“The Earthen Conclave.” She paled a fraction before smothering the momentary glimpse of panic with a smile as she looped her arm through Graeson’s. “That’s quite progressive of you.” She gave him a squeeze. “Why don’t you run along home and handle your business? I can take care of Graeson for you.”

I just bet she could.

Spending the morning on the shade-dappled platform with Graeson had talked me out. I flicked my fingers in a wave at him, not trying to spare him from the cruel fate of small-talking his way out of Imogen’s clutches.

I set out for home, and Dell trailed at a respectful distance. I liked her, enjoyed her company, but I wondered why, if she was truly a submissive warg, Graeson had seemingly assigned her to my guard detail. It was more than consideration for companionship. I was fast learning he didn’t have those tender leanings. His thought processes were ruthlessly efficient. Dell was with me because he trusted her, because she was capable, and as evidenced by Aisha and Imogen’s total dismissal of her, because no one except Graeson appeared aware of the ferocity hidden behind her stooped shoulders and bowed head.

Shaking off those thoughts, I focused on what I hoped was the first good news I’d heard all week.

“All right,” I spoke into the phone. “What have you got for me?”

* * *

Three hours later, I was wearing a track in the floor of my living room while clutching a rolled-up printout of a mental health facility in my fist. The call from Thierry confirmed that, as far as she knew, Charybdis hadn’t resurfaced. No new drownings fitting his MO had been reported, no new kills that might hint at sinister intent had been discovered. The loss of his avatar seemed to have slowed him down. I held tight to the thin hope that loss didn’t mean Harlow had gotten promoted to fill the spot.

The downside to no new crimes was no new direction either. Time kept ticking, and I had no clue where to look.

“Well?” Dell poked her head inside the trailer. “Did your friend have good news?”

“Yes. Well, maybe.” I hadn’t decided yet. “How is Meemaw?”

Dell had dropped me off then zipped home after a ripple in the pack bond set her on edge.

“Meemaw is fine. She took a spill while she was gardening and sprained her ankle. It was already healed by the time I got there.” She put a hand to her chest. “She’ll probably outlive me, but you know how it goes.”

I was more prone to fearing life than death but could appreciate the sentiment.