Page 31 of Cursed By Fate

I glanced at Jinx on the bed and sighed. If the cat knew the damage I’d left in my wake, would she be so eager to curl up behind my knees? Would she want to accept food and shelter from a monster?

Jinx opened her eyes. “Meow.”

“Meow yourself.”

As tempted as I was to crawl back beneath the covers, I didn’t want to risk another nightmare. I got dressed, ate breakfast, and drove my golf cart to the office. I needed a distraction from my own thoughts, and the gods knew there was plenty of Neighborhood complaints to sift through at my desk.

It was exceptionally warm given the early hour. The sun had only ascended to the point where it wasn’t pitch dark. The square was quiet as I passed by. No guitar players or patriotic songs at this hour—thank the gods for small favors.

I parked the golf cart outside the office and entered the building. The entrance was unlocked, as was the door to my office.

Penny poked her head around the side of her computer. “Good morning, boss,” she chirped. She was irritatingly cheerful at this hour. “There’s coffee in the pot. Help yourself.”

“Thanks.” I dragged myself to the counter. “What brings you in this early?”

“How else can I catch the worm?”

I poured coffee into Judd’s old mug that I’d commandeered as a way to remember him. “Are there worms that require catching?”

“Have you checked the log lately? There’s a broken access pad at the entrance to the swimming pool in Palmetto.”

“That’s a maintenance issue, not security.”

“It could become a security issue fast if maintenance doesn’t deal with it. I took the liberty of forwarding the complaint to them.”

I was too tired to argue. “Thanks.”

I remained standing at the counter as I let the familiar taste of coffee soothe my tongue.

Penny peered over the top of the computer at me. “Feeling okay, boss?”

“Didn’t sleep well,” I acknowledged.

“You should try one of Meemaw’s gummies. I’ve heard they’re good for insomnia.”

I hoped that was all she’d heard. If Penny knew the gummies were infused with magic, she might be tempted to rat out the elderly witch for unauthorized use of magic.

I sat at my desk across from her. “And how are you this morning, Beaufort?” It seemed polite to return the question.

“Ready to have a great day. Hey, what’s the latest with the monster sighting in Savannah? Did they catch it?”

“Not yet.”

“Will you go back again to help your man? What was his name?”

“Vale, and he isn’t my man.”

“You sure about that? I could’ve cut the sexual tension with my scythe.”

I shot her a quizzical look. “You’re a fury, not a grim reaper. Why is a scythe your go-to?”

She shrugged. “I like a curved blade. It’s elegant. I even have one with a sparkly pink handle.”

Of course she did. “There’s no future with Vale. If you want to go for him, he’s all yours.”

“Not my type.”

“You prefer them ugly?”