“Tell me again, Vince, how do you earn your money?”
He tells me as though he has nothing to hide.“My granddaddy was the first Pruitt to settle on Landslide.His brother was Becca Elliot’s stepfather back in the day.That’s how he got the invite.He was a currency forger until the government got all high-tech about everything.I guess I followed in the family tradition.”
“You forge documents?”
A nod.“Yep.I do the paperwork—binding, paper, and sealant—in Carson Reagan’s basement.They get sent to the mainland for some high-tech geek in San Fran to insert ID chips in them, and another one to hack them into the system.It helps a lot of folk, Luna.Wives who want to escape abusive husbands.Women running away from stalkers.”
He looks down, sad.“Brave ladies who just want a chance to start over again without someone there to drag them down.”
Vince shifts in his seat.“That’s why we’re kinda happy with no connectivity on the island.No governments spying on us.”
“How much do you make?”I’m amazed that Vince is content to live such a low-key life.
He smiles.“I’m comfortably well-off, Miz Luna.But that’s not what Landslide is about.”
His eyes get misty as he explains.“I stay here for the peace… the serenity.No ugly pylons for electricity or industrial areas spewing pollution into the air.No sales pitches.No… spin doctoring or divisive jargon.”Pointing at the island as the dark shape materializes out of the mist, Vince smiles.“Can’t beat that.”
And if I brew fluids for the MC, all that peace and serenity will continue.
My mind is fixed.Finally, I am able to see the sacrifice my aunt Tempest made.But better still, I understand why she made it.
For the farmers and homesteaders, and for the families who will take their place.
This delicate, symbiotic system must continue.
Leaning over the side of the boat, I drop my phone into the water.
Time to say goodbye to everything that came before and embrace my new life.This is my choice, and I choose to stay and help.
The boat bumps against the row of tires lining the makeshift harbor.
I guess I’m home.
A dark shape becomes solid as it moves forward out of the mist.Wulf.Unlike the Riders, he doesn’t pass as human so easily.There’s a distinctive uncanny valley look about Wulf.And that’s not even counting his shocking black and red hair and eyes.
Grabbing my backpack while Vince putters around in the cabin, I snarl at my cousin under my breath.
“I told you to wait for me in the boat for three days.It’s only been two and a half days, Wulf.So… get back there!”
And he’s gone.
Turning to wave, I keep my voice light.“Thank you, Vince.I hope to open the tavern at the inn soon.I want Landsliders to have a place to meet and drink in winter.”
“Thanks for offering me the use of the double room during the off-season, Luna.I think I’ll make my way over there now.”He clambers down to the promenade deck and then heads in the direction of the general store.
I wish I didn’t have to do this, but it is the only way.While walking to the Prodigal, I think about what to say.
Fuck it.I’ll wing it.Be diplomatic and kind.Wulf is an outcast from both human and vampire societies.It can’t have been easy for him.
Stomping on deck, I wait for him to join me there.Slithering out of the cabin, Wulf does not look pleased.
“I’m the one who gives orders around here, Luna, so don’t use that tone of voice with me again.”
“We’re cousins, and that makes us equals.Don’t get it twisted, Wulf.”
He looks confused as it slowly dawns on him.
“Please don’t tell me you’ve decided to stay here, cuz.Those MC bastards are just using you.Landslide is a dump.”He lowers his tone to be inviting and husky.“Come with me.We can travel the world together.See the sights.Live large.I will walk with you in sunshine—even though I hate it.”
