Page 31 of Artificial Moon

Andrew exhales, running a hand through his thinning hair. “We need to get ahead of him. He wants us looking at San Diego? Fine. But I’d bet anything he’snotdown there anymore. This was a clear misdirection. The real question is—where is he now?”

I glance back at the TV, at the chaos unfolding in real time. “Then we stop playing defense.”

Andrew raises a brow. “You have a plan?”

“I have an idea or two.”

“Supernatural ideas?”

“But of course.”

My phone buzzes.

It’s Allie.

Chapter Fifteen

“Hey, kiddo,” I say.

“Kiddo? Aren’t we the same age?”

“I’m a little older,” I say.

“Well, Ilookolder,” says Allie.

“You’re still a hottie—what’s up?”

“Got a hit on Norm. It’s not much. It came and went. Likely he took off a jacket or changed his pants or shoes.”

“Okay, cool. Any idea where he might be?”

“You’re not going to like this, Sam.”

“Hit me, and please don’t say my house.”

“No, but I’m pretty sure I got a glimpse of him near San Clemente.”

“Oh, no,” I say.

“Oh, yes,” says Allie. “I see you put two and two together.”

“The nuclear reactors,” I say.

“Yup, pretty sure I saw them behind him. I take it you heard about the mess in San Diego?”

“I did,” I say. “And San Clemente isn’t far.”

“No, not at all. I’ll let you know when I get more info, Sam.”

I click off and inform Andrew of the news. He turns white as snow. “What are we going to do, Sam?”

“Wearen’t going to do anything.You’regoing to stay right here. I’m going to fetch my daughter, son, and boyfriend, and we’re going to catch this piece of crap once and for all.”

“Say again?Who?”

“A fairy witch, a fire warrior, and a werewolf.”

“Whoa. Okay. Good luck!”

---