Page 52 of (Mostly) Human Resources

“Understatement of the century,” she growled.

Why did this man have such an effect on her?

“There’s still every chance we can locate him.” He joined her on the other side of the porch, a good foot of space between them. “You have all the necessary information about Elliot and how Wardens operate. I have the information on what creatures might try to eat us and how to avoid an untimely demise. Let me help you so all three of us can return home in one piece.”

Alexys was too exhausted to argue. She rolled her eyes. “Ever the man of humility.”

“It’s a gift.” She could hear the smile in his voice. “One of many.”

Another silence lapsed between them while Alexys looked out at the woods. It was hard to believe she’d been in there only hours earlier. Now, the kudzu was covered in darkness, difficult to even discern. Nic was right, of course. She was loath to admit it. Letting him tag along meant full oversight. He would share every detail in his report, including her ditching him in Charleston. What would people make of it? But then again, what other hope did she have of both surviving the woodsandfinding Elliot in time?

Alexys rarely ever looked into the supernatural creatures her Wardens came across beyond the basic information she needed to assign the cases and complete paperwork. She focused on the human side of the business almost exclusively and was happy to keep her attention there. Unfortunately, as Nic was all too eager to point out, that left her virtually blind in the field.

Alexys looked over at Nic to find him already looking at her. His hair had pieces of biscuit in it, and his shirt was smeared with a bit of butter, but his eyes were earnest, and that almost made up for the smell of stale tea clinging to her skin.

She was about to put her faith in a man who had, not five minutes prior, gotten into an honest-to-God food fight with her. And yet, he was somehow her best option.

“Alright,” she said. “Let’s hear this brilliant plan of yours.”

CHAPTER 30

“Civilian casualties are an unfortunate, but often-times unavoidable, consequence of a Warden’s job. Should such a situation arise in which an individual (either employee or non-employee) is missing, injured, or killed, HR must be contactedimmediately.”

Entity Employee Handbook: Warden Edition

Nic’s plan was the perfect blend of irritating questions and encyclopedic superiority.

No, Alexys hadnotconsidered buying camping gear, but she wassoglad he’d had the forethought to stop by an outdoor storebeforecoming to her rescue.

Yes, packing non-perishable foodswasclever.

And no, he couldn’t see what food she had left in her backpack (she would not be sharing her last two protein bars).

After a much-needed hot shower and clean change of clothes, Alexys met Nic in the living room to go over everything in detail. When they finally reached the part of the discussion that involved actually looking for Elliot, she realized Nic was as poorly prepared as she was.

What a relief.

He very helpfully pointed out, “We need better directions than the forest behind an old woman’s house.”

Alexys rolled her eyes. “Elliot was chasing the Hollow Walker. According to Opal, it’s been known to prowl the expanse of woods behind her house. So, yes, our directions arethrough those trees over there.”

Nic’s answering smile was insufferably smug. “Lucky for you, I’m the leading expert on our spooky fellow, and as such, I happen to know that the lastknownsighting was near Greenbriar Mine.”

“How does the world spin without you, Dyre?”

“Not well.” His smile widened. It made his eyes crinkle in a way thatabsolutelywasn’t endearing. “You’ll be pleased to know that Greenbriar Mine does in fact sit against a mountain to the north, which just so happens to be behind Opal’s house.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “So, we were both right.”

He hummed in thought then nodded. “I suppose so, as rare an occasion as that might be.”

Nudging one of the sleeping bags he hadso thoughtfullybrought with the toe of her shoe, Alexys asked, “Do you really think we’ll be needing these?”

“Do you want to spend the night in those woods without shelter or warmth?”

She shuddered. No, that sounded far from pleasant. Although, she highly doubted the weatherproof fabric was going to do them any good against child-shaped ghosts or devils in fancy suits. Or worse still, the Hollow Walker.

“Point taken.”