Page 67 of Hallow Hill at Halloween: Part One

Olivia had lifted me out of the water?I was three emotions past embarrassed.

“I’m sorry you had to do that, Liv. But I’m awfully glad you were here and just as grateful that you were able to do that.”

“I think perhaps I should plan to stay here at your house until the enforcer returns.”

“That’s a very nice offer and one I don’t think I should refuse. I’m having a little trouble with dreams.”

“I see.”

“Don’t you need to get your clothes to get ready for tonight?”

“I’ll get Dolan to bring them over.”

She offered one of my biggest, fluffiest towels for my hair. I took it and began drying off.

The dogs had sat down in front of me, like they were guarding, and were not changing back to border collies. Hmmm. It was as good a danger meter as one could hope for.

“You’ve been very good dogs. I’m so lucky to have you. Crisis averted. You can stand down.” I’ll never know how much they can and can’t understand, but they understood me well enough to shift to their domestic forms. “What would you like for dinner? Chopped sirloin?” Fenn’s ears came up like he was picturing chopped sirloin in his dish. “Yeah. You deserve it.”

“There was a letter left for you at the front door,” Liv said.

“That’s new. Who’d leave a letter?”

“I’ll get it,” she said.

Still sitting in wet towels, I opened the envelope. Familiar writing.

You took a ring that belonged to my mother. You’re welcome to keep it, but I should be compensated. It was appraised at $17,000. Send payment in USD to this address.

Sincerely,

Cole

Bastard. He insisted that I take that ring, which I never cared for. I cast off the wet towels, pulled a clean thick, fleece robe around me, and went to a least-used jewelry box where I found the ring in question.

I walked straight to the study, pulled out a notecard, and quickly scribbled my answer.

No. Really. I wouldn’t think of coming between you and a prized family heirloom.

Sincerely,

Rita Hayworth

I slipped the ring and note into the envelope and called for Olivia. She was close by.

“I’m here,” she said.

I handed her my odd-shaped notecard. “Please ask Dolan to make sure this gets to the address on the letter you brought me.”

“I will,” she said but didn’t move to leave.

“Something else?” I asked.

“If you have a moment?”

“Of course. You’re welcome to sit if you like.”

She shook her head, but her French braids kept every hair in place. “It will only take a moment. The vampire has asked me to cook for the party.”