Page 22 of Dead End

“Thank you,” Nana Pratt choked out.

I hurried to the kitchen to charge my phone.

“You might want to get cleaned up while you’re waiting,” Nana Pratt said. “You’ve got a bit of goo in your hair.”

I didn’t doubt it. It had been a long, no good, very bad day. The only upside was that I was finally home where I belonged.

CHAPTER FOUR

I showered,thrilled to wash away the evidence of demons and Paradise. I dressed in comfy sweatpants and a Nirvana T-shirt. I was home. Safe.

Unlike Kane.

I sat on the edge of the bed and let myself cry. The tears came easily, sliding down my cheeks like a waterfall. Claude appeared beside me holding a tissue box.

“Thanks, buddy.” I wiped my face, blew my nose, and ventured downstairs to face reality.

The phone was still charging when I returned to the kitchen.

“I think you might need to update it,” Nana Pratt said. “I don’t think they’re meant to take this long.”

“Staring at it won’t make it charge any faster,” Ray advised.

The red bar on the screen turned black. “Aha! Theory disproved.” Keeping the phone plugged in, I clicked Josie’s name. The call went straight to voicemail. My heart rate multiplied as I started typing frantically. I sent text messages to the crossroads group chat, Gun and Camryn, Otto, andthe supernatural council, letting them know that I was at the Castle, and I’d explain my absence when I had the chance.

Gunther was the first to answer.Be right there.

I relaxed slightly. His response confirmed he was safe and alive.

“Ashley next, please.”

I obliged. She and Steven were fine; they were both staying at Bridger Farm for the time being. Smart. Alicia was my next call.

“Hey, Ghost Lady. I’m sorry I haven’t been around lately. We haven’t been in our house.”

“Because of the demons?”

“Huh? What demons?”

“Never mind,” I said quickly.

“The realtor said it was better to stage the house for showings, so Mom and I have been staying in a hotel in the city. We wanted to squeeze in a couple Broadway shows and museums before we leave for San Francisco anyway.”

I was relieved they’d managed to avoid the invasion. “You and your mom stay out of town until you hear from me, got it?”

“Is Grampa okay?”

“He’s fine.”

“You said something about demons.”

“Inner ones. Nothing to worry about. Just stay in the city.” I hung up before the teenager could grill me. I didn’t stand a chance if I stayed on the line.

I heard the screech of tires outside and ran to the front door. Sure enough, the La Fortuna mage had arrived in his pricey sports car. I nearly cried with joy when I saw Camryn emerge from the passenger side.

The two mages hurried through the gateway, still able to bypass the ward. They seemed as anxious to see me as I wasto see them. Despite the stress of the current situation, it felt nice. I ushered them inside and shut the door.

“Is there a reason you left the bloody weapons on your porch?” Gun asked.

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