Page 58 of An Espresso Machine’s Guide to Love & Mischief

“If you consent, yeah. I help spirits find their unfinished business when they ask for my help—but what Movin’ On is doing is wrong.” She sighs.

“Who’s Movin’ On?”

“Dickweeds. They pose as a moving company, but they’ve got every medium in the city convinced that spirits are better off in the afterlife, no matter how much they plead or protest.”

“Haven’t they heard of consent? That’s fucking messed up.” I twist my nozzles. “But you know what’s more messed up? Unplugging me. I’d rather move on than just cease to exist any day.”

“I’m definitely not justifying what Trevor did, but at least he didn’t trap you in an espresso machine like those Movin’ On assholes.” She scowls. “They think they’re fucking heroes. Even my sister.”

“Actually…” I trail off. Should I tell her Movin’ On didn’t trap me in the espresso machine?

Neph’s mate Bas sticks spirits into objects all the time without meaning to. Guy’s powers are so wonky he’s got an opera singer trapped in his penis.

Maybe if she realizes the whole thing was a complete accident, she’ll let me go? But I don’t know if I can trust McKay—especially if it puts Neph and her mates at risk. What if these kidnappers target them next? Her guys are across the border, so they’re probably safe, but my bestie’s in Toronto. No way am I risking her life for a chance to free mine.

“Actually what?” McKay presses.

I decide to keep her talking. “I was just wondering if your sister works for Movin’ On.”

McKay nods. “I tried explaining everything to her, but she’s convinced she’s doing the right thing. She’s not listening—but I’m not giving up on her. And I’m not giving up on you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“That your pony shifter friend and whoever else tried to get you to move on aren’t helping you.”

I almost spray her. Almost. But I need her to keep my reservoir full so I can deal with real threats—like Trevor.

If I had more ammo though… “You don’t happen to have some coffee beans you can add to my bean hopper?” I ask.

“I’ll check the cupboards.” She heads off to the kitchen.

Now we’re talking.

A few seconds later, she returns from the kitchen with a bag of coffee beans. “Let’s get these sorted, and then I’ll introduce you to Alicia.”

“Who’s Alicia?” And why is McKay being so helpful?

The only adversary who ever gave me a weapon before was that guerilla who said he’d only let me and my friends go if I could defeat him in a sword fight. I stabbed him before he stopped explaining the rules. His buddies thought it was hilarious that a skinny, hot heiress beat him, so they drove us back to the city and let us go.

“She’s trapped in a broom,” McKay says. “Once you hear how she ended up there, and what Movin’ On did to her, maybe you’ll understand that we really are the good guys.”

“Maybe,” I say noncommittally as she opens my hopper.

She pours in the caffeinated bullets I plan to launch at Trevor’s sexy but hateful ass, and I start to feel a bit more in control.

“Feeling better?” she asks.

“Actually, yes.” I’m glad I don’t have to fight to hide my triumphant smile, since I don’t have anything resembling a face.

McKay smiles. “Good. Now let’s see if we can get you out of this espresso machine.”

I gasp. “You can actually do that?”

McKay’s face falls. “I mean, I haven’t managed to with the other hoppers, but we’re working on it.”

“That sounds promising. Not.”

“I’m sorry, Diva. But how about I walk you through the technique and leave you to practice while I get Alicia.”