Page 89 of The Sasquatch and the Hairdresser

Baxter narrows his eyes. “There’s not enough excitement in this job or town to keep your interest for very long and we both know it. We need someone who can stay with us and commit.” He adds extra emphasis to that word.

Rowan’s left eyelid twitches, but he smiles and shrugs. “I’m a professional. I don’t quit partway through a job unless I’m dead. Also, it just so happens that I’m in need of some downtime, and this gig will suit me quite well.”

Baxter steps closer, looming over the mage. Then his large nostrils flare and his eyes narrow. “You smell like blood.”

Rowan stumbles a step back, and Angelica presses into the side of his leg, hissing at Baxter.

“It’s okay, Ange,” Rowan murmurs to her.

She huffs and shoots Baxter a look of contempt. “I’ll have you know we just got done with a nasty case involving some basilisk traffickers. Rowan was injured in the process of capturing them and bringing them to the authorities. He saved a lot of people and was hurt in the line of duty. You of all beings should understand what that means.”

Baxter’s jaw clenches. I know him well enough to sense that even though he’s angry, he’s also worried about the mage. That conversation and cake plan of mine will need to come together stat.

Rowan gingerly presses a hand into his side and gives us another one of those roguish smiles. “Those basilisk bastards have seriously deadly fangs. My backup was late in arriving, so one of them managed to sink its teeth into me.” He gives Astraea a little salute. “But never fear, boss, that won’t have any impact on my ability to assist you with Mystic Hollow’s little magic problem. I just won’t be chasing any bad guys for a while.”

“You should be in a mage hospital,” Baxter says, that obvious note of concern once again underneath the anger in his voice.

Maybe having Rowan in town will be a good thing for them both. They need to mend fences, just like Astraea and the Queen of the Fae.

Rowan waves a hand dismissively. “Already had triage at one. I checked myself out early when I saw Astraea’s ad. I was far too bored being cooped up in one of those stuffy wards.” He rubs his hands together. “Recuperating while working here is perfect. I’ve been granted long-term medical leave, so I’m at your service for as long as you need me.”

“It could take a while to track down Astraea’s son,” I offer, “especially since she hasn’t had much luck finding him so far.”

Rowan grins. “I may be able to assist you guys on that front, as well. I have some skill at spell-based tracking for most beings.”

Astraea strides forward and shakes his hand. “I’ll pay extra.”

Skylar snickers with amusement.

“Of course you will,” Angelica says, lifting her chin and making a huffing noise. “My mage is one of the best and should be paid what he’s worth.”

“Aww, I love you too, Ange,” Rowan says.

“That way, he can provide me with the finest cuts of meat,” she continues, blithely ignoring him.

“Now wait a minute,” Baxter protests. “An injured mage isn’t what we need right now.”

“I can do the job, Thunderbody,” Rowan grits out between clenched teeth.

I hold up my hands in a placating gesture. “Let’s all calm down.”

Sylvia climbs up onto a stool, tosses her long beard over her shoulder, and plants her hands on her hips. “Baxter Thunderbody, we’ve heard what you have to say, but you’re overruled. Am I right, committee?”

“Correct,” I say, and Kassiel, Max, and Skylar nod in agreement.

Baxter scowls but stays silent.

Sylvia clucks her tongue. “Quit acting like the bratty barely adult you were when you and Rowan used to date. It’s been nearly forty years. You’d think a few decades would be enough time for you to get over it and grow up. We need to focus on stabilizing the magic and ensuring the Harvest Festival goes off without a hitch.” She gives him a warning look over the rim of her glasses. “Do I make myself clear, young man?”

He looks away but gives a terse nod.

“I knew you’d come around, Baxter. You’re a stand-up guy and the best police chief Mystic Hollow’s ever had, you will always put the town first. We’ve got this!” I say, brimming with renewed optimism.

“Agreed!” says Kassiel. “This plan is coming together perfectly.”

“As long as you get rid of this damn portal, I’m happy,” Akram chimes in dryly while giving Kassiel a side-eyed look.

Skylar leans in closer to my side, and I shiver at his touch.