Page 48 of Silver Claw

Sundays were always better for me for socializing, because the office was closed. Most clients weren’t too receptive to me doing housecleanings on a Sunday, either, so generally, I was free. “Thanks, Mayor. Sunday next week is good. Can I bring anything?”

“No, no, just yourself. And you’re more than welcome to bring that sweet pup of yours. We love him.”

I wondered if Rick had updated the mayor about the loss of my magic and Gavin Voss. I had a feeling the detective told him a lot. I didn’t ask. “I’ll see you then,” I told him.

“We’re looking forward to it,” he said, then ended the call.

When I went into the first haunted house to deal with the homeowner’s ghost problem, Zach, Remy, and Sam stayed outside. They’d stay on guard, just in case Gavin Voss made an appearance.

I wouldn’t have been surprised at all if he was lurking somewhere in the shadows, tracking me like the brutal, creepy stalker he was.

He’d be watching.

Waiting.

And when he showed himself, we’d be ready for him. I patted my sheathed demon blade.

Iwould be ready.

Chapter Twenty

The first two cleanings went smoothly. The third house, though, didn’t hold a simple ghost unable to find a way to cross over.

The third house held evil that wanted to stay.

“No,” I told the man who’d hired me to come in and get rid of his ghost. “It won’t be easy. But I’ll handle it.” I glanced at his wife, who stood beside him wringing her hands. The poor woman was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. “Maybe take Cindy out for ice cream. By the time you get back, your house will be safe again.”

“Thank you,” she said. “Come on, Al. Let’s let her work.”

“By the way,” I called as they hurried away, “that’s a cute cat. What’s its name?”

“That’s Jeannie,” Al said. “She’s a bit of a turd, so I would advise against petting her.”

His wife slapped his arm. “Oh, Al. She’s just temperamental.” She frowned. “Should we take her with us?”

“No,” I said. “Let her stay here. I’ll take care of her.”

When they were gone, I asked Remy to come inside with me. “He’s not going to go easy, and I could use your help.”

“What are we looking at?” he asked.

“The Parkers have a demon,” I told him before we entered the house. “And I know you have anti-possession tattoos.”

“Yeah,” he said. “More than one.” He followed me in and closed the door almost reluctantly. Even the boogeyman was a little freaked out by the demons. “Where is he?”

I grinned, despite my own nervousness, then looked at the small bay window. Jeannie appeared to be napping in the sun,but I knew she was aware of our every movement. “Here, kitty, kitty,” I said.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” he muttered. “How are you going to exorcise a fucking cat? And how could the homeowners not realize that the cat was the problem?”

“Cats are sneaky even without a demon hitching a ride.” I pulled my bag off my back and started handing him supplies. “There’s no way I’m going to be able to shove this demon trap against a cat’s mouth. I’ll hold her head while you do the trap.”

He frowned. “I can hold her.”

“That’d be a big hell no. I don’t want the kitten’s skull crushed, Remy.”

He tried to look insulted. “I wouldn’t hurt a cat.”

I lifted an eyebrow and shoved the trap against his chest. “Forgive me if I don’t believe you. You’ll do the trap.”