Rituals (Cainsville 5)

"A much different word. As we are much different fae."

"But we'd say that anyway, wouldn't we?"

"True." The boy stood on the horse's saddle. "I wouldn't believe us, either, if I were you. However, being me, and knowing me, I believe us."

"That doesn't help," the girl said.

"I suppose not." He jumped from the carousel horse, landing hard enough to make Olivia wince. "So we'll prove ourselves. We'll solve your crime and prove dryads are not tricksy like lamiae."

"Unless we only do it to ingratiate ourselves with them and then be tricksy, like lamiae."

"Look, guys. I love your enthusiasm," Olivia said, in a tone that suggested she'd love less of it even more. "But this murder doesn't concern you. The victim wasn't fae."

"A clue!" the boy crowed.

"If it's not fae, though, it isn't that interesting," Olivia said.

"True."

"Which is why you don't have to investigate."

"But we will!"

"We'll be detectives," the girl said.

"I have a hat," the boy said.

"And I have a notepad."

"He's a dryad. She's a dryad. They solve crimes!" The boy looked at the girl. "That doesn't really work."

"It doesn't," Olivia said. "Which is why you shouldn't--"

"But we will!"

They took off, weaving through the rides. Once they were out of sight, Olivia turned to Gabriel. "So that's an example of the fae I'm supposed to save? Score one for the Cwn Annwn."

"We heard that!" the boy called back.

"But we'll prove ourselves!" the girl shouted. "Just wait."

Olivia shook her head. Gabriel glanced back, but the dryads were already scampering away.

CHAPTER SEVEN

It was late afternoon by the time we made it back to Cainsville, the Jag headed to the auto shop. We went straight to Rose's and told her about the woman claiming to be Seanna. She took the news quietly and then excused herself to go make tea.

"Should we leave?" I whispered when she was in the kitchen. "Give her time alone?"

"If she wanted us to go, she'd make an excuse. She just needs a moment to herself."

"Then maybe I should go. This is a family matter and--"

"I would rather you didn't," he said, with a touch of alarm. "We don't--" He cleared his throat. "About Seanna. We don't..."

"Talk about her?"

"Yes. We just...we don't. Ever."