3. Dan #2
He’s also not fully human, Wally said. Is everyone here different like us?
It would be nice, for a change, Dan replied silently.
“I need to go back to the woods,” Quinn told Liam, “but I told Dan you’d be able to help him find answers to anything he wants to know about the area. Maybe if we play our cards right, he’ll decide to join us.”
Liam grinned. “That, I can definitely do. People who move here say it’s like truly coming home for the first time.” He made a shooing motion toward Quinn. “Go on, get back to work. I’ll take it from here.”
“See you for dinner,” Quinn told Dan before he headed out. “Call if you need me before then.”
“Will do,” Dan promised, and watched Quinn’s back as he left.
“Now then, how can I help you?” Liam asked. Maybe it was the red hair and amber eyes, but something in his manner reminded Dan of a fox, wise and assessing.
“That’s a big question,” Dan admitted. “I’m thinking of moving from where I am in Massachusetts to somewhere that’s a better fit. I’m open to anything you think might help me figure out if Fox Hollow is right for me.”
Liam grinned. “You’ve come to the right place. Follow me.”
The library bustled with people borrowing and returning books, settling into comfortable chairs to read and access the resources. It definitely seemed like a hub for the town, and Dan liked the sense of community it suggested.
“We try to be everything to everybody, as much as possible,” Liam told him as he led Dan to one of the computers.
“Let me log you into some local sites to get you started, and I can bring you other information to help you get to know the area better. If there are any special resources you want or need, just let me know, and I’ll see what I can find. ”
Dan thanked him and settled in behind the computer screen once Liam set him up on the system.
“I’ll check back to see if you have questions, but if you need anything in the meantime, just come to the circulation desk, and someone will find me.
” Liam bustled off, and Dan looked at the sites Liam had chosen for him.
One was area history, another listed area rental properties, and a third offered services for someone moving to the area.
I like it here, Wally offered. The people seem nice, and I don’t think we’re the only ones who are a little different.
What do you pick up? Dan wasn’t quite sure how to piece together what he had sensed.
I think at least some of them are shifters, Wally replied. Different kinds.
I’ll see what I can find out, Dan promised his other half. He didn’t doubt Wally’s instincts and wondered about his attraction to Quinn and the odd pull. Not to mention his quick invitation to come to Fox Hollow.
Can Quinn tell I’m not entirely a regular human? If he’s not a shifter, then what makes him different? Would we be safe here if the bounty hunter comes after us?
Dan knew it would take some digging to get answers and settled in to search for more mundane information related to relocating.
He found himself charmed by the area’s history, surprised by its robust economy, and happy to see that there were a number of appealing rentals available in his price range. Liam brought him some books to flesh out what Dan found online and happily answered his questions.
On a hunch, Dan did an internet search on “Fox Hollow” on his phone, not the library computer. He quickly scanned the results, most of which matched what he had seen on the other machine, until he saw “shifters” and clicked on the link.
Long-standing rumors claim that Fox Hollow is a sanctuary for people with paranormal abilities, including seers, psychics, practitioners of magic, and shifters, the post read.
While it has been impossible to confirm or deny, the stories have circulated for so long that many people believe there must be some truth to them.
“Bingo,” Dan murmured. “I’m not imagining it.”
If it’s true, what would it be like not to be the only one who’s different?
Shifters, psychics, witches. I might actually not be odd here.
Maybe we’d be safe. How do I verify my guess?
Would Quinn tell me the truth if I asked?
he wondered. Wally remained silent, and Dan was amazed that for once his other side seemed to be at a loss for words.
Maybe we could actually make a home here. One that just might include Quinn, if we’re lucky, Dan thought.
The afternoon flew by. Dan scoured websites and books. Liam checked in on him to take away the resources Dan had used and bring new ones, as well as providing a tablet and pencil for him to jot notes.
“Did you get what you needed?” Liam asked and Dan realized it was nearly time to meet Quinn.
“I certainly got a good start, thank you,” Dan replied. “I think I could be a good fit.”
“Fox Hollow attracts the people who need to find it,” Liam replied. “If it’s right, you’ll feel it.”
Dan couldn’t help wondering if the town also quietly deterred interest from the “wrong” sort who might be a danger to those with supernatural abilities. If so, that made a move even more attractive to keep the photographers and bounty hunters off his trail.
