Page 14 of Investigation of a Quest

“All right, Persephone. You’re a mere mortal, so get your shawl before we’re late.”

Bel wrapped her thick white shawl around her shoulders, and snapping Cerberus’ harness on, the trio piled into Eamon’s truck and made their way to the neighboring town. The towns bordering Bajka had joined the contest since they were too small to host their own events, and because this town’s police department boasted only three officers, Griffin had offered Bajka’s numbers to patrol this judging. Only one body did not a serial killer make, but they weren’t taking any chances.

“Shut up!” Violet screeched when the trio exited the truck and crossed the barricade to the block party. “Oh my god, he’s perfect!” She dove for Cerberus, and the dog greeted her with a sloppy kiss. “This is the cutest family costume ever. Makes my witch so lame.” She gestured to her black ensemble, which was just her normal attire plus a hat.

“But you look gorgeous.” Bel hugged her friend before handing her pup’s leash to her, since Violet had agreed to babysit Cerberus while they toured the haunted house.

“But look at you two!” Violet gushed, raising her eyebrows with mock suggestiveness at Eamon.

“Isobel made me do it,” he grumbled.

“And we thank her for that.” Violet winked at the Greek god who was probably more beautiful than the Olympians themselves. “All right, you two. Take your time. Baby Hellhound and I are going trick-or-treating. Houses are giving out dog treats and candy, so let’s see how many snacks this cutie can con from strangers.”

“Thanks for watching him,” Bel said, kissing her favorite boy goodbye.

“He’s the only date I’m interested in. Although…” Violet gave Eamon an exaggerated once-over before laughing. “Nope. No men. Just dogs.”

“Well, Cerberus is the perfect date,” Bel said. “Best I ever had.”

“I will try not to take offense to that,” Eamon chuckled.

“Just means you have to step up your game,” Violet teased. “All right, cutie. Say goodbye to Mommy and Daddy. We’re off to have fun.” She waved at the couple and tugged the all-too-willing Cerberus after her to find the first treat house.

“He’s so cute in that outfit,” Eamon laughed. “I vote we make him wear it even if it’s not Halloween… this dress too.” He flipped the shawl aside to get a quick view of Bel’s cleavage before tucking the fabric back in place. “Okay, what’s on the menu tonight? You said the jailhouse wasn’t as cool as the spaceship, and the dollhouse dropped out, right?”

“Yeah,” Bel said. “After their decorations crushed that woman to death, they withdrew. They had such an awesome concept, but I understand. You don’t just get over something like that. It was an accident, but still. She died on their front lawn.”

Eamon pulled Bel closer, shuddering as if he could shake off the reminder of how close she’d come to dying that day. “So, what’s this house’s theme?”

“Hansel and Gretel,” she said. “Complete with an edible candy house and a witch.”

“Wait… the décor is edible?”

“I think some is, yeah. Not all of it. They have signs.”

“Okay, this is cool.”

“Making you wish you were more social?” Bel asked, and he shrugged as they entered the witches’ lair.

Twenty minutes later, they emerged with sugar sticking to their teeth, and stress sweat clinging to Bel’s skin. “That was so fun, but the witch? Good lord. I will never sleep again.”

“She was terrifying,” Eamon admitted. “Nothing like the real deal, though.”

“Thank God,” Bel said. “I couldn’t handle it if witches with power like Alcina Magus looked like that.”

“So what do you want to do while we’re still child-free?” he asked. “Want to grab food or a drink? Or should we collect the missing part of our costume?”

“Our outfits are funnier with Cerberus, so let’s get him before we decide. Besides, I’m sure Violet would enjoy hanging out with us since she came alone.”

“Sounds…” Eamon trailed off.

“What?” Bel asked.

“People are talking about a really cool centerpiece in the town square,” he said, and Bel grabbed his hand. The last time they overheard someone mention an impressive decoration, they’d found a scarecrow without a brain.

“It’s the town square,” Eamon said, trying to ease her tension. “I doubt someone put a body in the middle of the main street.”

“I hope you’re right,” she said as they rushed down the sidewalk hand in hand, but dread warned his comfort was misplaced. The closer they walked, the darker Eamon’s countenance grew, and she knew. She didn’t need to ask. The dhampir smelled blood. “I can’t see,” she whispered. “There are too many people.”