Page 94 of The Blue Moon Café & 24-Hour Occult Emporium

Grimacing, Talula watched the dozen individuals carrying anti-Samhain signs outside the velvet ropes that ran along the perimeter of the town green. Thankfully, she and Dahlia had planned for this possibility. Talula had printed some polite signage informing protesters of their rights, that the town square had been lawfully reserved for an event, and that they were welcome to protest anywhere outside the roped area. The signs even directed them to a spot across the street where she’d set up donuts and cocoa. If any ambitious protesters tried to jump the rope or “misread” the sign, Talula had reinforcements. The velvet ropes were patrolled by costumed heroes and fantasy characters led by the Dark Knight himself.

“You look amazing. Did you steal the costume off a movie set?” Talula had asked as she and Emilio set up the velvet ropes earlier that day. “Or from Bruce Wayne’s actual closet?”

“Anna made it for me as a wedding present,” Emilio had responded in a gravelly voice.

“That’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard.”

Emilio had given a smitten sigh. “I know.”

“By the way, where did you get this super squad?” She’d gestured at the ferocious war-painted Boudica across the green carefully untangling a bowstring from a Legolas look-alike’s hair.

“The QAFD&DG.” Emilio had flashed her a very un-Batman-like grin. “The Queer as Fuck Dungeons and Dragons Group.”

Now Talula watched as the protesters—the ones who weren’t placated by donuts—shouted from the sidewalk across the street.

“Say no to Samhain!”

“Kick Satan out of town!”

“Jesus loves you!”

“Wow, those chants are not catchy at all.” Dahlia sipped autumn-spiced cocoa from a thermos Talula had brought for her. She wore her jack-o’-lantern sweatshirt and enough glitter to scandalize a fairy.

“At least they’re not trying to bust into the square.” Talula chewed her lip. “Smart idea, giving them a designated space.”

“Smart idea to give them donuts.” Dahlia glittered and grinned. “Hard to chant with your mouth full.”

“I hope the whole ‘kill them with kindness’ thing works.”

“It will.” Dahlia laid her cheek on top of Talula’s shoulder. Dahlia’s recent bouts of physical affection made Talula feel thrilled and off-kilter, like she’d taken a big swig right from a bottle of champagne. She didn’t know if Dahlia was just letting loose her touchy side or if it meant something more, but either way, Talula was going to enjoy any moment she got to be close to her. Closing her eyes, she leaned her temple against the top of Dahlia’s head.

“Who is this fellow defender of the night?”

Talula opened her eyes—Batman loomed in front of her, flanked by a scowling Simon. Even swathed in a black cowl and shadows, Talula could see the delight in Emilio’s gaze.

“This is Dahlia,” Talula said, straightening. “She’s a genius. She was a fancy marketing campaign person, so she knows all these cool performers and called in a bunch of favors so we could do this.”

“I barely did anything.” Dahlia admired Emilio’s outfit. “Your costume is incredible.”

“Thank you. I like your glitter.” Emilio regally inclined his head. He added, “The Magic Box security team has secured the perimeter.”

Dahlia saluted. “I’ll initiate the activation sequence. Thank you for your service, Batman.”

Completely in character, Emilio raised a dramatic fist to the air. “We must protect Samhain.”

After Dahlia walked away, Emilio rubbed his chin. “As the world’s greatest detective, allow me to say this.”

“What?” Talula asked.

“Girl, you got it bad.”

(Simon made a pained noise.)

“I know, okay?” Talula rubbed a hand over her face. “I wish people would stop telling me that.”

“Take my advice. Don’t waste any time.” Emilio swooshed his cape out dramatically. He let loose a completely out of character giggle. “I can’t wait to tell Anna.”

Suddenly, the old-fashioned lights above the Magic Box flashed to life. Quiet rippled over the crowd. Even the protesters paused mid-chant, craning their necks to see what the curtain would reveal.