Ten minutes later, Mike showed up. Kanesha added more spaghetti to the pasta she was making. Quite a bit more.

“I think I have a lead,” he said once we were all at the table. My small table struggled to seat four, but we managed.

“Good, because Anansi attacked Persephone today. He’s going to start a war. Or just get his butt kicked.”

“Unfortunately, the lead is in Sierra Leone.”

“Oh man.” Not only was it west Africa, but they’d only just dealt with an ebola epidemic. Or not. It wasn’t a safe place to go.

Well, maybe for me, but who knew what would happen when I tried to get back.

“We can’t go there and she might not be able to come here.”

“That’s what the internet’s for,” Kanesha said, simply.

“Right. I can really do something like this over email.” Mike ran his hand through his hair.

“I’ll go,” Thruor offered. “Jane might be better, with her skill at glamor, but…”

I scowled. “You’re about to say I shouldn’t take the time off school.” She was right, though. I could hardly claim a family emergency when everyone knew I didn’t have family. “I suppose I could call in sick, but who knows how long this might take. How do you plan on getting her out?”

“They aren’t quarantining as heavily. I think I know a good route.”

“Alright.” I knew I’d just have to trust her. I knew that I would have to, well, wait again.

“I know you’d rather do it yourself, but people are already wondering about how odd you are.”

“I’ll graduate soon enough.” Then what. New York?

The vague feeling I might not have to worry about it disturbed me.

“For now, trust me, Jane. Besides, I think you’ll have plenty to do.”

I wasn’t sure I liked the sound of that. I glanced at Kanesha. “Alright,” I repeated.

I wasn’t happy, though. I suppose she was treating me a little bit more like a child than normal and that was what was bothering me.

Or maybe it was an extension of what seemed like a constant frustration now. True, I’d helped Persephone get free, but I’d been less use in Hell than Kanesha.

Thruor studied me for a moment. “Siglaugr.” The name indicated how serious she was.

“Yes?”

“Please just trust me.” With that, she stood up. “I’d better find myself a flight.” And then she was gone.

For some reason I was abruptly worried about her. Even though I knew no mortal disease…or violence…could harm her.

Even though I knew I had no reason to be.