I considered a moment. “I used he because it didn’t seem right. There was intelligence there, a cunning. And I don’t mean that in the way that certain natural animals are quite smart. This was more like a creepy old man who lives alone has started leaving candy on the porch, hoping to lure in unsuspecting children.”
“So…” Declan looked between me and Nick. “We’re thinking this thing eats animals? But why in the world did it come so far north for a meal? That bridge has got to be, what, eight or nine miles away.”
I shook my head. “I’ve been thinking about that. It’s only that far if you’re on the road. As the owl flies, it’s probably more like six. If he was headed straight across the Jack’s Peak wooded area, the first neighborhood he’d hit—depending on his trajectory—would be mine.
“I will say,” I continued, “now that we’re discussing it, I didn’t notice any animals on my flight to the bridge. Normally, I see rabbits or mice, sometimes other birds.” I pushed up on the armrests, lifting my body off the chair and crossing my legs beneath me, exactly the way I used to sit in this chair in my parents’ home. “I usually have to decide if I want to detour for a snack or continue on my way. I was hungry, but I didn’t see any small animals, which now seems significant.”
“Are you still hungry?” Nick asked me, looking concerned.
I shook my head. “My stomach is off. Whatever it was gave me knots.” I clenched my hand in front of my stomach.
Declan put what was left of the cheese and crackers on a plate and handed it to me. “You may feel that way right now, but you shifted and flew a good distance. Your body needs the fuel. Sometimes eating helps unknot those stomach cramps.”
I stared at him and the offered plate a moment. Did he think I didn’t know what it was to be a shifter?
Arwyn rubbed Declan’s knee. “No insult was intended, Orla. Declan is a caregiver. He reminds me to eat all the time too.”
Arthur sat forward. “You know, if she doesn’t want it…”
Declan growled and I shot up, taking the plate from Declan and handing it to Arthur. “I’m fine, but you’re probably right. I’ll go get something more substantial than cheese.” I went to the kitchen and checked the fridge for food. I didn’t make meals down here. This was more of a snacking kitchen. The proper food was upstairs.
I found an unopened package of meat sticks. After cutting open the plastic wrap, I brought the whole thing out with me. I offered everyone a stick and all but Arwyn took one.
Our conversation was derailed as the men chewed thoughtfully and silently.
Finally, Arthur asked, “Are these beef sticks from Voget’s?” He was referring to a butcher downtown.
“Argus Meats by the pier?” Nick guessed.
Declan shook his head. “No. These are better than theirs.”
Arwyn crossed her arms over her chest. “You guys are more concerned with finding a butcher shop than whatever is lurking under that bridge.”
I bit into a stick, pretending I didn’t notice the men eyeing the rest I still held in my hand. Taking a big bite, I glared at them. Declan and Nick looked elsewhere, but not Arthur.
“They’re turkey, not beef,” I said. “And they’re from the Grove Meatery. I’ve tried those other butchers. Grove is the best.”
“Turkey?” Arthur shook his head. “Those are much better than any turkey stick I’ve ever had.”
I moved the bag in my hand so he could read the big Turkey sticker on the front.
He hmmfed and I said, “So what are we going to do about whatever is under that bridge?”
FIVE
Reconnaissance Mission
“Why don’t we just go there right now?” Arwyn asked. “Let’s go see what we’re dealing with.”
Declan’s arm around her tightened. “You were exhausted before you came here. It’s late and you need sleep.”
“We all need sleep,” Arthur grumbled. “Nick and I are back on roll in a few hours.”
“I don’t,” I said. Glancing between them, I added, “Nocturnal. I can go back and see if I notice something different in full dark.”
Nick looked uncomfortable. “It was scaring you in the sunlight. I don’t like the idea of you going back on your own.”
“She can fly,” Arthur reminded his cousin before turning his attention to me. “I’m not agreeing you should do this on your own because I don’t think you should. You about gave us all a heart attack last time, when you went hunting for that damn serial-killing fae on your own. You’re an adult, though, and one who can fly. I’m not going to tell you you can’t surveil the bridge, but I will say that I think it would be better if you waited for us.” He turned to the others. “We should all go together tomorrow night.”
