I huffed. “No, I didn’t jump. My bookcases fell over.”
Harlow gasped and jumped out of her chair. “That’s terrible! Are you alright? What happened!”
Mr. Hollow tilted his head, and a crooked smile showing those weird teeth appeared.
“I fell into them, because there was something at my window and it scared the crap out of me.”
Harlow patted me down, looking for scratches. “What was at the window? Was it a bird? A squirrel? Was it one of those raccoons? I’ve started feeding them leftovers. There were five last night. I have a live camera on them, right now. There have also been skunks visiting, too.”
Harlow pulled out her phone to show me. “Aren’t they adorable! I should probably talk to them and tell them not to climb on the house. I don’t want them scaring you or anyone else.”
Mr. Hollow stood from his chair and put his spindly, spider-like fingers on Harlow’s shoulder.
I got the heebie jeebies just watching how he looked at her.
“Now, Harlow, I’m sure it was pure accident that an animal got onto Miss Kassie’s window. A lot of the animals here are curious about all the new tenants. Kassie, why don’t you go to Nocturne Furnishings tomorrow and request some new bookshelves? Any you like, and tell them that the mayor sent you. They will set you right up,” said Mayor Hollow.
My head perked up. I forgot about the furniture store. The shelves I had were cheap, so maybe they would have something sturdier. “Alright, I can do that.”
Mayor Hollow clasped his hands together. “Splendid. And I’ll see you all Friday night at the party, correct? First one with both of you there.”
I walked to the fridge and opened it, poking my head inside. “Mhmm.” I grabbed a piece of coffee cake and shoved it into my mouth.
“Don’t worry, she will be there!” Harlow chirped.
I peeked over the door to see Harlow saluting Mayor Hollow.
He chuckled to himself and patted her head. “Good girl. I will check on you later.”
Harlow’s eyes went wide as she watched the tall, lanky, bald-headed man walk out the door.
No. No. No. No!
“Harlow!” I hissed. “What was that! You don’t like him, do you?”
Harlow gasped. “Me? Like the mayor? What? No! He was just coming to see how we are, settling in and all. He also dropped off some flowers I had never seen before. He said he gives them to all the new residents.”
My face deadpanned. “Uh, huh, sure.”
She brought the flowers from the entryway. They were black and deep-pink roses in a glass vase. All tied together with a gold ribbon. “Aren’t they pretty? He said he grew them himself.”
I huffed in annoyance. “Didn’t take him for a gardener, nor did I take you for having a live camera feed on some animals.”
Harlow shrugged her shoulders. “Why wouldn’t I?” She feigned innocence. “Besides, we both know it isn’t just for the animals. I will have one pointing toward the bedroom windows from now on.” She put up her hand, and I gave her a high-five. We both then gave each other a wicked smile.
Chapter Four
Atlas
Sweat ran down my back and wings as I hauled the last log in. Lucien could shape these, as they were broad and circular, into the stump tables he wanted.
They had been selling like hot cakes online. People were too impatient to even have them shipped out. They had been coming to town to pick them up.
Rich people liked the look of natural stuff, I guess.
Lucien's arrival caused me to drop the log. He had been restless since last night, fluttering and prancing on his claws.
“You owe me,” he kept repeating in a singsong voice all morning long.
