Page 30 of Dead Wrong

Despite my admission, her smile remained intact. “If youcan fight with that level of passion and skill when the stakes are low, I’d love to see what you can do when they’re higher.”

It was an odd compliment. Then again, Addison Gray struck me as an odd woman. It bothered me that I couldn’t identify her species. Touching her would be the fastest way to get information, but I wasn’t willing to give her any of my own. Gods willing, she wouldn’t land a job, and Fairhaven would be spared her permanent presence.

“It was no big deal,” I said. “I like the club, and I didn’t want to see it get wrecked.”I thought the owner was out of town but turns out he was right there all along.And if he wasn’t such a chicken shit, he could’ve stopped the fight himself.

Officer Leo returned, looking grim. “Monk’s doesn’t tend to overserve, but that guy’s vomiting like he’s trying to turn himself inside out.”

I cringed. “That description will haunt me. Did you call an ambulance?”

“His friend did. Should be here any minute.”

“Do you need to stay with them?” Addison asked. “I wouldn’t want to interfere with your civic duty, Officer Leo.”

He grinned at her. “Aren’t you sweet? I think they can handle it without me.”

The wailing sound of a siren cut through the din of the bar and had the added bonus of interrupting the conversation, for which I was grateful. I didn’t want Addison’s rapt attention, not when anonymity was the key to my survival.

Emergency workers entered the bar, causing a stir. I took the opportunity to sneak out the door. The parking lot was covered in slush as I started toward the road. My boots would need a good scrub tomorrow. It was a hike from here to the Castle. With the cold air already biting my face and my fingers sure to freeze inside my gloves, I was beginning to regret my decision to walk.

As I considered an Uber, a small object ricocheted off theback of my head. “Ouch!” I rubbed the injured spot and turned around to identify my attacker. “Who did that?”

The only light was from Monk’s.

I looked down to see a perfectly round rock. A second, smaller rock pelted my forehead.

“What the hell?” I yelled.

A shadow darted between cars. The movement was too fast to determine whether my attacker was human or supernatural, although the speed suggested the latter.

I waited to see whether another rock would come flying my way. Instead, I was greeted by a flying fist. My unseen assailant managed to throw a sucker punch from the shadows and promptly disappear again. There were many demons and monsters with the invisibility trait. I needed more information before I could identify this one and decide how to best defend myself. I couldn’t risk the creature entering the bar. Most of the patrons were human; they’d be sitting ducks for someone like this.

I stood still and concentrated, listening for sounds of movement. If I could anticipate his next move, I might be able to catch him.

The door to Monk’s opened, and Officer Leo stumbled outside. I swore under my breath. I didn’t want the cop to get involved. He and Chief Garcia were fairly oblivious to the supernatural happenings in town, and it seemed best to keep it that way.

He stood awkwardly in the parking lot, scanning the area. I cringed when his glassy gaze landed on me. “Lorelei, is that you?”

“Hey,” I said weakly. “What are you doing?”

“Looking for my car.” A thick branch soared overhead. He looked up in confusion. “Who threw that?”

“Someone’s having a good time assaulting me withelements of nature,” I said. “I’m hanging around until I catch him.”

“It’s probably one of those college kids. They’ve been up to no good all night.”

Unless those college kids had acquired an invisibility cloak from Hogwarts, I highly doubted they were responsible.

I put a finger to my lips. Officer Leo nodded. “Could you help me find my car after I find your prankster?” he asked in a stage whisper.

I groaned. It seemed the officer was too tipsy to remain silent.

A car alarm sounded off. The silhouette was startled from his hiding spot and forced into the open. Officer Leo sprang into action, leaping over the hood of the car to tackle the assailant.

“I’ve got him!” the cop’s voice rang out.

I ran over to see him wrestling with empty air. The shadow was gone.

The cop sat on the ground, baffled. “I had him, I swear.”

---