37. Catriona

37

CATRIONA

" D o you really have to leave?" Otis asks as we wait for the coach that will take us home.

"We've already stalled as long as we can," I tell him.

Atticus and Ambrose left days ago, taking Victor and the evidence with them. Greg, too, flew home, missing Gretchen and his beloved cow.

I take in the village, feeling a pang of loss. The day is pleasant and cool, and the sun is shining. The apple jubilee is over, but the last of the harvest continues.

We've already said our goodbyes to the others—to Johann and Arnold and Heidi. Friedrich, Jane, and Bruno…we're leaving so many new friends.

Benjamin has made arrangements for the rest of the clocks, and now it's time to go home.

"I suppose I'll have to lease out the shop again," the reeve says sullenly, and then his eyes brighten. "Unless you think you might be back?"

"We have to return to the guild," I say gently.

"But we'll visit." Felix wraps his arm around my shoulders. "We've developed a soft spot for the village."

Otis nods, his eyes suspiciously glossy. "You're welcome back anytime."

Movement catches my eye—a person hovering near the corner of the tavern.

"Hello, Frida," I call.

She smiles, coming over shyly. "You're leaving?"

"We are."

"Because you're monster hunters."

"That's right."

"So am I," she whispers, like she doesn't want Otis to overhear.

"We've heard," Felix says with a laugh.

"How did you discover the spring?" I ask, giving in to curiosity.

Her eyes go distant. "The monsters chased me when I was a little girl. It was dark, and I fell into the water. They followed me." She sighs, remembering.

"And why do you make little clothes for them?" I ask, hoping to pull her out of the past.

"They don't look as frightening when they're wearing vests and hats."

"Oh." I nod, unsure how to respond. "Right."

"I think it makes them look dapper." Felix smiles warmly, and then he gives her a stern look. "You be careful, all right?"

She nods solemnly.

"And keep Braunwin safe for us," he adds.

A smile flickers over her face, and she wanders away, walking down the street.

"We're very grateful," Otis says when she's gone, dabbing his handkerchief to his eyes. "Truly. I wish you didn't have to leave."

When the coach arrives, he helps us load our things onto the luggage rack. We wave out the window and then sit back on the bench, side-by-side, hands intertwined.

I sigh as I rest my head against the firm upholstery. "Another job finished."

"You don't seem as happy as I would expect."

My heart aches as the coach jerks forward. "I became fond of Braunwin. I'm going to miss our neighbors and our little apartment—especially our apartment."

Felix drapes his arm around my shoulders, coaxing me to rest against him, and then kisses my temple. "Do you realize we'll make it home in time for the Warrington's Costume Ball?"

Surprised, I angle my head to face him. "Will we?"

I smile when he nods, watching out the window, saying goodbye to the village as we drive away.