Page 121 of Find My Way Down to You

His laugh is like the start of thunder. “No! Don’t be silly. Thereisa lovely café just down the promenade.”

“You’re not serious,” I say, glaring.

“Shockingly, we don’t have bespoke gourmet coffee roasters in Aides.”

At the door, he waves to Carol and Betty, who don’t seem to care that he’s leaving in the middle of the day without a reason.

“Voilà!”

Henri spreads his arms wide like he’s unveiling a buried treasure.

We’re in front of the Great Arch at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. It’s a short walk from State Street Promenade. We came immediately after I bought Henri his precious latte.

I look around, lost. “This can’t be it.”

There’s no way these grounds are a hidden doorway to Aides. It’s just a historical courthouse. A tourist pit stop. When I came here with Cary, he didn’t mention anything. But of course he didn’t.

Secrets are the only thing the ferrier loves.

Henri smirks. “Oh, you poor mortals. You know nothing.”

Irritated, I turn in a slow circle. “So, what do we do? Walk through the arch? Is there an invisible door somewhere? A camouflaged stairwell?”

I hope this isn’t one of those rituals that requires a blood sacrifice.

“That silly thing?” A laugh erupts from him as he gestures to the arch. “It’s a decoration. We needthat.” He points to the Spirit of the Ocean.

“The fountain?”

“Enchantedfountain.” He extends his hand, as if he’s politely offering to help me climb in.

My eyes bulge. “No. Absolutely not.”

He sighs. “I’ve already told you. I can’t take you to Aides.” His other hand rubs at his charm. The serpent and wings. “Unless you’re dead.”

When I shiver, Henri adds, “Trust me, August.”

That’s my problem. I’ve put way too much trust in Deathless. But I don’t have any other choice.

Henri wiggles his fingers at me. There are no guided tours on Sundays. Still, weekend guards patrol the grounds. For trespassers or unhoused people who want somewhere warm and quiet to sleep.

Another beat passes before I whisper, “Okay. Fine.”

With his assistance, I climb over the wide stone ledge. The water’s cool, but not uncomfortable. It stops just above my knees.

I hug myself, feeling silly when nothing happens. “Now what?”

“You must submerge yourself in it.”

Right. That’s how it works with Cary.

I frown at the rippling blue water. “And then?”

“Think of your favorite place.”

“Should I close my eyes and chantthere’s no place like hometoo?” I ask dryly.

Henri beams. “Ha! You’re funny. I see why he likes you.”