Page 66 of Violet

“A thousand?” I gape around the room, whose maximum capacity is fifty. Where the Chameleon did the other nine hundred and something signatures come from?

“It was a team effort,” Betty says. “Liam helped me make phone calls. Nole asked anyone who came into the library to sign. And Cash posted the petition on that website of his.”

I look at my guys: at Liam, looking handsome as can be in his police uniform; Cash, wearing a fancy suit, and not the skunk mascot costume he surprised me with last night; and Nole, wearing jeans and a t-shirt—both dyed black—because the prank war with his brothers is still on.

“It wasn’t just your men,” Betty says before I can throw my arms around them and never let go. “Amber canvassed all the local businesses. And Violet and her vampires spent a good chunk of the night going door to door.”

“You guys did all that for me?” I ask, looking around the room at all the people I love. All the people who love me back.

They all smile happily and nod—everyone except Mayor Shchnarl.

“I need your answer by the end of the day,” he snaps. “Keep in mind that you’ll be required to actively pursue your master’s degree while you’re employed. It's all outlined in your new contract."

I nod.

“I was thinking I could get my degree too,” Nole says. “It’s only a half hour drive to the college campus, and it’ll be a lot more fun if we do it together.”

“Decide that on your own time,” the mayor snaps, shoving a stack of papers at my chest. "Read this, sign it, and have it on my desk by morning.”

A cheer erupts around the room. Amber and her guys start passing around Mood Teas and I notice there’s a table off to the side filled with Buttercup’s delicious Bake Shop treats.

The mayor heads for the door and Nole intercepts him. "Sir, can you also tell Violet what you told me?”

“What? About how I found out she’s a chameleon?” The mayor shrugs, scratches his flattened pancake of a nose, and turns to me. “A witch stopped by my office. Blonde, average looking. Lisa or Alyssa or something like that. Said she’d been flying past your building window and saw you shift into... well... you...”

“She doesn’t sound familiar... and I don’t think she was part of the attack.”

“She wasn’t.” The mayor shrugs. “All I know is she was very concerned you were breaking the law and defrauding the city. And now I’d best be off. Got meetings this afternoon.”

Once he’s gone, my guys and I make a beeline for the cupcakes. Liam takes the lead, clearing the way, Cash and Nole follow, and I bring up the rear. I’m almost at the table when a hand grabs me and yanks me back out of the program room.

“What the—” I’m face to face with April June, the dildo witch... and my neighbour.

“Violet, can I talk to you for a second?” she asks.

“Of course.”

“Tell me everything about the people who attacked you. Actually... can Liam get me into the police station to talk to them?”

“Why would you want to do that?” I frown at her.

“Oh, you know, it’s like listening to a true crimes podcast, only in real life. Do you know any of their names?”

“Just Raicus. But seriously, why—”

“What does he look like?” April June interrupts.

“Blonde hair, thin nose, scar right here.” This time, I touch my left eyebrow.

April June’s fist clenches at her side, but her expression remains friendly. “Was there a dark-haired man with them?”

“I don’t think so. Unless one of them used to have dark hair and dyed it?”

“No, he wouldn’t dye it,” she mutters, as though to herself.

“How would you—”

“Tell me about this orb.”