“All good?” Octavia’s voice carried over the wind. She leaned out of her window, locs brushing up against the side of the truck door. “There’s a storm on the way. If we want to get to the ranch before it hits, we’ll have to make up lost time.”
“Got it.” I nodded and said to Jonah, “Keys?”
December’s shoulders sagged. “Please, no.”
“I’m the fastest driver.” I smiled, accepting the keys Jonah tossed.
“Yeah, but I never get sick when Jonah drives,” she said.
“He somehow makes it feellike we’re floating,” Nico agreed. Jonah blushed. Pride never looked so shy. I gestured them into the RV.
“Quit your complaining,” I ordered. “We’re not out-floating a storm at his speed.”
We splitup in a county called Burchtown. Nico and December rented a car at the small airport and took half of our supplies. They’d have an hour drive to a small town we’d helped with a ghost infestation months ago.
“You listen to those Jones instincts,” Nico whispered into my ear when he hugged me goodbye. “Trust them.”
“I will.” I closed my eyes as I squeezed him back. “Check in when you get there.”
He nodded, pulled away, and grabbed his pack to give December a chance at a goodbye.
“I got rid of all your email filters,” she said as she scrolled through a checklist on her phone. “And made a list of everything you’ll need to prepare for the next convention. It’s pinned to the board.”
“Want a hug?” I teased.
She stepped into my open arms but continued talking. “Extra insulin is in the back of the cabinet. I locked the company credit card in the safe. Your favorite socks are in the bottom drawer. I don’t think you’ll need them, but there are extra silver bullets taped under the kitchen table.”
“I think you should join that book club again,” I suggested.
December’s nose wrinkled when we pulled away. “And debate the realism of paranormal lore with a group ofnonbelievers? I’d rather be the poster child for Sasquatch propaganda.”
“But it made you smile.” I combed my fingers through the ends of her hair. “And gave you something to think about besides work.”
“Work’s all you think about, too,” she countered.
“Actually, I’m thinking about taking up knitting, so…there you have it.”
December laughed. “You’re hilarious. Drive safely and let us know when you get there.”
I accepted her last hug before she disappeared into the parking lot with Nico.
It took another three hours to get to Octavia’s ranch. Engraved in the rusted sign that hung over the weathered wood fence were the wordsElmwood Ranch.
Octavia got out of her truck and unlocked the gate, trying to push it open for us. Wind from the impending storm made the task a feat.
“Should I…” Jonah tried to offer, but I’d already unbuckled my seatbelt.
“It’s going to be a bad one!” Octavia shouted when I joined her side.
My lungs were heavy with the damp air. “Smells like it.”
“Be careful when driving up the road. There are a few potholes,” she said. “I don’t know how well your RV will handle them.”
“I’ve driven her through a coven of vampires; she’s seen worse.”
Octavia froze, staring at me. “Vampires?”
“We’re not strapped up for fun.” I tugged up my shirt to reveal the belt of weapons.
