Page 69 of Hallow Hill at Halloween: Part One

Evie chuckled, but Olivia looked anxious. “What are paparazzi?”

“Don’t worry.” I reassured her. “It was just a bad joke.”

After adding shoes, bag, and coat, Evie was ready to return to whatever she’d been about. She caught me by the arm and said, “I’m happy to help Olivia, but next time use your phone. The medallion is foremergencies!”

“You did yourself proud,” I smiled. “Thanks for coming.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Ignore me at your peril. Remember the story about the boy who cried wolf?”

“Well, since you learned that story from me, I think we can safely say that I remember it. Yes.”

“Going now. Love you.” The words fell flat. She didn’t sound much like she loved me at all.

“Love you, too.”

And she was gone.

I turned to Olivia. “I’m glad you asked for this. I hope you’ll always feel comfortable letting me know when you need something.”

She ducked her head. “Thank you, um, Rita.”

“I’ll leave you alone so you can change.” I was feeling a little more energetic. “Take your time, but when you’re done, could I have a ginger ale?”

“With sugar or without?”

“Bring me the real deal. No ice.”

“Very good.”

She was back within a couple of minutes holding a can containing nearly frozen ginger ale. There was a device on the kitchen cabinet that cooled beverages to perfection.

“Thanks again. What would I do without you?”

“You won’t ever do without me,” she said emphatically.

“Liv.”

“Yes.”

“Do you like your job?”

“Oh, yes. I can’t imagine anything more fulfilling than taking care of the magistrate who keeps all of us sorted.”

“I’ve never asked how many magistrates you’ve served.”

“You’re the third.” She grinned. “And the best.”

I smiled. “What makes me the best?”

“Well, it’s fun here. But the main thing is that you see me as a person and treat me like a…”

“Like a what?” She hesitated. “Go on. It’s not like you’re going to be punished no matter what you say.”

“Friend.”

“I’m honored that you think of me that way, Liv.”

She smiled and looked down at the ground.