Page 34 of Made

“Rita. Call me Rita.”

“I’m makin’ a point, Magistrate.”

“Which is?”

“You’re the most powerful individual in the whole of fairie. How can you be spooked by a brounie? Particularly one in your employ?”

My shoulders dropped. I drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Being reminded of my power as magistrate was becoming a pattern. “I’m not exactly spooked. To use your word. I just… am not sure I can explain.”

“You have a preference for creatures who are over-communicative.”

“Over-communicative? I wouldn’t say that…”

“Aye. Indeed. Havin’ failed to develop your ability to see the hearts of others, you rely on babble. Which is the least reliable means of sizin’ up who someone is.”

Her argument was sound. She might even have nailed it.

“You mean my intuition? I don’t trust my intuition?”

“’Tis a human way of seein’ things. But aye. That.”

“And you’re saying that my trepidations about Dolan are without merit?”

“Aye.”

“Even silly?”

She chuckled again then drew her feather duster from her pocket as if to say she was needed elsewhere. “Dolan is quiet. And thoughtful. Nothin’ more.”

“Okay. Good talk.”

She nodded and went back to work, leaving me to ask Dolan for help with greenery. Sure. Why not? I’m not only a mature woman. Sort of. I’m also the magistrate!

I stood at the threshold of the workroom until, sensing my presence, Dolan looked up from the piece that was almost finished to perfection. Like so many of the wares that passed through The Hallows, I wanted it for myself.

“Um, I was wonderin’ if you might help me carry greenery from Lily’s shop?”

Without a word or change of expression, he, once again, let his brush fall into the glass jar of thinner then stood, and walked toward me.

“On second thought. Maybe I should go pick out the pieces I want. It would be a waste of your valuable time to stand around while I do that. I’ll be back when we can make a quick job of it.”

He turned, walked back to his stool, and without a word of acknowledgement resumed putting the finishing touches on the ladybug thing. I suppose I do like over-communicators.

Of all the shops on the green, I liked the windchime tinkle of the bell on Lily’s store the best. It never failed to make me smile.

“Lily?” I called.

She poked her head out from the back. “Magistrate!” It was lovely to have someone soundso pleased to see me. “Did you come for some Yule greens?”

When she said it, Yule greens sounded like something yummy to eat.

“Indeed, I did. I’m prepared to write a large check if I get first pick.”

She laughed. “I’ll have to be satisfied with a medium-sized check. Molly was here first.”

“Aaawgh!”

She laughed. “Not to worry. I have more lovely stems that you will need.”