I raised my eyebrows at his fake outrage. “We are. But like it or not, once we find the powers, you’re going to have to deal with the consequences. We have a job to do—look after Ordinary and make sure everyone plays by the rules. And you do have a job to do, Crow. A power to wield. You can’t ignore it for eternity.”
“You’re not going to kick me out of Ordinary are you, Delaney? Throw me off of my Native land.”
Yes, the mortal Crow had been born full-blood Siletz. Technically, well, and literally, this was his Native land. But the rules of Ordinary applied to all our citizens, no matter their race.
“I’m going to follow the rules laid down by our ancestors. Just like you should have.” I was getting tired of telling him this. I started toward the door. “Myra, stay here until Roy comes in. Keep an eye on Crow. I’m headed out to talk to Rossi.”
“I thought I was supposed to stay with you,” Crow said.
“No, you’re supposed to stay under our custody. Make yourself useful around here and handle some of our filing or something.”
“Filing? You do know I’m an artist, right? I’ve won awards. I hire people to handle my paperwork.”
“I’m sorry. I assumed you wanted to be useful. How about you spend the day in the holding cell.” I glanced at Myra. “That position’s open for important artists, right?”
“Always.”
“Fine.” He gave a dramatic sigh. “I’ll do your menial labor. But don’t think I won’t talk to the tribe about this. Using a Native boy to do your grunt work. I’m feeling oppressed.”
Myra gave him a bland look. “Please. Wanna talk oppressed? Woman in a man’s world here.” She pointed to the badge on her chest. “I’ll be happy to put my three-quarter pay and glass ceiling against your cut of the casino profit, successful business ownership, andgodhood.”
He grinned. “Gotta love that Reed spirit. Marry me? I’m a successful business man, you know. We can be oppressed together.”
Myra rolled her eyes. Then, to me: “Call when you get to Rossi’s. Call when you leave. I’ll get hold of Jean so she knows what’s going on.”
“Okay. You got Apocalypse Pablo’s statement?”
“Yep. It’ll be on your desk by the time you get back.
“Good.”
I gathered up my coat and a beanie, shivering a little as I slid into the cool and damp of them.
“I could loan you my hat,” Crow offered.
“No.”
“It will keep you dry. C’mon. You know you want it.”
“I don’t want it. No one wants it. It’s stupid and isn’t even a funny joke.”
“Fine. You obviously don’t understand fashion. Have fun being wet and so last year, beanie head.”
I resisted the urge to stick my tongue out at him. “Bye, Myra. Don’t shoot him anywhere he’d sue us for.”
“Got it,” she said.
I ducked out into the rain and trudged to the Jeep.
Chapter 3
The vampire at the door wore a tuxedo and a scowl. It’d been awhile since I’d seen short, dark, suspicious Leon Rossi. Last time was at the July beach “clothing optional” bonfire Old Rossi had thrown. Leon worked night shift lead at the cannery and had been living in Ordinary for over a century.
“Chief.” He stepped aside so I could enter. Rossi’s home could at best be described as eclectic and at worst Winchester Mansion crazy.
“Didn’t know you were pulling butler duty, Leon. Tux looks good.” I unzipped my coat and he took it, holding it at arm’s length so it didn’t drip on his fancy shoes.
“Was out of town at a midnight wedding. Got the call about Sven. Didn’t take time to change.”
