I fought the urge to squirm in my seat. I was dying to know what was in the autopsy report. Cody, seated at the conference table with an expression of stoic patience, gave me a warning look.

I fought the urge to stick my tongue out at him.

“We have witnesses who report seeing the Vanderhei boy’s body dumped in the river,” the chief said.

Detective Wilkes’s mild brown eyes took on a keen spark of interest. “I’ll need to see their statements. Maybe question the witnesses myself.”

The chief cleared his throat. “They’re undines.”

Tim Wilkes looked blank. “What?”

“The witnesses are undines,” I said, unable to restrain myself. “I didn’t take a formal statement because . . . well, they’re undines. There’s no point. It wouldn’t hold up in court.” I shook my head. “You can’t even establish an official identity for a water elemental, let alone admit testimony.”

“I see.” Contrary to his words, Tim Wilkes continued to look blank. “Undines. Yes. Definitely . . . unusual.”

Chief Bryant leaned back in his chair, which creaked. “You see why I’m asking for a measure of discretion?”

“Yes.” The keen spark returned to the detective’s gaze. “I do.”

“If you’re willing, I’d like you to work in conjunction with my people.” The chief gestured at Cody and me. “Officer Fairfax has done a fine job leading the investigation. And I suspect you’ll find Miss Johanssen’s connections in what we call the eldritch community to be invaluable.”

Tim Wilkes scrutinized me. “How is it you come to be so well connected, Miss Johanssen?”

My tail twitched with irritation and impatience. “That’s considered an impolite question in the community.”

Cody coughed, hiding a chuckle.

“You’re one of them.” It was a statement, not a question. At least the detective was shrewd.

I sighed. “Yes, I’m one of them. I’m also the goddess Hel’s liaison between mortal and underworld authorities, and I assure you, she’s very interested in seeing the truth come to light.” I rubbed my left palm. “I’d show you my badge, but you wouldn’t be able to see it. Since you’re here, I assume the medical examiner has ruled Thad Vanderhei’s death a probable homicide.” I glanced at Chief Bryant. “Chief, I’m sorry I was late, but can I please, please know what was in the autopsy report?”

He gave me a slow nod. “Your undines were right. The Vanderhei boy drowned, but not in the river.”

“Where?” I asked.

He shook his head. “Don’t know. But he drowned in salt water, not fresh.”

My jaw dropped. “Seriously?”

Taking pity on me, Cody slid a copy of the autopsy report across the conference table. “Read it for yourself, Daise.”