Page 36 of Midnight Auto Parts

“Gods have been a part of my life for so long I can’t recall a time when they weren’t as real to me as you are, but they prefer simpler existences.” Kierce angled his face away from me. “They meddle in the affairs of mortals for entertainment, which is well documented through myth and history, but even the kindest of gods aren’t benevolent. They don’t grant wishes or favors without cost.”

As Carter slowed ahead of us, pulling onto the side of the road, we got our first look at the bustling techs and handful of officers posted to continue their exploration of the woods. Traffic slowed down as drivers rubbernecked to catch a glimpse of what was causing the excitement. They probably expected a wreck. I had no doubt it would be reported as one to keep nosy locals off the scent. Hmm. Or a manhunt.

They had to explain the heavy police presence and blinding use of spotlights somehow.

Guiding the wagon off the road, I asked, “Can one god use another’s bone without their consent?”

“Yes.” He stared out his window. “But it would create a vulnerability to that god in their wards.”

“But another magic user could? Like a witch or fae?”

“The risk would still be there, but the odds of a minor practitioner drawing divine attention are minimal.”

“Okay, so if Alcheyvaha are old gods, with no use for their bones, why weren’t theirs scavenged before now?”

“They’re protected by gods like Dis Pater to prevent other gods from using them for their own gain.”

Dead gods meant zero security risks. The bones could be used without fear of retribution.

“What were they?” Carter mentioned animal bones, and I wanted a mental picture. “The Alcheyvaha?”

“Beast gods. Divine animals. Blessed creatures.” He furrowed his brow as he gazed out into the night. “Before the rise of man, they maintained the balance between animals and nature.”

Surely if so many gods were still bumping around, they should be too. “How did they die?”

“The gods of man hunted them to extinction.”

A grimace twisted my features. “That tracks.”

“Yes,” he said softly.

A rap on the glass drew my focus away from Kierce to find Carter standing outside my door.

No sooner had my head cleared the cab than she hung a lanyard with a laminated ID around my neck.

“Wear this at all times.” She tossed Kierce one over the wagon. “You too.”

“I take it SPD isn’t handling this?” I hadn’t noticed the wrapper on the patrol cars until now. “Are these a 514 kind of unit? They look too intent on their purpose to have no idea what’s really going on.”

“Chief Leer worked out a deal where our guys can borrow patrol cars in surrounding areas to investigate any suspected paranormal activity. Our range is limited by design. The 514 is too new to butt heads with the big dogs. For now. This deployment was trickier, crossing state lines always is, but it looks like he knew what he was doing.”

Camouflage was always a good idea when you didn’t want to attract the attention of larger predators. Or, in this case, bigger organizations. Leer, as much as I was reluctant to admit it, was clever. But I didn’t appreciate his designs on me.

“Frankie.” Carter ruffled her hair, leaving powdery orange streaks. “About the chief.”

“You don’t have to apologize for him.” I bobbed a shoulder. “You and me? We’re cool.”

“Good.” She gusted out a breath. “He’s accomplished a lot with the 514 in a short time, but it’s because he never accepts the wordno.” She appeared to admire that about him. “You’re going to be the first.”

“Yes.” I had more secrets to guard than ever. “I will be.”

“Hold on.” She stepped back then loosed a shrill whistle. “Officer Kim.”

A young woman with black hair in a tight French twist popped her head out of a patrol car. She located Carter and slid out with an orange bag on her shoulder. She lifted the strap over her head then offered it to Carter.

“Thanks.” She directed it to be given to Kierce. “There are basic supplies in there, if you need them.”

Kim’s gaze caught on him, her eyes widening, and she bowed at the waist.

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