On the Cutting Room Floor (A Ghosts of Landover Mystery Book 8) by Etta Faire

Author:Etta Faire [Faire, Etta]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-01-14T16:00:00+00:00

Smoke still circled through the kitchen as we both sat on opposite ends of her dinette table, masks down around our chins, while I explained about the shifters and the bird repellant being used as a weapon.

Rosalie had placed three desk fans in various spots in the kitchen to get rid of the smoke, but it wasn’t working.

I could tell by her face that she wasn’t buying my explanation. She didn’t believe in shifters.

“That is a noble excuse,” she said, after I was done explaining myself. “And let’s just say for the heck of it that this is true. That there’s a bird and bear war about to happen and the bears are buying the special blend bird repellant to use as a weapon against the birds. Let’s just pretend that sounds even a little bit sane.”

I looked down at my sandals. When she said it like that, it did sound far-fetched.

She pulled her graying dreadlocks into an uneven, lumpy bun. “But even if it is all true, honey, you can’t live your life trying to save everyone. Just think how crazy you’d make yourself if you tried to do that. If there really are shifters in Landover, then they have lived here a very long time, and they know how to take care of themselves. They do not need you to save them.”

I nodded. “I think we should be more responsible with the bird repellant, that’s all I’m saying. Only give it to people who have been attacked.”

“Like George?” she said. “I know you know about that because Patsy told me you were there. Old George was attacked months ago, but he didn’t want anyone to know about it. That’s why she wants some of the special blend, and I’m going to give her some. I think there are others like George, people just too afraid to say they’ve been attacked.”

I swallowed hard. I wanted to tell her not to give any to Mrs. Carmichael because she had no idea her not-boyfriend was a bird shifter. I didn’t say that, though, mostly because that would have sounded even more insane.

I took a deep breath, inhaling rotten egg fumes again. Rosalie was right. I couldn’t save everyone all the time, and I needed to stop putting the weight of Landover on my shoulders.

Rosalie went on. “People are just afraid of the birds, Carly. End of story. You, of all people, should understand that. I say it’s about the dollar signs, but the truth is, I like helping people. I helped you and Shelby Winehouse after your bird attacks and, even with the fake bird repellant that’s really nothing more than diluted essential oils, I’ve helped the rest of Landover feel just a little bit safer about the birds. It’s a false sense of security, but that’s still very important. And they smell much nicer.”

Rosalie checked her watch and stood. “We’ve gotta get going. It’s about time to open the Pony.” She rested her arm on my shoulder. “If it makes you feel better, we’ll keep an eye on who we sell to and how the special blend is being used.

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