Page 22 of Glow

“You’re a good guy,” Quinn said. “Thanks.”

He did the same at the nearest gas stations, outfitters, and boat launches, as well as the campgrounds’ offices. He knew that despite his efforts, people focused on vacation were unlikely to pay close attention to warning signs, but the people at the counter promised to point out the need for caution. Quinn hoped that would be enough.

He drove back to the ranger station and headed into the woods on foot. Quinn did his usual rounds of the main trailheads, checking for natural or man-made damage. When nothing seemed amiss, he stopped and took a deep breath, centering himself, and opened his mind to the nature spirits all around him.

He focused on gratitude and appreciation, and he imagined a dragon and the faces of the missing hikers. Quinn was still learning how to send and receive since the connection was more ancient than language. He didn’t know if the spirits could interpret his thoughts or if they would deign to give an answer, but he figured it couldn’t hurt.

As he headed back to the station, an idea struck him, off-beat, unusual, and so crazy that it just might work. He pulled out his phone, searched his contacts, and called.

“Hello, Ranger. This is a surprise. What can I do for you?” Madden Reid greeted him. His squirrel-shifter friend was as cheery as ever.

“I have a favor to ask, and it might be a little odd,” Quinn prefaced his request.

“Ask away. How can I help?”

“There’s been a spike in missing hikers lately, and unverified reports from people who think they saw a dragon. We haven’t had any luck finding evidence on either situation. Then it occurred to me, squirrels are everywhere, all the time. Do you think you might be able to ask for volunteers to help be our eyes and ears?” Quinn asked.

“Ooh, you mean like spies? Oh my God! We’d be like Secret Squirrel! That is so cool!” Madden replied. “I’m in. I am so in. And I’ll spread the word to the non-shifter squirrels. This is the most exciting thing that’s happened in months!”

Quinn had to smile at his friend’s over-the-top enthusiasm. “Thank you. Please don’t put yourself or your friends in any danger. Just observe and report.”

“We’re on the case,” Madden responded. “I’ll get the word out and keep you informed. Thank you for asking me! Wait until I tell Elias!” He mentioned his partner.

Quinn ended the call, and Madden’s high spirits helped his own mood. He decided to get his mind off both situations by working on his upcoming library presentations and settled down at his computer with his notes and a fresh cup of coffee.

Before he knew it, his phone’s alarm went off, reminding him of his dinner date with Dan. Quinn took a shower and shaved, taking more time drying his hair than usual, steps he usually skipped when he didn’t plan to see anyone all day.

A day of sleep had done Dan good, Quinn thought when he pulled up to the hotel. Dan hopped into the car, ready and waiting. “How are you feeling?” Quinn snuck another sidelong glance at Dan.

“Better than I was,” Dan admitted. “I used to pull all-nighters in college, but I think those days are gone.”

“Glad you’re doing okay. Sleep can do miracles. Where do you want to eat?”

“Can we go for comfort food? Nothing fancy, just good,” Dan asked.

“We’ve got a great diner,” Quinn said. “Just what the doctor ordered.”

Quinn didn’t know the whole story behind the Full Moon Diner, only that it had been an area fixture for decades with stick-to-the-ribs homestyle food and house-made desserts.

“Welcome to the Full Moon Diner,” Quinn said when they entered. “A true local institution. Open early, open late, but not quite all night. Perfect for hungry hunters and partiers coming off a binge.”

Dan took a deep breath. “Smells wonderful. I didn’t really take time to eat much yesterday.”

A server guided them to a booth with vinyl seats and a laminate tabletop. The menu spanned dozens of favorites.

“I’ve never had a bad meal here,” Quinn said. “You should be able to find something that scratches your itch.”

Quinn ordered Maxine’s Meatloaf, one of the diner’s specialties, and mashed potatoes. Dan got pancakes and bacon.

“Might as well start the day over again.” Dan forked a bite of fluffy pancake into his mouth and made a satisfied moan. “How was your afternoon?”

“I recruited the squirrels to help find a dragon and some missing people,” Quinn replied in a tone that suggested that was a perfectly normal way to spend the day.

Dan nearly choked on his pancake. “You did what?”

Quinn grinned. “I thought that might get your attention, but it’s all true.” As Dan finished his dinner, Quinn recounted his conversation with Madden, the idea to leverage the squirrels for information, and his frustration over both the missing hikers and the dragon story.

“That’s quite a tale.” Dan licked his lips to catch the last of the syrup, which riveted Quinn’s attention on his tongue and mouth.