Page 54 of Magical Melee

The thing speaks.

It talks.

Dizziness wrapped around me as I scolded myself for being weak. I wouldn’t let my mind make a fool of me, even if I were the only one to witness it.

Surely, I was imagining things. But Frank’s growl deepened, and his little body tensed as he fixed his gaze on the door.

This little bulldog was the lifeline to my sanity. Dogs didn’t make things up.

Well, there were times when maybe they’d go ballistic at a delivery person, but whatever was on the other side of the door wasn’t a delivery person.

I took a breath, stood, and gathered my courage before I cracked the door open just a sliver. The creature was still there, arms crossed, a small scowl on its face as it tapped one clawed foot impatiently. It had leathery greenish skin, big round eyes, and a nose that was far too large for its small, wiry frame. Definitely not something you’d find in the usual Wisconsin woodland critter guide.

“For your information,” it began, puffing itself up indignantly, “I am agoblin. G-o-b-l-i-n. Not a gremlin. Gremlins are an entirely different species with far less class.”

“Oh, well, pardon me,” I muttered, still clutching the door with a death grip. “How silly of me to confuse you two.”

The goblin narrowed his eyes at me, then leaned forward with an air of importance. “Name’s Twobble. I was just about to introduce myself when you so rudely shut the door in my face.”

I opened the door a little wider, unable to keep my curiosity entirely at bay. “Alright, Twobble. What exactly are you doing on my porch?”

“Why, I’m here to offer my assistance, of course!” He gave a little huff, looking personally offended. “As a resident goblin of Stonewick, it is my duty to introduce myself to new arrivals and offer my services.”

And this must be why no one lasted at this cottage.

“Services?” I echoed, raising an eyebrow. “Like what?”

He grinned, displaying a row of surprisingly sharp teeth. “Oh, you know, the usual goblin tasks—keeping pests away, fetching little odds and ends, money matters, and dispensing information… for the right price.”

I shook my head, feeling a bemused smile tug at my lips despite myself. “And let me guess, information about Stonewick?”

“Ah, so you’re already catching on!” he said with a pleased nod. “See, I knew you were smart. And no offense, but you’re going to need someone like me if you want to get to the bottom of things around here. This town has secrets, you know. And I’m more than willing to reveal them for the right amount of money.”

I leaned against the doorframe, giving him a skeptical look. “Problem is, Twobble…I’m a recent divorcee on a budget.”

He eyed me and let out a grumble as Frank relaxed and sat down.

“So, I’ve heard.”

My brows pulled together. “From who?”

He ignored my question. “We can work something out, you and me. I heard your conversation with Keegan in the garden earlier.”

My eyes widened. “You were eavesdropping.”

“It doesn’t count as such when you’re inmyspace.” His little body straightened as he stretched toward the twilight. “Anyway, I can get answers for you.”

“Can you tell me about my family?”

“More than that grump, Keegan. I can tell you that much.” He crossed his arms with a self-satisfied smile. “I’m much more… conversational. You’ll do well at Stella’s, too. She’s in the middle of it all.”

A laugh slipped out before I could stop it. I could only imagine how Keegan would react if he knew I was even entertaining a conversation with this goblin.

Wait a minute.

Did I actually believe that this conversation was more than a figment of my imagination?

But something was endearing about Twobble, even if he looked like he could snap at my ankles at any moment.