“A witch, a necromancer, and a vampire,” Erik replied as if there was nothing special about the admission. He thought it best to leave Haley and Alessia out of his explanation.
“Don’t joke around.”
“We’re not,” Ben replied. “You asked. That’s the truth. We got ambushed by Barone’s people, and then Gusav’s goons ambushedthem. Magic jammed the guns, or there would have been an epic shootout. Then the ghosts chased the foot soldiers into the marsh and took their vengeance on Barone and Gusev. I apologize for not calling you directly. We were rattled and maybe not thinking clearly by then.”
“Why aren’t you dead?” Hendricks looked like he was struggling to put the pieces together.
“The witch protected us,” Erik said. “Fortunately, her magic was stronger than theirs.”
“I can’t put that into a report.”
“Blame a creature of unknown origin,” Ben suggested. “Say it made hash of Barone and Gusev and some of their henchmen, and the rest of the terrified goons ran into the marsh and drowned.”
“You want me to falsify information.”
Erik met his gaze. “As far as you’re concerned, witches, necromancers, and vampiresare‘creatures of unknown origin.’ Or you can tell the whole truth, but I doubt it will go well.”
Hendricks ran a hand over his eyes. His pained expression suggested a migraine. “Do your friends pose a danger to the community?”
“No. They’re the good guys. And they’re already gone, along with the dome.”
Ben didn’t want to admit to trespassing at Weston Hall, but since the property’s ownership was in limbo, he doubted there was anyone to press charges.
“I’m guessing they took that small window too?” the chief asked.
“It won’t cause any more trouble, ever again,” Erik assured him.
Hendricks had the look of a man who had just discovered that a whole different reality lay hidden behind how he had always understood the world to work. “These people you called in—you already knew them. You’ve worked with them before.”
“They’re allies and friends,” Ben replied. “Working quietly in the shadows to keep the world safe so most people can go about their business and never even suspect the supernatural is real.”
“Trinkets has been in Cape May for a long time,” Hendricks said. “Has it always done this kind of thing?”
Erik nodded. “Yes. It’s one of many shops across the world that get dangerous magical items out of the wrong hands. That part is a mission, not a business.”
“How much does Susan know? Is she safe working here?” Hendricks looked lost.
“She knows that magic is real and that there are bad guys out there with paranormal abilities,” Erik replied. “We’ve given her protective charms and warded her house. I can’t be sure what she suspects, but we don’t involve her in the details.”
“My first inclination is to make sure she stays far away from you two, to keep her safe,” Hendricks admitted. “But if your people took out two Mafia hit teams, then maybe she’s safest close to you.”
“I think that’s up to Susan,” Ben reminded him. “She’s pretty formidable all on her own.”
Hendricks nodded. “I know. Doesn’t change me wanting to protect her. Please, promise me you’ll watch out for her.”
“Absolutely,” Ben swore.
Hendricks let out a long breath. “What you’ve told me is absolutely bonkers…and the only explanation that really fits the situation. God help me, it’s going to take some creative writing on that report.”
“Look at the bright side,” Erik replied. “Any town that can take out Gusev and Bartolo without a small war is going to get noticed by both the Mob and Bratva. My bet is that both sides will steer clear of Cape May for quite a while.”
“Probably too much to hope for, but I hope you’re right.” Hendricks looked from Erik to Ben. “I’m grateful that you didn’t let the town get turned into a battleground, and I appreciate that you let me know about the wreck. But this does not mean that you are above the law. Do I make myself clear?”
“Absolutely,” Erik said.
“Definitely,” Ben echoed.
“I’ll hold you to that. And I expect to stay in the loop,” Hendricks said as he headed for the door.
