I was missing Mike at so many levels.

“So, really, you just happened to come across this?”

I shrugged. “I’m a trouble magnet. Ask my friends.”

“What are you even doing in Oregon?”
I sighed to the cop. “I needed a break, school’s out, I have money, and I don’t like beaches.”

At that she laughed. “I wouldn’t recommend Cancun to anyone. It’s overpriced, boring, and when I was there I could get any kind of food I wanted in the resort except Mexican.”

It broke the tension. “I’d just heard so much about the Pacific Northwest.”

“And you’re a model?”

I nodded. “Yeah.”

“I’d say easy money, but I’m betting not so much.”

“Not so much, no.”

“And the bad man jumped out the window and ran? Or was it the bad woman?”

“I think the kid got a little confused. Or somebody quick changed into a cross-sex disguise. I know drag queens who could do that.”

“Yeah, but in front of the kid?”

I shrugged a bit. “You know what happens when you put a kid’s testimony up in court.”

“Don’t I just. I have no reason to hold you, anyway. You gave the best description you could.”

I could tell she didn’t really believe me. “Not like I wanted a kidnapper to get away.”

“We have to figure…that they wanted some kind of ransom.”

“Maybe they wanted votes. Isn’t his uncle a Senator?”

“That would fit. Poor kid. He doesn’t seem too traumatized, though.”

“Can you…”

And the door of the office opened. “I’ll take it from here, Detective Carlson.”

I glanced at the man who entered, and noted that he had something magic resonating around him. Relief flowed through me as Carlson left.

He sat down in her chair. “Sorry about that.”

“Sorry?”

“Officially, I’m serious crimes. Unofficially…”

“…you’re supernatural crimes.” I let out a breath. “Good.”

“And you…”

“It was a demon that took the kid. Hence the sex changing.”

“Do you know what kind?”

“No, I know they work for a fairly powerful succubus, though. One who wants Sarlac’s vote on something.”

“And you came all the way here from DC to try and warn them.”

I nodded. “You got good protection you can put on them?”

Amused, he responded, “You act like you’re the one in charge.”

I realized I was doing just that, but I shrugged. “She’s not going to give up.” I didn’t mention Sarlac being immune to her charms.

“Do you know what she wants? Power in general?”

“As far as I can tell.”
Something destructive and dangerous. That was all I could be sure of.