Page 24 of A Silenced Midlife

"No, just scared. But that's not the point," I said, slamming the last of the groceries onto the counter. "We can't keep doing this. Tell the mayor he doesn't have a choice. We need to figure this out now."

"Got it," Drew said, already dialing. He paused, giving me a long look. "Hey, we'll handle this. Don't worry."

"Thanks," I sighed, the anger deflating just a bit at his steady presence. "I know. I'm just... it’s ridiculous, you know?"

He nodded, pressing the phone to his ear. "Mayor Brown? Drew here. We've got a situation. You're needed at the station in one hour. No, sir, it can't wait." He pressed a kiss to the side of my head then went out the front door.

I shoved the last can into the pantry and grabbed my phone. Thumbs flying, I shot off a message to Olivia and Melody.

Police station. Meeting in 1 hour. Be there.

Olivia's text buzzed back almost instantly.

Need a lift?

Please.

Melody’s text came up next.

Driving. Mai's with me. We'll make it.

With another sigh, I tossed my phone on the counter.

A shimmer in the air, and Olivia was there in my kitchen, a slight pop marking her arrival. "That was quick," I said, grabbing bread and deli meat from the fridge.

"Them’s the perks of being half-fae," she grinned. "So, what's got your witchy panties in a twist?"

"A shifter went full gorilla in front of the grocery store. Had to siphon his magic on the fly. Then I played it off as a costume shop PR stunt." I slapped together sandwiches, one after another, piling them high on a plate.

"Seriously? That's bananas." Olivia leaned against the counter.

“Bar-Har.” My laugh was dry. "Help me wrap these."

"Sure thing." She grabbed the plastic wrap as I scribbled a note and slapped it on the stove: 'Sandwiches in fridge.'

I grabbed a sandwich, shoved some chips onto a napkin, and popped the top on a soda. "Well, this is dinner," I said, plopping down at the kitchen table.

"Highbrow," Olivia joked, doing the same. She bit into her sandwich, a look of satisfaction crossing her face.

"Ugh, these chips are just dust." I scowled, sifting through the bag for a piece that resembled an actual chip. "Gorilla guy, or whoever caused his shift, owes me a bag of Ruffles." I took a swig of my drink, trying not to be too irritated about it.

"Could have been worse. Could've been the eggs." Olivia raised an eyebrow.

"True. Then I'd be really mad."

We ate in silence for a minute, just the sound of crunching and the fizz of our sodas. The quiet didn't last long; we had things to do.

"Ready?" Olivia asked, wiping her hands on a napkin.

"Let's do it." I stood up, the urgency and frustration creeping back in.

With a wave of her hand, Olivia opened a portal. The edges shimmered like heat on pavement. We stepped through together, leaving my kitchen for Drew's office at the station.

Drew looked up as we stepped into his office, a barely noticeable nod acknowledging our arrival. Mayor Brown was pacing near the window, hands behind his back, his forehead wrinkled with concern.

"Where's Melody?" I asked, scanning the room.

"Should be here any—" Drew began, but he was cut off by a knock. He swung the door open to reveal Melody and Mai.

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