Betrayed: Little Yōkai Urban Fantasy Series Book 4 by Walker Scott

Author:Walker, Scott
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781956757002
Publisher: Firefly Tales LLC
Published: 2022-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

“I’m not going to Hinansho,” Tako said. “Setting foot in there is the very definition of insanity. And if Fujitani doesn’t already have some of his oni in there, he will soon.”

We were back in the food truck, hashing out next steps. It wasn’t going well.

“I agree,” I said. “Seemed like an odd suggestion to me, too, but it’s supposed to be a haven for Yōkai, no matter who you are. Otamura must believe Toshiro would be safe there until this blows over.”

“I know everyone says it’s the safest place for Yōkai, but I’m living proof that’s a lie. Last time I was there, I nearly got my jaw broken.” He ran a hand down his face. I could easily imagine a scenario resulting in that. “Besides, mortals aren’t allowed in. I think we should stick together. We can head up to San Francisco, get far from L.A.”

“My orders are to stay close.”

Tako spread his hands wide. “All the more reason for us to stick together. Besides, you’ve still got time on the clock. You’re under my protection until tomorrow afternoon. I don’t renege on my deals, but Hinansho will only make it more difficult for me to make good on my promise.”

“I appreciate that, Tako-san.” Said with more enthusiasm than I felt. “But I’m inclined to go with Otamura’s guidance on this. My job is keeping Toshiro alive.”

“You think you can trust an old Yōkai who’s made it a point to stay out of mortal and Yōkai business for decades? She’s probably never even set foot in Hinansho. How can she know if that’s the right call?”

I wasn’t sure about that myself. Otamura was a walking question mark, and I knew next to nothing about her except how much she liked her privacy and how little she enjoyed meddling with the day-to-day matters of the physical world. I’d no intention of dismissing her suggestion, but I couldn’t completely dismiss Tako’s concerns.

Hinansho was located in Moreno Valley in the southwest corner of the Inland Empire. Sixty-four miles east of DTLA, the drive was a little over an hour. A straight shot along Highway 60. Not too far from Los Angeles. But nowhere near far enough from Fujitani.

And Tako was correct about the gokudō boss eventually sending some minions inside the enclave. Had Turner set us up? Or was Otamura having some fun and toying with us? Would we be walking into a trap? Or did the demigod know something I didn’t?

“Otamura seemed confident I could get inside,” I said. “And unless you believe she’s working with Fujitani, why would she recommend Hinansho? What does she have to gain?”

Tako shook his head. “I can think of a lot of places safer for you than Hinansho. Toshiro’ll be fine, of course, but you’ll stand out like a neon sign. As for her motives, Otamura’s a demigod. I can’t begin to understand what makes her tick.”

“I can’t, either, but I’m willing to take her word for it.”

Tako aimed his hand at me.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.