Page 90 of Last Witch Attempt
“What do we do about the naiad?”
“We put together a list,” I replied. “We need to know everyone who has been at that construction site, and we have to protect them.”
“That’s easier said than done,” Landon countered. “What are we going to tell Steve?”
I’d already worked that out too. “We tell him the truth. If he wants a magical problem, he’s about to be very happy.”
22
TWENTY-TWO
We worked in the library for hours and developed a solid list that included workers and management.
“Okay,” Landon said as he looked it over. “I’ll have Spencer reach out to all of them.” He hesitated. “What should we tell them?”
“Tell them that the person they killed at the construction site has a very angry friend,” I replied. “You have to go with the truth. There’s no other option.”
Landon considered it, then nodded. “Okay. We’ll play it your way.” He stood, then glanced around at Scout, Stormy, and Gunner. “Are you staying for dinner?”
“We’ll take a rain check,” Scout replied. “As much as Gunner would like to eat whatever Winnie has on the menu, I’m not sure I’m ready to be part of the team yet.”
“I’m kind of hemming and hawing too,” Stormy said sheepishly. “I don’t know if it’s smart.”
“It’s fine,” I assured her. “I have no interest in outing you. We’ll take it from here. Thanks for your help.”
“Hold up.” Scout extended her hand. “If you need help, I want you to call. Don’t go after that thing alone.”
“You don’t think I can handle it?” The question came out more aggressive than I anticipated.
Scout made a face. “Don’t take it to a weird place. It’s better to be safe. You don’t want Landon turning into a pathetic mope because your ego got too big and you fell victim to the wrong paranormal thanks to your ego.”
“Definitely not,” Landon answered for me. “Nobody is going after the naiad alone.” He pinned me with a serious look.
I wasn’t in the mood for an argument. “I didn’t have any intention of going after the naiad alone.”
Multiple snorts erupted.
“I didn’t,” I argued. “You guys are making assumptions.”
“Just keep us in the loop.” Scout was grim. “Naiads are powerful. This one sounds like it doesn’t want to kill you.”
“It wants me to do nothing while it kills other people.”
“People who might deserve to die.”
I opened my mouth, then shut it. “Let’s see if we can get the real story from these workers tomorrow. After that, we’ll decide.”
Scout nodded. “What about Millie? What if she comes back?”
“Oh, she’ll come back.” I was grim. “In fact, something tells me we’ll be seeing her before the night is out.”
“What makes you say that?”
“She feels emboldened after lunch. Nobody questioned her. She likes that.”
“Will she try to swap places with Tillie?” Stormy asked. “What if she decides to kill the real Tillie and take her place?”
“I really hope that’s not her plan.”
