Page 46 of Demons Dig Donuts

Lou cut his eyes to Mr. Heiss, grinning.

Mr. Heiss chose—no surprise—to scowl.

There was something clearly going on, but Indy had no idea what.

The twins were occupied with playing with each other’s hair, and Q. and Francis were still digging through the paperwork. They’d apparently missed whatever importance Indy’s brief exchange held. It was only then Indy realized that no one else was reacting to the dog cackling or the woman flailing about.

Because no one else can see them.

How interesting.

“This means this young man must have an Artifact!” the woman said excitedly. “How wonderful! Another one has been found!” She paused. “Wait. Does that mean Mr. Heiss…? Oh, let’s test this!” She dropped her voice to a low whisper. “Mr. Heiss is a big meanie head and he smells like a—”

“May we please continue?” Mr. Heiss demanded, cutting her off since he clearly couldn’t hear her. “My time is very valuable.”

The woman squealed.

“As if ours is any less so?” Lou smiled, but it wasn’t kind.

Mr. Heiss glared. “It is, as a matter of fact.”

“Simmer down,” Q. scolded as he handed off the giant stack of paperwork to Francis. “Now! Human.” He beckoned for Indy to approach. “Come here, little one.”

Indy stood, surprised that he was able to move on his own now. He stepped up beside Mr. Heiss and nearly jumped when Mr. Heiss put his hand at the small of his back. “Hi. Sir. Hello, sir.”

Q. offered a tense but polite smile. “Please tell us who killed Mr. Kalt.”

Indy glanced at Mr. Heiss, saw him nod, and then slowly replied, “It was Mr. Heiss.”

“No one else?”

“No?” Indy was confused. “Mr. Heiss pulled his head off right in front of me. Pretty sure his blood is going to be stuck in my pores until the next time I can exfoliate. You know, with a brick.”

Q.’s upper lip twitched into what may have been an effort to hide a laugh. “Very good.”

“Wait, that’s it?” Indy blinked. “Mr. Heiss isn’t, like, in trouble for murdering him? This is it? Was kinda expecting this to be a much bigger deal—”

“Sit down,” Mr. Heiss said firmly.

“What? I didn’t even have to put my hand on a Bible or anything.”

“Sit down.”

“God. Fine!” Indy retreated back to the chaise.

Q.’s eyes scanned the table. “Does anyone else have any claims to Mr. Kalt’s assets?”

“No,” Absolis and Vilanos replied in unison.

“There is a matter of a small debt. Trivial really.” Lou leaned across the table and smiled sweetly at Mr. Heiss. “But I trust my brother and I will settle it in private.”

“Will we?” Mr. Heiss made a face.

“Yes.” Lou was able to make the word sound like a threat.

Q. gestured at Mr. Heiss. “Will you acquiesce to his request?”

Mr. Heiss gritted his teeth but nodded, his tail snapping like a whip. “Of course. Anything for my dear brother.”