Page 104 of Coven of Corpses

Morton stood just inside the entrance, scanning the diner with nervous energy. He clutched a leather portfolio to his chest like a shield and kept adjusting his glasses with his free hand. He'd always been a nervous guy, prone to rapid blinking and stammering when stressed, but today he looked like he might vibrate right out of his khakis.

When he spotted them, his eyes widened, and he made a beeline for their booth.

"Great," Cody said under his breath. "Just what we need."

"Be nice.” Demmy gave his hand one final squeeze before pulling away. "He's probably traumatized after what happened to the mayor."

Cody snorted. “He should have been ringside for it."

Morton reached their table, hovering awkwardly. "Mr. Bower. Mr. Singleton. Good evening."

"It's Bower-Singleton now," Cody corrected, more out of habit than any real annoyance. "Been that way for a while."

"Oh! Yes, of course. My apologies." Morton adjusted his glasses again. "May I join you?"

Cody was about to say they were expecting their food any minute when Demmy said, "Of course. Please, sit down."

Morton slid into the booth beside Demmy, who scooted over to make room. The city manager placed his portfolio on the table and folded his hands on top of it, a strangely formal gesture.

"I've been looking for you," Morton said. "I tried your home, but there was no answer.”

“That’s because we weren’t there,” Cody said.

“Yes, of course.” Morton nodded and a smile flickered briefly before winking out.

"Is something wrong?" Demmy asked, his voice gentle, always the diplomat.

"No! No, not at all." Morton laughed nervously. "Quite the opposite, actually."

He opened his portfolio and withdrew an official-looking envelope with the city seal.

"As you may have heard, following the… unfortunate passing of Mayor Henderson, the city council has appointed me as interim mayor until the special election."

Cody hadn't heard that. He'd been deliberately avoiding news about anything related to demon possessions or dead politicians.

"Congratulations," Demmy said. "That's a big responsibility."

Morton's cheeks flushed with pride. "Thank you. I'm still getting used to the idea myself." He winced and pushed his glasses up his nose. “Of course, I would have preferred it to be under less, shall we say, tragic circumstances.”

“Of course,” Cody said.

Morton gave a single nod, then slid the envelope across the table toward him. "One of my first official acts was to review certain legal and municipal decisions made by the administration. Specifically, the termination of your business license for Critter Catchers."

Cody's pulse quickened. After a glance at Demmy, who looked equally surprised, he picked up the envelope.

"Go ahead, open it," Morton urged.

Cody tore open the envelope, half expecting to find another summons or fine. Instead, he pulled out an official document with the city seal emblazoned at the top: a business license for Critter Catchers Animal Control, LLC, dated for the following week.

“Is this for real?" he said.

"I took the liberty of expediting the reinstatement. The council and Judge Wichita agreed unanimously that your service to the community warranted special consideration. Especially in light of, well, recent events."

"Recent events," Cody repeated flatly. "You mean the witch that released a demon who then possessed a tree, the mayor, and a few other folks?"

Morton’s glasses slipped down his nose again. "Yes, well, we're not putting it quite that way in the official record. But essentially, yes."

Demmy leaned forward. "This is incredibly generous, Mr. Whitfield⁠—"