“Ones that are not on the table, apparently,” Conleth replied, turning to the director. “If you’ve finished waving off the last few campers, we need to go over the final payroll before counselors start heading home. We should make a start on the off-season maintenance schedule as well.”
Zephyr’s eyebrows rose a little. “That sounds like the sort of thing I should be doing with my camp manager.”
Paige felt Conleth’s momentary consternation ripple down the mate bond. “Well, yes. But seeing as I’m still here, I can continue to fill the role for now.”
Zephyr shook his head. “I appreciate the offer, but I couldn’t possibly take up any more of your time. Especially not when you’re newly mated. The maintenance and future camp plans can wait until my permanent camp manager is available. Speaking of which, when do you think that will be? You did say you had a suitable candidate in mind.”
Conleth hesitated, glancing at Paige. She sent a silent push of encouragement down their mental connection.
“About that,” Conleth said slowly. “There are some…complications. And since Paige has accepted a permanent role here, so I’ll be in the area anyway, I thought I might as well?—”
“No, no,” Zephyr interrupted. With utmost gravity, he put a hand on Conleth’s shoulder, looking him square in the eye. “I really must insist. Just because Paige will be working as my new nature specialist doesn’t mean you need to be stuck here as well. After all, everyone knows you only stayed at camp in the first place due to Joe’s prophecy.”
Conleth took in Zephyr’s perfect poker face. He looked at Paige, who was trying—and failing—to fight back a smirk.
He pinched the bridge of his nose. “I am not nearly as clever as I think I am, am I?”
She patted his arm. “A lot of the time you are. But not always.”
Conleth sighed, dropping his hand. “Zephyr, how long have you known I was behind that damned prophecy?”
“From the moment the words left Joe’s mouth,” Zephyr replied calmly. “Though if it’s any consolation, it took me a while to realize he wasn’t faking.”
“At least that makes two of us.” Conleth shook his head. “Who else knows?”
“No one, I believe.” Slight consternation crossed Zephyr’s features. “Youget to tell Leonie.”
Conleth went a bit pale. “You know how you’ve always said that you couldn’t have started this camp without my help, and that if there was ever any way you could repay me, I only had to ask?”
“Yes. And in anticipation of your next question, no.”
“But—”
“No. There are limits, Conleth.”
“I can tell Leonie,” Paige said, amused. “If you’re both too scared to admit you’ve been keeping a secret from her.”
“No, I’ll do it.” Conleth grimaced. “After I’ve hidden all the shovels.”
Smiling, Zephyr held out a hand. “In that case, let me be the first to welcome you back, camp manager. Officially, this time.”
Conleth grasped the director’s hand, opening his mouth to say something—and then paused, brow furrowing. He turned his head, staring down the road.
“What is it?” Paige asked as his alarm thrummed down the mate bond. She looked in the same direction, but couldn’t see anything. “What can you sense?”
“Trouble,” Conleth said, releasing Zephyr’s hand. “Zephyr, you’d better warn everyone. We’re about to have company.”
There wasn’t time to sound the alarm. As the patrol car pulled up in front of the camp, Conleth could only hope that Zephyr would keep everyone out of sight.
At his side, Paige brushed her hand against his; a brief, reassuring touch. “You sure we shouldn’t let Zephyr handle this one?”
“I’d rather see what this is about first,” he muttered back. “Besides, the two of us have dealt with the sheriff before. At least I don’t smell of skunk this time.”
The sheriff got out of the car, hitching up his belt. Grateful that all the kids were safely away from camp, Conleth strode out to meet him, Paige at his heels.
“Officer,” he greeted the sheriff. “I hope you haven’t received another prank call.”
“Not this time.” The sheriff squinted at him a moment, as though trying to place his face. His gaze drifted to Conleth’s hair, and recognition dawned. “Right. Mr. Jerk-Butts, isn’t it?”
