“You had justifiable cause. There won’t be any charges,” Brooke said. “Relax.”

“Justifiable cause?” Vivian’s voice was barely audible as she shouted. “I’m not worried about charges. I’m worried about the people I hurt on that bus! She wasn’t even on it!”

“Shit happens, Vivian. Grow up. You’re playing with the big boys!”

I felt sick, glad now we hadn’t gotten on the bus, but if we had, maybe they would have been all right. “Brooke, this has gotten out of control. How about you leave me alone and I’ll leave you alone? Huh? If it doesn’t work, you can kill me then.”

There was silence on the other end of the line, and I shifted my weight to the other foot. Maybe that had been too much, but then she came back after a short, private conversation. “You there, demon whore?” Brooke snarled.

“Yeah, we’re listening,” Jenks said from my shoulder. “What do you want, flabby butt?”

Brooke made a bitter bark of laughter. “Vivian thinks you still retain your ability to be reasoned with, so here it is. You’ve got one chance to turn yourself in. Be at Fountain Square tomorrow at sunup, or I’m going to burn your church to the ground. Got it? And I hope you hide, because I want you dead!” she shrieked.

I went to answer, but the line was muffled as Vivian and Brooke fought for the phone. “So it’s Alcatraz or be made infertile and stupid?” I said sourly, glancing at Ivy. “Nice choice.” Why am I trying so hard to stay here? In the archway, Lee shrugged. In a burst of motion, Jenks darted out of the kitchen, leaving a sifting beam of burnt gold sparkles. From outside came a gathering whistle followed by a burst of pixy light. Looked like he was telling Matalina the news. They’d likely have pixy lines strung in five minutes flat, rain or no.

The sound of someone at the receiver pulled my attention back to the phone. “Just leave me alone, Brooke,” I said. “I’m not hurting anyone.” Except myself.

“You are a threat, and those are our terms,” Vivian said, sounding irritated. “I suggest you take them. At least you’ll be alive.” There was a click, and she was gone.

Lips pressed tight, I closed the phone, unable to meet anyone’s eyes.Maybe warning them hadn’t been such a good idea, but at least my conscience was clear. Crossing the room, I handed Ivy her phone, and she tucked it away. “Sorry, Rachel,” she said, sounding resigned.

Forcing a smile, I turned to Lee. “How’s your wife?”

“Scared,” he said. “I’m going to talk to Trent. I need to be sure my kids won’t be—”