DAN #4
“Quinn and I had already agreed to turn over the information to the sheriff, without details on how it was collected,” Liam said.
“Not surprisingly, he didn’t ask. I think he might be getting used to me.
Now that we’ve got a face and a name, the sheriff can leverage all the non-magical tools like unpaid speeding tickets and active warrants, along with the supernatural ones. Plus, we know who to watch out for.”
Dan took a few deep breaths. “That’s good. Better than we had before, right?”
“Definitely,” Liam replied. “And there’s more.
The podcasters are Chet Sutton and Phil Sullivan.
Professional agitators on social media, they love riling people up.
Chet has been sued by people for calling them witches and getting them fired, and one of the lawsuits says that his podcast led to someone’s house being set on fire. Similar stories for Phil.”
“Both ‘nice’ guys, I’m sure,” Quinn muttered.
“Yeah.” Liam’s voice dripped with sarcasm.
“Dan’s issues are just the most recent in a long streak.
Sutton’s had to go on the run, but he’s apparently not as good at being undercover as he thinks he is.
My hackers traced his latest uploads through a series of redirects and think they’ve figured out where he is.
We alerted local law enforcement, anonymously, of course.
Phil didn’t even try to hide, so that one was even easier. ”
Liam paused. “We also turned this information over to some private investigators we know who deal with supernatural dangers. They’re prepared in case Sutton, Sullivan, or Harrison try any curses or dark magic.”
“Wow,” Dan said. “I’m glad you and your hackers are on the side of good instead of evil. That’s awesome work.”
“My professional sworn law enforcement side is going to forget most of those details,” Quinn replied, “but I agree, that’s awesome. I think taking Sutton, Sullivan, and Harrison out of the picture, one way or another, practically counts as a public service.”
“No argument from me,” Liam said. “That’s it. But the info came in after we talked earlier, and I figured you’d want to know as soon as possible.”
“Thank you,” Dan replied. “It helps a lot.”
“Hang in there,” Liam said, and Dan knew the librarian understood how much the whole situation upset him. “We’ll get this settled.”
They thanked Liam again before ending the call. Without being asked, Quinn got up and returned with the coffee pot to pour refills for both of them.
“Spill,” Quinn said when he sat. “That’s a lot to process.”
“I’m never going to watch one of those adventure movies about an innocent man on the run again,” Dan said. “For the record, the movies make it a lot more glamorous, and we never see the hero throw up.”
“Fair,” Quinn replied. “What else?”
“I don’t think I’m hero material,” Dan replied.
“I was always the skinny kid in dodgeball. And being the target of a professional killer is the total opposite of exciting or sexy. But the podcasters and Harrison have hurt a lot of people and gotten away with it. I guess going through all this is worth it if it stops them from hurting anyone else.”
“You’re a hero to me.” Quinn leaned in for a kiss that promised more.
“You’re hanging in there, not hiding in the closet, not totally retreating from life.
Moving to a new place, making decisions to increase your safety, starting a new love affair.
” He had a mischievous glint in his eyes.
“That all takes bravery. Maybe not like in the movies, but it’s real.
And I think that you should stay with me full time, at least until this is all settled. ”
He held up a hand to forestall Dan’s protests.
“Yes, our relationship is new, but it’s certainly holding up well under pressure.
The more we’re together, the surer I am that we are fated mates.
I get wanting to ease into it and not going too far, too fast, but my priority is keeping you safe.
If you want to have a little breathing space when the dust settles and move out again, we can work through that.
But I lose too much sleep wondering if you’re okay. ”
Dan smiled. “If you were expecting an argument, you won’t get one from me. Yes, all those concerns ran through my mind, but none of it matters if I’m dead. So be careful what you wish for, you’ve got a new housemate. And yeah, I agree—and so does Wally—that we’re mates.”
Quinn smiled broadly. “Great. I can come with you to get anything you need to bring.”
“That won’t take much, I didn’t unpack,” Dan confessed. “I had the feeling we were going to jump in with both feet sooner rather than later.”
I told you so, Wally interjected smugly.
“I think we were both trying to be logical, rational, and mature instead of impetuous,” Quinn agreed. “But we got to the same conclusion anyhow.”
They cleaned up the dinner dishes and put leftovers away, then headed into the living room couch to watch television. Dan snuggled close, suddenly feeling the weight of the day. “Hold me,” he whispered. “I need to feel close to you. Help me stop thinking about this mess.”
Quinn tipped Dan’s head so he could look into his eyes. “Gladly.”