Free Keeley Thomson (Book 2): Keelzebub by P.S. Power Page B

honestly Keeley didn’t really know how she managed it at all. She felt a bit like she was after all, face tingling and lips starting to go numb. She searched the memories inside her and found the answer first in the older woman’s memories. It was a contact poison.
    Not meant to kill, just relax and subdue anyone touched. They weren’t violent people, the action wasn’t an attack, it was just a natural defense mechanism. That was good, because she still really wanted to hire them for the parties based on what she’d already found out. They were practically miracle workers in their field. It took a moment, but she was able to return to normal almost instantly, without even slurring what she said overly.
    “That’s right. It’s for five parties, and the time window for preparation is short. Outside night events, tomorrow night, late. They could run all night. The weather report says it will be clear, though slightly cool.” Looking to the right Keeley could see that Dan, though he had a smile on his face, was staring at her a little bit.
    “Oh! Sorry, my manners. Um, I’m Keeley Thomson and this is Dan Carmichael. He’s the Coretechs representative for this, they’re paying for it all.” It sounded a little lame, but the older woman nodded as if it was pretty clever for her to have managed it, being so young.
    That was kind of true even, so Keeley could see it as valid enough. If anyone showed up at all, it would be even better. They’d need something pretty impressive to try and get bodies to actually show up that late, on such short notice. Normally they could just open a free bar or pass out drugs, but that would kind of be counter to the whole idea really.
    The woman spoke for both of them, as the man, who looked the same age as she did, looked down, with a shy smile.
    “Clara and Glen Taggard. Nice to meet you.”
    Neither shook hands with Dan, but that seemed natural for some reason. Even he didn’t act like it was strange and didn’t put his own hand out, even though he always had with Sherry when they’d met.
    The plans came in quickly and frankly, Keeley was impressed. The older woman took charge and came up with three different proposals that could be done in time. The one that felt right was just a fairly simple thing, a few tables at each, decorations, with some rented music systems and a dozen mixed CD’s at each location. There would be soda, assorted snacks and a bonfire at each location too. That sounded cool, but Keeley didn’t think that the city would want smoldering embers for days sitting in their parks like that.
    “No problem. Not at all, we’ll just get some metal stands to put them on and cart them out in the morning after things have died down. Or, if as you said, no one comes, then we can just not light them and save time all around.” Clara made notes the whole time, and looked really interested. None of this was exactly amazing stuff, but seriously, Keeley had only come up with the idea the day before. If they could have snacks and some tunes, it would be close to a real miracle.
    Clara hopped up and clapped her hands a couple of times.
    “Oh, I know, how about some sandwiches? I can make up some delightful finger sandwiches that might be alright, and a few huge things for those American Football players. They seem like the type that would like to eat, don’t you think? Here, let me make up a few as an example, won’t take but a minute.” She left, bustling a little, moving right along really.
    Faster than was natural for a human. Not too much though. It was the son Glen that suggested they put out a large bowl of condoms. He blushed when he said it, but Dan nodded.
    “Good call. This is a bit of conservative area, so we’ll want to be discreet with it, but it should give the kids a sense that it’s a grownup party without causing too many problems.”
    Keeley fought rolling her eyes and then didn’t bother.
    “This area is nice enough, but, yeah, that might be an