough.” And that even if we managed to stand our ground, the gods would destroy Fairhaven out of spite.

“Then we’ll simply gather more defenses.”

I gave him a rueful smile. “Simple. Sure thing.”

“What about Apep? Your tip allowed him to recover Anubis. He owes you.”

“That particular debt has been repaid.” I left it there. I didn’t want to talk about Unas.

“We’ll send messages to anyone and everyone who might be of help. The worst they can say is no.”

My gaze drifted to the crows that now lined the fence. Word of my return seemed to have spread. “All right. I’ll send a message to the Night Mallt.”

“Excellent idea. The Wild Hunt would be extremely useful. I would send one to Helheim as well. Let them know their realm is at risk, too.”

“Fine.”

“You should also call Otto.”

My gaze swung to him. “I won’t ask him to fight.”

“Otto is a vampire. Let him decide if and how he wants to participate. Fairhaven is his home, too. At the very least, he deserves to be part of the conversation.”

I rested my head on his shoulder. “Do me a favor and grab me a pen and paper from the house while I make a couple phone calls?”

He kissed the top of my head. “It would be my pleasure.”

I sent messages to everyone I could think of, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. No exclusions this time. Otto arrived in the back of a black sedan with tinted windows. I met him at the gate and accompanied him inside the house.

The vampire stopped short in the library. “This room is crying out for a piano.”

“How can you tell?”

He waved his hands at the bare side of the room. “I sense a lot of empty space over there. It leaves the room unbalanced.”

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