“I’ve given my word of honor that I will not harm anyone unless you harm me first,” Olaf said.
“That’s his way of saying that Milligan and Custer can wait outside the door or in the other room,” Edward said.
“I know what he means,” I said, and my words sounded cranky even to me.
“She likes breath play,” Nicky said.
“That does not interest me,” Olaf said.
“And we have to clear the room before we do any more on the list,” I said.
I don’t know what we would have done next, because my phone rang. It was a number I didn’t recognize, but I was hoping it was someone who would get me out of this conversation.
“Blake, this is Livingston.”
“Hi. What’s up?” I asked.
“I need you to meet me at Sugar Creek ASAP.”
“Why is it an emergency to meet you at the restaurant?”
“Hazel just came from the hospital.”
“Newman told us that Carmichael didn’t make it. I’m sorry his girlfriend is having to deal with it.”
“Yes, she came back here to talk to Pamela. I think you need to hear what she has to say.”
“Did she talk to Newman at the hospital?”
“Hazel doesn’t trust anyone local.”
“You’re local.”
“She trusts me because of Pamela. You need to hear what she has to say, Blake.”
“Care to give me a preview?” I asked.
“Just get over here, and don’t mention this call to the sheriff or any of his people. And don’t bring any of your deputies. It’s a regular murder case now, and I’m not sure what involving deputized Therianthropes will do to any evidence we find.”
“I’ve used them before on other cases.”
“Those were supernatural cases through and through. This one isn’t. Regular Marshals Service doesn’t have the ability to deputize anyone, so let’s not give a lawyer the chance to use preternatural deputies against us later.”
“I’ve never had a case go from preternatural to ordinary murder, so I can’t tell you that it won’t negatively impact the case later.”
“Then you agree to leave them out of the rest of the investigation?” he asked.
“I guess so.”
“Then you, Forrester, and Jeffries are the only people I want to see from your branch of service.”
“All right.”
“Good. Now get down here ASAP.” He hung up.
Olaf stood up. “I heard. We need to meet him at the restaurant.”
I filled Edward in since he didn’t have super hearing.