Page 18 of Hallow Hill at Halloween: Part One

With a slight nod, he sat and the two of us looked toward Lochlan. I can’t pretend to know Keir’s feelings about the matter, but mine were a cross between curiosity and anxiety.

“Alright, Clerk, out with it,” I said.

“Ah.” He hesitated.

“Problem? With the Rita Rules people?”

“No. It’s not that. Would it be too presumptuous to request that we begin after tea is served?”

“It’s that sensitive?” I asked. A quick glance at Keir caught a raised eyebrow.

“Not something for broader consumption,” Lochlan said.

“I see.” Sitting back in the pretense of relaxing, I offered, “When are we expecting the first snow?”

Keir chuckled. Not understanding that the only form of small talk I know is weather, Lochlan proceeded to take the question at face value.

“Well, we have had Samhain snow, but not often enough to create an expectation. I haven’t consulted a weather witch on the matter, but would be happy to do so on your behalf.”

I instantly went from gawking about his literal approach to conversation to being intrigued. “Weather witch?”

Olivia arrived at the door carrying a tray that I would find heavy and waited for permission to enter. The formal service she’d given the Magistrate before me was deeply ingrained. He must’ve been very tight-laced.

“Please come in, Olivia. Perhaps you could leave the tray on the ottoman?”

“Yes, Mag… Rita. Would you like me to serve?”

Keir smiled every time she did that. I kept making mental notes to ask her to forget calling me Rita but then always forgot to do so.

“We can manage, but could you close the door behind you?”

With a bow of her head, she silently withdrew. When I heard the snick of the door latch catching, I turned to Lochlan, who was serving himself tea. I looked at my watch.

“Lunch guests, I mean other than yourself, will be arriving in about fifteen minutes.”

“Challenge accepted,” Lochlan said as he sat back and stirred his tea.

Keir and I made no move for the tray. The tea was solely in the interest in showing hospitality.

“I need to discuss a potential case.”

“Very well. Go ahead,” I said.

“You remember that snake demon case you didn’t want to take because of fear? Or was it revulsion?”

“Yes. I remember. What difference does it make whether it’s fear or revulsion?”

He shrugged. “None.”

“Where is this going, Lochlan?” I felt my eyes narrow. “You’re not suggesting another snake demon is out of control.”

“Oh, no. No. Nothing of the sort.”

I relaxed a little. “Good.”

“But a case has been submitted that might bring on your… reptile aversion.”

“My reptile aversion,” I repeated. “And?”