Page 39 of First Snow
“Annikki?” Thorfinn’s sharp features appear on the screen. He shifts the phone, and Jareth can make out the earthy colors of what is probably the living room of Thorfinn’s hunting lodge. “What can I do for you?”
“Hei, Thorfinn,” Annikki says, turning her screen so that Finn is able to see Jareth as well. “We have some questions regarding your red-eyed demon.”
Thorfinn’s gaze darkens. James’ blond head appears next to his shoulder. Jareth blinks. Is that hay sticking out of James’ hair?
“Did you find the fucker?” James asks.
Jareth notes with amusement that Thorfinn and James both look relaxed. Happy. Jareth can make out that James is wearing a fluffy Icelandic sweater, which should look ridiculous on the haughty actor but strangely suits him. It’s a rare occurrence, but Jareth doesn’t feel the urge to mock them.
“I just sent a photo to both of your phones,” Annikki says. She set up the security system at the summer house herself. Jareth wouldn't have thought it possible, but she managed to make the security cameras work on the other side as well. Annikki has a knack for making technical devices work in a supernatural context. “You just need to confirm the identity of our guy.”
James is already pulling out his phone, showing the screen to Thorfinn. “It’s him,” he says, his cheeks losing some of their rosy color.
“Where is he?” Thorfinn asks, his eyes sparking with a fire Jareth recognizes immediately. He has seen it on his own face when on the hunt.
“We’re in Finland, and we have everything under control. No need to leave your island,” Jareth says. The last thing he needs right now is a murderous Viking to mess with his plans.
Another dark head pushes into the picture.
“Dagur,” Jareth greets. Thorfinn’s older brother has the same dark brown hair and bright eyes, only his hair is shorter, his features fuller. He’s stockier than his brother, not as handsome as Thorfinn. “Are you having a little family gathering out there?”
“Sheep round-up,” Dagur says simply. “You have to contact the Finnish police when you apprehend the person responsible for writing the spell books.” As a police officer, Dagur probably feels the need to point out that they can't just make people disappear left and right.
“What would we tell them?” Annikki asks incredulously.
“I don’t care. Get creative.” Dagur is such an ass. Jareth likes his attitude.
“Seriously,” Thorfinn interrupts his brother. “Do you need help?”
“No,” Jareth and Annikki say at the same time.
James chuckles.
“We already have Finnish help,” Annikki states, not batting an eyelid at the ridiculousness of her claim. Jareth surely isn’t going to drag Arttu into all of this.
“We don’t have time, anyway,” Dagur says, unfazed. “The sheep don’t round up themselves.”
“Don’t mind Dagur,” Thorfinn says. “If you need help, if you’re unable to deal with this, I’ll fly over.”
“Wewill fly over,” James corrects him.
“Fine. We get it,” Annikki relents. “We will call in the cavalry if needed.”
“Good,” Thorfinn says.
“Then have fun hunting sheep while we’re hunting a demon.” Jareth grins.
“We will,” Dagur says, the humor of the statement going completely over his head as per usual. Thorfinn fondly rolls his eyes at his brother, and James valiantly keeps a straight face while they say their goodbyes.
“Aren’t they sweet?” Annikki coos as soon as the screen has gone dark.
“Yeah, yeah, you’re a sucker for a happily ever after.”
“Talking about happily ever after, when are you seeing Arttu again?”
Jareth groans. “You know perfectly well that I’ve invited him over this weekend, but if I follow Briar’s invitation I can’t have Arttu around.”
Annikki aches an eyebrow at him. “Why’s that? You need a sub to accompany you, and I guess you aren’t planning to use one of the escorts Briar will provide.”