He wasn’t quite sure how to ask, but he filed the question away for later.
I never really felt comfortable in Dover, he thought. Could Fox Hollow and Quinn be the home I’ve been looking for? His phone, set to silent, buzzed in his pocket and reminded him it was almost time to meet Quinn.
Dan went back to the hotel, took a quick shower, and dried his hair, unabashedly primping a bit. He changed to a fresh shirt and decided he looked as good as possible considering he was living out of a suitcase.
If Quinn’s the right guy, it won’t matter, he told himself, but that didn’t completely get rid of the butterflies in his stomach.
“I hope you don’t mind eating at the hotel dining room tonight,” Quinn said when Dan met him in the lobby. Dan noted that Quinn had also changed to a different shirt than the one he had worn that morning and looked freshly showered. “I wasn’t sure when I’d get here to make reservations elsewhere.”
“I don’t mind at all,” Dan replied. “I love the Victorian vibes. They’ve done a great job preserving the hotel like a grand old lady.”
“For being over a hundred years old, she wears her age well,” Quinn agreed.
Despite a century of visitors, the historic inn offered a classic combination of luxury and rustic chic.
A wrap-around covered porch offered a row of wooden rocking chairs, with a view across Fox Lake.
Inside, dark wood and period-authentic wallpaper gave an elegant impression, accented with a moose head over the bar and a standing taxidermied black bear in one corner.
“Some of the décor is a product of its time.” Quinn noticed Dan eyeing the bear. “That kind of thing isn’t supported in town anymore.”
If his hunch about a shifter community was right, Dan could understand why the stuffed relics would make visitors uncomfortable.
A server guided them to a table with a view of the lake and handed out menus.
“I’ve never had a bad meal here, and they have a pretty good selection,” Quinn said as Dan studied the choices.
Dan noted the menu ranged from beef to chicken to seafood, but that it omitted game meat. That just strengthened his suspicion about shifters in the community. They ordered and were quiet for a moment, still getting used to each other.
“How was your afternoon?” Quinn asked.
“Nice. Liam took good care of me. I read up on town history, got an idea of what’s in the area, and looked at rentals,” Dan replied. “I’d like something that isn’t right in town with some elbow room.”
In the woods, so we can take walks without being chased, Wally supplied silently.
“I don’t think that will be hard to find.” Quinn seemed genuinely happy that Dan was taking steps to move. “Liam’s one of our best ambassadors. He has a good sense about who is going to like it here, and steers others to somewhere that might be a good fit.”
Dan felt certain that Liam sensed his other side, even if he didn’t identify Wally as a cryptid. Dan was equally sure that Liam was a shifter, although he still couldn’t quite figure out Quinn’s special ability.
“I won’t be able to come into town until dinnertime tomorrow,” Quinn told him. “Will you be okay?”
Dan reached over and brushed Quinn’s hand, feeling that zing again.
“I’ll be fine. I’m going to look at rentals in the morning, and I have an appointment at the Fox Institute in the afternoon.
If there’s time after that, I might just take a nap or read a book on the porch.
I’d kind of like to soak up some of the vibes, and I don’t often get to just sit and read. ”
“Sounds like a good day to me,” Quinn agreed.
Dan noted that the other man startled a bit at the frisson that passed between them, but he hadn’t drawn his hand back.
“I’ll want to hear all about it. And if you want a second opinion to narrow down rental options, I’m happy to help,” Quinn offered.
“I’d appreciate that. Can you tell me more about the Fox Institute? Liam steered me there, but I’m not quite sure what to expect.”
Quinn took a long sip of his coffee as if he was trying to figure out what to say. “I’m not trying to pry, but I’ll be more helpful if I know what you are looking for.”
Dan wasn’t quite ready to spill the beans about Wally just yet, but he knew he had to say something.
“I mentioned having a keen weather sense. I’m also pretty attuned to other people’s magical abilities.
Those talents weren’t welcome where I am now.
I’d like a chance to learn more about what I can do. ”
Quinn nodded. “I remembered that you’re a sensitive.
You’re in good company here. I’m guessing you’re meeting with Dr. Jeffries?
He’s very knowledgeable about supernatural and paranormal abilities.
The Institute does a number of classes and seminars, but he might also be able to connect you with a mentor if someone local has similar gifts. You can trust him.”