Free California Demon by Julie Kenner

Because the last thing in the world I wanted was for my little boy to meet up with the wrong kind of monster.
    “I’ve got him,” Eddie said. “We’ll find you in a few.”
    “ Mom? Hell-ooo?” Allie waved a hand in front of me. “Where’s Stuart? He swore he’d be here.”
    “Um,” I said, cursing since I really should have been prepared. I mean, I’d definitely seen that one coming.
    Fortunately, I was saved from responding by my arch-enemy. Marissa sidled up, her brow furrowed, her mouth a thin red line. “Dammit, Kate. Since you insisted on chaperoning, I’d appreciate a little help over there.”
    “Sure, Marissa. No problem. I’m just talking to my award-winning daughter.”
    “Hi,” she said, barely acknowledging Allie. “You want to get over there and help me?”
    I pulled myself up on my toes and looked over her shoulder. Four of our charges were still sitting on the bleachers, staying out of trouble as far as I could tell. The others were scattered around the gym, students at their sides and smiles on their faces. “I think most everyone is taken care of,” I said. “Until it’s time to go back, shouldn’t we let them hang with their families?”
    “Taken care of?” She crossed her arms in front of her chest. “I don’t think Dermott Sinclair is taken care of.”
    Actually, he was, but I wasn’t about to say as much. Instead, I tried to look appropriately baffled. “Sinclair? I thought he was with you.”
    “What are you talking about? I left him with you on the bus.”
    “Right. But then he hurried out. To find you guys, he said. I assumed he’d catch up to you in the gym.” I kept my eyes on hers, daring her to call me a liar.
    “Well, he didn’t,” she said sharply. “I’m so glad you signed on to chaperone today, Kate. You’ve been such a big help.”
    I forced a bright smile. “But it looks like you did just fine on your own. Everyone’s here and happy.”
    “Except Sinclair.”
    “Yeah,” I agreed. “That is odd.” I scooted toward Allie and hooked an arm around her shoulder. “We’re going to go make the circuit, okay? And we’ll keep an eye out for Sinclair. He’s got to be here somewhere. I mean, where else could he be?”
    A loaded question, but not one I wanted answered.
    Marissa fidgeted, but she didn’t press the point. I took the opportunity to flee. Demons, I can handle. An irritated soccer mom? No thank you very much.
    Allie was watching me curiously as we walked away, and I tried to run the conversation back through in my head, wondering if I’d said anything suspicious. Thankfully, though, demons weren’t on my daughter’s mind. Instead, she turned back to another uncomfortable subject: Stuart.
    “So where is he?” she asked.
    “On his way,” I said. “Probably already here. He was in his car the last I talked to him,” I finally said, desperately resorting to the kind of lies that would attract lightning from the Heavens.
    “Oh. I was hoping he’d . . .” She trailed off with a shrug and a smile. “It’s okay. He’ll be just as impressed with the check. But there’s no way I’m donating it to his campaign.” The last was said with an impish grin, but I know my kid well, and her light tone was laced with hurt. Can’t say I blame her. I’d skipped right over hurt and moved directly to enraged. Do not pass go. Do not collect two hundred dollars.
    “He hasn’t been here too many times,” she said, rummaging in her purse and pulling out her cell phone. “What if he’s wandering the blue halls? Should I give him a call?”
    I hesitated, certain that the only wandering Stuart was doing was the kind that sent him meandering down the primrose path toward the promise of campaign dollars. Not entirely sure what to say to Allie, I chose the ever popular “Um” response.
    She started to dial.
    “Allie!” I said, snatching the phone out of her hand.
    “What?”
    “You’re only supposed to use your phone for emergencies,” I