Page 42 of Glow

“Work,” Dan replied with a sigh. “I can’t afford to get behind. My boss gave me leeway because I moved, but I don’t want to take advantage. After that, I’ll probably check in with the Network and then⁠—”

“Then come stay the night with me, and we’ll cook dinner together,” Quinn offered. “I’d just ask you to move in if I thought you’d do it. I like knowing you’re safe.”

Quinn’s protective tone and his words warmed Dan deep inside. “I like being with you, and I’m sure we’ll get to that point,” Dan replied. “It’s just a lot all at once, even the good parts.”

Quinn leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. “I know. And I’m not pressuring you. But you’re the best thing I’ve ever found, and I want to keep you and Wally forever.”

Aw. He really does like us, Wally chimed in silently.

Told you so, Dan replied.

Quinn drove Dan back to the hotel, and they shared a long, lingering kiss to say a proper goodbye before Dan got out of the truck. “See you tonight.” He was surprised by how quickly he had gotten used to the comfort of Quinn’s company.

“See you. I’ll look in the freezer and get some ideas for what to have for dinner,” Quinn said. “Call if you need me.”

Once Dan got into the hotel, he asked room service to send up a fresh pot of coffee and fired up his computer, checking for messages. His meteorology team seemed to have avoided any emergencies in the day he was gone and had been great at covering for him. He checked the computer models he’d been running and uploaded his analysis along with some photos and maps before downloading the latest data and got down to business.

Usually, Dan found the challenge of analysis and interpretation to be like a fun puzzle, and confidence in his abilities was soothing. Wally generally stayed quiet, and Dan suspected that his job bored his cryptid side.

Today, even after having a short break from his long-term climate study project, Dan felt jittery. Not exactly a portent of looming disaster, but a restlessness that distracted his attention. After he had to back up to fix errors he’d made for the third time that afternoon, Dan swore under his breath, saved his work, and opened up a new screen.

He logged into the Monster Network and scanned the most recent posts. One message from Calder, otherwise known as the Beast of Bray Road, simply read: If you wish to talk, I am here, and Dan clicked on the contact, hoping his fellow cryptid would be available.

“Dan? You sound troubled.” Calder’s voice fit the mental picture Dan had for him, like the growl of a wolf.

“Thanks for reaching out,” Dan replied. “Honestly, I’m a bit of a mess even though the hunter hasn’t shown up again, the podcast hasn’t done a follow-up, and I’ve got a great new partner.”

“Tell me,” Calder said. “You moved. How has it gone?”

Dan told him the newest details about the move to Fox Hollow, relieved that his network friend already knew about the shifters.

“And the man?” Calder asked.

Dan talked about Quinn and how supportive Liam, the sheriff, and Dr. Jeffries had been, and where their defensive plans stood. He tossed in the wurm almost as an afterthought.

“You have endured much in a short time,” Calder replied. “That is a heavy burden.”

“Moving to a new place is bad enough, even though I work from home, although I’m still in a hotel because the rental I thought I lined up got delayed,” Dan agreed. “But trying to outrun a hitman adds a whole new layer.”

“What do you need from me?” his friend asked.

“Just hearing me out helps,” Dan confessed. “Quinn and the folks here have been wonderful, but you’ve got a bit more distance, physically and emotionally, than they do. Maybe you’ll see something we missed. And even if you don’t, it’s just good to be heard.”

Calder was quiet for a moment. “You are fortunate,” Calder replied at last. “Most of us have only a few who know the truth. You have more than most. That is no small thing.”

“I’m very grateful,” Dan said. “It’s more than I ever dared to hope for. But I don’t want to live in fear forever.”

Calder considered that. “There is one advantage you have. The Dover Demon has not become widely known. Once people begin telling stories, someone eventually decides to prove them true.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry. I never really made that connection, but that’s got to be hard,” Dan replied, upset at himself.

“There is nothing to apologize for,” Calder said in a gentle tone. “I meant only to offer perspective. What you are facing is real. But you are not facing it alone.”

“How do you, and they, deal with it?” Dan asked, “the ones who have been in hiding for decades or longer?”

“We go where people seldom do,” Calder replied. “Deep forests. Difficult ground. Places that discourage curiosity.”

“But the isolation—” Dan started, imagining himself going into lifelong exile alone.