Page 11 of Glow

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.