Page 19 of In the Monster's Wake
“Can you describe Kester to me?”
Archibald wanted to ask why, but he hoped that Jasper would tell him eventually.“Chicken feet, extremely long arms, and a lot of fangs.I swear the monster following you had freakishly long arms.”
Jasper slowly nodded.“I see.”
“Yeah?Can you tell me what you see?Because I have no idea.”
“I was at the park the other night when I heard a scream.Me and my friends ran to help the woman, and I ended up fighting a monster.He had chicken feet, long arms, and more teeth than a shark.”
“That sounds like the same monster.”Archibald wasn’t sure this would help him find Kester, but he was curious.
Jasper nodded.“It was probably that Kester you mentioned.He ran away when the hunters arrived, but he told me he’d see me soon.I didn’t think anything of it, but my father asked me to look into what was happening, and my best friend was excited to start, so we went to a club we know monsters frequent.I didn’t really think we’d find anything because Kester didn’t look like an idiot.”
“To me, it sounds like Kester found you instead of the other way around.”Which wasn’t a good thing.From what Jasper had said, Kester was intrigued by him.Archibald had never met the monster, but from what he knew, he was pretty sure that meant that Kester wouldn’t let this go.
Jasper was in danger.
“I need to find him,” Jasper declared.
Archibald shook his head.“That monster is dangerous.What do you think would’ve happened if he’d found you instead of me?”
“Look, it’s not like Iwantto do this, but my father won’t stop bothering me until I do.”
“Why would he care?”
Jasper pressed his lips together.It was clear there was something he didn’t want to tell Archibald, and while Archibald was tempted to ask, he didn’t.He decided to guess instead.“Is your father a police officer?”
Jasper snorted.“God, no.”
“Is he a PI?Or maybe you are?”
“I’m a mechanic.”
“Why are either of you interested in this, then?”
Jasper sighed.“I was raised a hunter.My father still is one, but I haven’t been in years.”
That wasn’t what Archibald had expected, but maybe he should’ve after finding out that Jasper had fought Kester and hadn’t died.“Why does he care so much?As far as I know, Kester’s victims are monsters.”
“He’s hurt and killed hunters, too.”
“And your father wants revenge.”
“He does, and I want him to stop bothering me.”
“I see.So you’re going to continue investigating this on your own?”
“Well, my best friend wanted to do it with me, but he can’t get time off work.I’m pretty sure he’s going to resign if I don’t find someone to help me, though.”
Archibald liked the sound of this.“And who could help you?”
Jasper rolled his eyes.“Who do you think?I’m not going to ask my father.”
“I’d be delighted to help you, Jasper.”
“Good.”Jasper hesitated.“You don’t hate me?”
“Why would I hate you?Believe me, that kiss was a good reason to adore you, not hate you.”
