Page 51 of Kraken the Seal

“The Boy and the Monster,” Dale said. We were finally at the car, and he hurried to open a door for me.

“What is that?” Delmar asked as he got in next to me.

“It’s a children's book Norris’s father wrote. Everyone has a copy. You get it when you’re five years old. It’s about a time when a kraken tried to eat his entire family. He was very smart and defeated the kraken by luring it next to a cliff and having the rest of the colony heave a boulder over the edge.”

“That feels fictional,” I said, looking over at Delmar. He looked mildly upset.

“I never heard of a kraken specifically targeting selkies,” he said. “But if it was my grandfather's generation, then I might not know about it,” he said.

“Old Mayor Norris’s book teaches us that krakens are the most dangerous monsters in the world, and by working together, a colony can overcome anything.”

I put my mouth to Delmar’s ear. “Cult vibes!”

He nodded, still looking unhappy. “Just to be safe, I’m going to stay away from cliffs.”

I snorted and put a hand on his thigh for comfort. It wasn’t long before we were pulling up to a two-story house with an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean. Still acting the part, Dale rushed to get out so he could open my door.

Norris stood in the open door of his house, smiling widely. He was wearing his usual suit and tie, without a hair out of place.

I waited for Delmar to come around the car, then we walked up together, holding hands. As usual, Norris ignored Delmar.

“It’s lovely to see you,” he said, leading us into the house and to a dining table. There were several men sitting at the table who stood up once we were there. Norris made introductions.

“This is Mark,” he said, indicating the elderly man wearing a suit that would’ve been stylish three decades ago. “He’s our eldest colony member and our records keeper.”

“It’s a delight to meet you,” Mark said.

“This other gentleman is his son, Rick,” Norris continued.

“Hi,” Rick said. He looked uncomfortable and wouldn’t meet my eyes. He’d probably been voluntold to be here, poor guy.

Hopefully this dinner would be short, and we could all leave soon.

“Did you bring it?” Mark asked the moment we were all seated. Several people bustled out of the kitchen to set plates full of food in front of us before I could answer. None of them looked me in the eye or spoke, and they were gone as quickly as they’d appeared.

Mark didn’t even seem to notice, he was still staring at me. “Well, did you?”

I was a little thrown, so it took me a moment to realize what he was asking me. I hadn’t thought to bring the necklace, but thankfully Delmar had come prepared.

“Here it is,” he said, pulling the small wooden box out of his pocket and setting it on the table in front of Mark.

The old man grabbed it but struggled to open it with his arthritic fingers. His son reached over and flipped the top up.

“Yes,” he murmured, stroking the necklace without concern. He looked up and smiled at Norris. “You were right, this is one of the four. I can't believe it was found. This is wonderful! Being in possession of this will make us the envy of every colony.”

I didn't like the sound of that, so I reached over and plucked it out of his grip. “This belongs to Delmar. You can talk to him about acquiring it.”

Mark scowled and banged the table. “Give that back. It was made by selkies, it belongs to us.”

I could tell he was used to getting his way, but I wasn't intimidated. I was a short, round woman, so I was used to men thinking I would fold after a few angry words.

“Lower your tone and tell me what it is.”

The surprised expression on Mark’s face made Delmar snort, but I was too busy staring him down to find it amusing.

“It's a spell,” he said.

“I know that,” I said. “What I need to find out is how it works. Did it steal someone else's seal and give it to me? Is there a selkie out there without their seal?”