Maisie smiled at the memory.
"The spray tan was never waterproof," Bartie explained from his perch on Maisie's shoulder. "That's why he was so paranoid about rain. One good shower and the whole illusion washes away."
Uma arrived with plates of pancakes, Allen following with a pitcher of syrup balanced impressively on his back.
"Eat up," Uma instructed. "Dad's adding 'Ronald's Ridiculous Resort Rejection' to our town celebration calendar. Annual festival with fake tans and bad wigs optional."
The table erupted in laughter, the tension of the previous days finally breaking. Even Maisie joined in, her laugh tentative but genuine.
"What will happen to Ronald now?" she asked after a moment, her expression betraying lingering concern.
"The Tribunal takes treaty violations very seriously," Vlad explained, pouring generous amounts of syrup on his pancakes. "He'll face multiple charges: unauthorized territory claims, improper use of vampire abilities on humans, operating an unlicensed blood collection system, and---perhaps most seriously in vampire society---'bringing ridicule upon the dignity of the undead' with his fashion choices."
"That's a real charge?" Honey asked, surprised.
"Oh yes," Vlad nodded solemnly. "Vampires are incredibly image conscious. Ronald's spray tan and over the top clothes have been a source of collective embarrassment for decades. The Tribunal has been looking for an excuse to rein him in."
The conversation was interrupted when Leahnora Loveridge entered the pub. The room quieted as she made her way to their table.
"Good morning," she greeted them formally. "I thought you should know that Tandy Keyes has been transported to the Salem Correctional Facility for Magical Offenses. Her trial will begin next month."
The patrons of the pub took the news in with a collective sigh. It was over.
Leahnora turned to Maisie. "I've been reviewing our town records. It seems we have an opening for a Water Management Specialist---someone to oversee the falls and our other magical water resources. Given your unique abilities, the position is yours if you want it."
Maisie's eyes widened in surprise. "Me? But I---I've only just arrived. And I don't even know if I'm staying..." She glanced uncertainly at Honey.
"Of course you're staying," Honey said firmly. "You belong here. With me."
"And me!" Bartie added indignantly. "I've filed all the proper familiar registration paperwork. We're officially bonded now, so wherever you go, I go." He puffed out his tiny chest proudly. "Besides, I've grown rather fond of this ridiculous town."
Maisie looked around the table---at her sister, at Bartie, at the new friends who had helped her rebuild her life---and something shifted in her expression. The last vestiges of uncertainty fell away, replaced by the quiet confidence of someone who had finally found her place.
"I'd be honored to accept the position," she told Leahnora. "The falls helped save me as much as I helped them. It seems fitting to return the favor."
"Excellent," Leahnora nodded approvingly. "You'll start next week. For now, enjoy the celebration. You've earned it."
As Leahnora departed, the conversation at the table turned to more practical matters.
"I'll need to find my own place," Maisie realized. "I can't keep sleeping on your couch forever."
"Actually," Honey began hesitantly, "I've been thinking about that. FACTS & FIBS is too big for just me, especially with most of the familiar quarters empty since the last matching day. There's the east wing that I never use---it could be your own apartment, with a separate entrance and everything."
"You wouldn't mind?" Maisie asked, sounding both hopeful and uncertain. "I know I still have... issues." She gestured vaguely, encompassing the nightmares, the occasional panic attacks, the lingering trauma from her captivity.
"Of course I wouldn't mind," Honey assured her. "You're my sister. Besides, Leahnora recommended a wonderful magical trauma specialist in Assjacket. Having your own space while still being close by seems like the perfect arrangement."
"And I get my own bat house, correct?" Bartie interjected. "With proper ventilation and southern exposure? I refuse to hang in some dreary attic like a common household bat."
"Obviously," Honey laughed. "We'd need to meet your exacting standards."
As they finalized their plans over breakfast, Vlad checked his weathered pocket watch and sighed. "I should be heading out soon. Vampire hunters never rest for long."
"You're leaving?" Maisie asked, sounding disappointed.
"Got reports of unusual activity in Montana," Vlad explained. "Probably nothing, but worth checking out."
"Will you come back to visit?" Honey asked. "You're welcome anytime."
