Page 4 of Grave Beginnings

“No, it’s not,” he agreed. “I’ve got your desk packed. You’ll report to SED headquarters in Richfield on Monday. That gives you four days to prepare.”

“I never took the PNR division classes.”

He sighed, and sank down heavily in his chair. “You’ve been a great detective, Holt.”

“And I still am! This,” I waved at my arm, “doesn’t change that.”

“It does for us. The Veil is spreading. SED has to grow as the variance is spreading. They need agents like you.” He pulled a giant manual out of his desk drawer and slid it across the tabletop. “This is old, but it’s an overview of every variant type discovered and procedure to date. Might want to spend the next few days studying.”

I handed over my badge, heart pounding in my chest as my world was unraveling with every second. “My gun…”

“Is already in lockup. Joe turned it in at the scene when you were taken to the hospital. Taser too. You’ll be issued new ones with SED.”

“I’m not variant,” I said again.

The captain was quiet for a minute. “My nephew is.”

“Variant?”

“Yep. Out of nowhere, really. Had a mild cold last year, and two months later turned into a coyote.”

“He’s eight, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Bet he makes a cute coyote.”

The captain nodded. “He does.”

“He’s a good kid,” I said, because I’d met him at more than one summer cookout.

“He is.”

“I didn’t get anything cool like shifting.”

“But it might be more useful.” He shoved the manual my way. “You’re one of my most reliable officers. I never had to worry that you were going to end up with a write-up, or on the wrong side of a trial.”

“Then why can’t I stay?”

“Because I think SED needs you.” He hesitated. “And you need it. I’ve sent a list of information to your personal email. Give it a few days to sink in, review it over the weekend, get some rest.” He looked tired. “I know you’ll make this work, Holt. The merge is growing, and they need guys like you over in SED.”

“Smart-asses?” I asked.

He cracked a smile. “Oddly enough, yes. But resourceful, quick on your feet, someone who sees through others bullshit, and can piece together a picture no one even knew was a puzzle.”

“Too bad you’re not writing my next review. I’d expect an ‘exceeds expectations’ and a giant raise.”

“Think of SED as a promotion.”

“Does it come with a raise?”

“Yes.”

“How much?”

“Check your email.”

“Phone’s dead,” I said. “I’ve just been in variance jail for two weeks. Did you know the food still sucks in the hospital? Supernatural superhero should come with perks. So much for greener grass and all that shit.”