Page 33 of Cursed By Fate

“How far outside the permitted zone?” I asked, an idea taking shape.

“I don’t know. I lost sight of her. I saw her reach the surf, which is when I confronted her.”

My attempt to distract Penny had the unintended consequence of sending me down a waterspout. What if Francesca wasn’t a naiad, but a different type of water creature? One that could swim to the mainland and back without anyone being the wiser?

“Good work, Penny. Keep an eye on Francesca. I’d like a record of all her movements for the rest of the day.” That would keep Penny out of my hair and also provide me with useful information.

“Do you think it’s a problem? I wasn’t sure.”

“That’s what I’d like to figure out. You don’t have to do anything other than track her and write a report at the end of the day. Don’t let her know you’re watching her.”

“You don’t have to worry about me. I’m stealthy when I need to be.”

I didn’t doubt it. Furies were trained to be quiet strikers.

“Can we talk about the Coranians now?”

Typical fury. Relentless when in pursuit of a target. “What about them?”

“You asked Vale if there was a problem involving Coranians. I was under the impression that ancient group of fae was no longer a threat.”

I couldn’t share this intel with Penny. Just because she was no longer under the direct supervision of the Fates didn’t mean I could trust her. For all I knew, she might feel compelled to use the information to get back into their good graces. Not everyone viewed the Fates through my tarnished lens.

“They’re not, as far as I know.” Unless, of course, they managed to find the remaining tablets that would help the fae reclaim the realm.

“How do you even know about them?” Penny asked. “They’re kind of niche.”

“This is an island of elderly supernaturals. If you listen long enough, you learn all kinds of things.”

“Maybe I should speak to Vale,” Penny mused. “If he has dealings with the Coranians⁠—”

I had to nip this in the bud. “Penny, you work here now. Whatever fury duties you once had, they’re done. Finished.”

She lowered her head. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I miss it sometimes.”

“What do you miss about it?” The only thing I missed was the unlimited budget.

“Serving a higher power,” Penny replied. “Performing a job that was greater than myself.”

As desperately as I wanted to know the circumstances of her departure, I couldn’t bring myself to ask. That would only open the door to questions about me.

“You provide a public service on the island.” And I no longer believed the Fates served the public’s interest, but there was no reason to stir that pot.

“Oh, I know. I’m not complaining.”

“You should spend more quality time with the Neighbors,” I told her. “Then you’ll get a better sense of how important your role is.”

“I’ve been working on it,” Penny said, “but it’s hard to make inroads when Meemaw doesn’t like me.”

“Meemaw doesn’t trust anybody new. It’ll take time.”

“Can you at least ask her to stop letting the air out of my tires. I’ve had to call the garage three times this week? It’s humiliating.”

“How do you know it’s Meemaw?”

“She doesn’t exactly try to hide it. She waits for me to notice and then waves.”

I sighed. That sounded like Meemaw. “I could speak to her, but then it will take her longer to accept you.”