“We’ve seen some very moving photographs of the two elven envoys greeting each other,” said Audie. “Tell us what that was like.”

“It was very moving, Audie,” said Larry. “Oberon approached the new envoy and I thought he was going to shake his hand, but instead he threw his arms around him. He—” Larry’s professional demeanor seemed to slip a little. “He really fell into the new envoy’s arms, and they embraced for a long time. Of course I couldn’t tell what was said, but the scene appeared quite touching.”

“And where are the envoys now?”

“Audie, we don’t know the answer to that question,” said Larry. “Security around the envoy has always been tight, and it’s even more so now. As we said, no one knew that the fae were going to be in Missoula at all, and at the moment, no one knows their whereabouts except the DOR.”

“Do you think that’s in part because of the recent assassination attempt?”

“That’s right. As you know, in the early morning hours last night, assassins broke into Oberon’s compound in northern Montana and made an unsuccessful attempt upon his life. Oberon was not seriously injured in that attack, but one of his assailants was killed and several others escaped. During the night Oberon’s friend and podcasting partner, Ángel Cruz, vanished. The DOR is still investigating, and seeking clues as to Cruz’s whereabouts and his possible involvement.”

“What,” yelped Ángel.

“Thank you, Larry,” said Audie. “Larry Mandalay from KUFM, Montana Public Radio in Missoula, is covering this surprising story.”

Ángel turned off the radio and sat in the truck, trembling.

His possible involvement.

Until now, Ángel’s one driving thought had been to be reunited with Oberon as soon as possible. It had never occurred to him that he would be under suspicion. But he had walked straight out of the house and into the security blank spot, into the assassins’ arms. He had accompanied them to their cabin. He was driving their truck, he had a pocket full of their cash.

Could he prove that he wasn’t involved? What was his defense? I was outside in the snow because I was upset sounded spectacularly stupid.

“I don’t know what to do,” said Ángel aloud. His voice sounded ragged, even to himself. “What do I do now?”

He might get arrested. He might go to prison.

Oberon wouldn’t let that happen. Would he?

Ángel’s stomach growled. He hadn’t eaten since . . . was it the day before? The day before yesterday? His sense of time was all messed up.

He might be able to come up with a rational plan if he had some food. Shaking, he pulled the truck onto the road again.

Just at sunset he passed a green sign that announced: Entering Cascade: Population 939.