Page 19 of Hallow Hill at Halloween: Part Two

He wasn’t sure if the gargoyle grinned or grimaced. It was hard to tell.

“I work alone.” Jeff’s volume was controlled and modulated, but something in his tone said he was resolute.

“Of course. Understood,” Esme said. “But this is quite different. Unlike anything you’ve done before and, very likely, it won’t be like anything you’ll ever do in the future. This situation is unique. There’s thatandthe fact that the entire community depends upon the outcome.”

He gave no physical indication of rethinking his position, but she sensed a slight question mark and pressed forward. “Take the help, Jeff. It’s not the time for ego or stubbornness.”

“Ego,” he said with a slight shake of the head, clearly offended by the suggestion. “That’s not the problem. My concern is that a second party might get in the way.”

“Then talk it through with the gargoyle. Make a plan. Come to an understanding. Chieftain Bulent has a reputation for being honorable and trustworthy. If he agrees to be your back up, that’s what he’ll do.”

After a brief pause, Jeff ran a hand through his hair before saying, “I’ll hear how that might work before giving a final answer.”

“That’s all I can ask,” Esme said. “Can we talk outside? It seems the gargoyle is too large for the house.”

Jeff gestured for Esme to go first, thereby giving a signal that he’d follow.

Esme stepped out onto the porch.

“Keir,” she said, “We need to speak with Chief Bulent. Rita’s alone.”

Keir gave a sharp nod and disappeared into the house. The little cadre didn’t need to say out loud that she shouldn’t be left alone. It was understood by the collective.

“I was on my way home for dinner,” Lochlan said. “Good evening, sir.” He nodded to the gargoyle as he walked around folded wings.

Bulent said nothing, but watched Lochlan as he passed.

“Jeff, this is Bulent, Chieftain of all gargoyles.”

“Chief Bulent, this is Megalezhef Lorqunam, the Sanctioned. He’s known as Jeff to humans and… to the magistrate.”

Jeff’s head jerked toward Esme when she spoke his true name. He had no idea how she might’ve come to know it and made a mental note to ask at some appropriate time in the future.

The gargoyle tried to say Jeff, but it came out sounding more like Zzsef.

“Jeff is accustomed to working alone.”

“You make it sound like an option.” Jeff interrupted. “I’ve never worked any other way, nor have I ever considered working any other way.”

Bulent blinked slowly before saying, “The magistrate has a way of making firsts happen.”

Jeff’s smile was slow, but he appreciated the richness and wisdom of the gargoyle’s response.

“How do you see us working together?”

“If you’re hunting in dark of night, I can locate your prey from aloft.”

“Aloft,” Jeff said like he was mulling that over. “You mean you can target someone and… track them?”

The chieftain nodded. “That is one of my abilities. Yes.”

Jeff looked at Esme. “That could be useful if I happened to lose her,” he admitted. “But how would we communicate.”

“I thought of that,” Esme said.

Jeff smirked. “Of course.”

“I know someone who could establish a temporary link between you. So, you could read each other’s thoughts.”

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