“Do you think that’s why you’re antsy? I mean ... maybe you feel you need to keep walking because if you sit still, the monsters that chase you in your head might catch you.”
I blinked several times and then smirked. “That’s fairly profound.”
“I’m profound on a daily basis. Just ask my kid.”
I laughed, as I’m sure she intended. “My grandfather kept me moving as a kid. We lived in the French Quarter and things are always happening there. It’s never quiet. If you want quiet, you have to go to another part of the city, or hit the riverwalk.”
“I’ve always wanted to go to New Orleans. I hear it’s fascinating. Sami really wants to go, too. We’re going to try to arrange a trip ... if things ever settle down.”
“I don’t want to tell you your business, but you live a life where things are never likely to be calm for long stretches. Maybe you should just plan the trip and let things fall where they may.”
“That’s an option.” She lightly popped her lips. “You still haven’t told me what we’re doing here.”
“There’s a girl,” I admitted. “I’m not even sure how old she is. She has one of those faces that makes it impossible to tell. I’m pretty sure she’s young, although she has an old soul. She lives on the street.”
Sympathy washed over Zoe’s features. “And how do you know her?”
“I met her a few weeks ago. She’s a powerful witch. She was posing as a drug lord during our first meeting. She has all this ... sparkly energy around her. She offered to help. Actually, she did help a little bit. After that, I lost track of her some. I meant to come back down but ... .”
“You’re always moving,” Zoe surmised. “Right now, you have nowhere to move at the gate but your mind is super busy, so you decided to move down here so you can focus all that energy on a tangible target.”
“I don’t want to hurt her.”
“No, you want to save her.” Zoe’s smile was crooked. “I get it. You pick up strays. I’m that way, too. Let’s go find your witch.”
“Are you sure?” I was so relieved I didn’t even realize I was holding my breath until it escaped in a whoosh. “She’s kind of a pain.”
“Do you have any idea how many people have said that about me throughout the years?”
“All of them?”
“Pretty much. It’s okay,” she reassured me. “You’re obviously worried about this girl. Let’s see what she’s got going on.”
“I’m not exactly sure where she stays. Last time I found her was in the park. She was delivering food to the homeless people there.”
Zoe was taken aback. “So, she’s a complicated pain in the behind.”
“Is there any better kind?”
“Nope. Take me to her. I can’t wait to meet her.”
LUNA THORN WAS IN THE PARK. SHE WAS hard to miss with her vibrant pink hair and loud mouth. She had a voice that carried across a great distance, and I was surprised to find her standing at the head of a crowd. She seemed to be taking control, but it wasn’t food she was handing out this time.
“It’s time to line up,” she ordered, holding up her hands. “We have flu shots for everybody and then juice and cookies when we’re done. You have to get a flu shot to get the cookies.”
Zoe cocked her head, her eyes drifting to me. “Is she licensed to give out flu shots?”
“I’m going to say no.” I felt mildly queasy when I saw the man standing next to her. He seemed to have a bevy of needles on a tray. “Um ... should we call the police?”
Zoe shrugged. “And tell them what? I don’t think they’re going to get all worked up about a young woman doling out free flu shots in the park ... and to the people who need the shots most.”
“We don’t know they’re really flu shots.”
She snorted. “Something tells me you wouldn’t be so worried about a woman who had the potential to shoot a bunch of homeless people up with junk. Just ... let’s ask her what’s going on.” Zoe stuck her fingers between her lips and whistled, drawing Luna’s attention to us.
The pink-haired witch looked surprised — and a bit tickled — at the invasion. She held up a finger to hold us off and then turned back to the crowd. “Keep in line and don’t talk too much. If you have a specific concern for the doctor, bring it up but don’t meander. He doesn’t have all day.” She gave the doctor a wink and then moved out of the way, giving the crowd a wide berth as she circled around to us.
“Well, well, well,” she intoned as she closed the distance. “I was wondering if I would ever see you again. I feel bereft in the face of your abandonment.”
I worked my jaw. “I know you’re messing with me but I still feel guilty.”
Her smirk widened. “Well ... get over it. I’m fine. You don’t have to worry about me.” She cast a look over her shoulder and frowned. “Don’t bunch up, guys. Everybody will get their shot.”
One of the men, although I couldn’t see who, made a cackling sound. “We don’t care about the shots. We just want the juice and cookies.”
“You’ll get it,” Luna shot back. “Just as soon as you get your shots. I don’t want to hear a single word of complaint either.”
“You’re asking for miracles.”
“I’ve always wanted to see a miracle in action.” Luna watched the line for a minute longer and then gestured for us to follow her. “Let’s take a walk away from the madness.” She cast her attention to Zoe. “I see you brought reinforcements this time. She’s very ... shiny.”
Zoe chuckled as she followed Luna to the swings, taking a seat in the center one as Luna continued
