Free Darkness Clashes by Susan Illene Page A

and there was still a scar on my side to prove it. The only reason I’d survived at all was Lucas showed up to shield me from the worst of the blast—though O’Connell wouldn’t know about that part.
    After that I’d left the military as soon as my contract ended. I’d wanted peace and a sense of normalcy. For about two years I’d gotten it, but then I’d come to Fairbanks to save a friend and ended up staying.
    “You didn’t seem like the type to hide from danger before. Are you sure you don’t miss it?” he asked.
    If only he knew how often I did get into danger.
    “This place works just fine for me.” I gave him my most convincing smile.
    “Well, if you change your mind.” He handed me a business card. “Call me. We could use someone with your unique skills.”
    “Unique?” I thumbed the card. “Interrogators aren’t that rare.”
    I’d been particularly good at my job thanks to my lie-detecting abilities, but I’d done my best not to use it to the point of arousing suspicion.
    He patted me on the arm. “Don’t sell yourself short. You got the truth out of more people than the rest of our team combined.”
    I kept my face blank. He was making me nervous and I just wanted him to leave.
    “Thanks.” I took a step back. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
    We shook hands and he headed for the door, but just before he opened it he stopped and turned around.
    “Oh. I do have one question.”
    “What’s that?” I lifted a brow.
    “The earthquake that happened here a few months ago. You were here for that, weren’t you?”
    It took all my effort not to stiffen. “Yeah, of course. It hit us pretty hard.”
    “I’m sure with you being from California you’ve been through a few before, but did you notice anything different about this one?”
    My gut churned. Humans weren’t supposed to suspect the earthquake as being anything unnatural—such as a huge magical explosion. The angels should have covered it up.
    I opened my mouth to answer, but Bambi came barging through the door. She nearly knocked O’Connell over, but she wasn’t paying any attention to him. The troll’s eyes were riveted to the fountain display.
    I could see her in her true form with her bulbous nose, wrinkled face, and pointed ears. Humans would see her as a short, average-looking woman with long orange hair. At least the height and hair color were accurate.
    “What in all the blazes is that?” She pointed a gnarled finger at the fountain.
    “Felisha’s latest coping device,” I answered.
    O’Connell frowned at Bambi and raised a hand to cover his nose. Glamour didn’t hide the awful stench of trolls and he stood rather close to her. He’d be getting the full brunt of it.
    She put a hand on her hip. “That woman needs ta learn ta take what she wants. Either he’s worth fightin’ for or he’s only good for kickin’ in the balls.”
    O’Connell cringed.
    “Perhaps I’ll speak to you another time,” he said, backing toward the door.
    The troll rounded on him. “Who are ya?”
    “He’s from the Department of Homeland Security,” I said, giving her a wink.
    “Ye!” She poked a finger at his abdomen. “Someone stole me squirrel pelts last week. I called ta report it, but no one wants ta help.”
    He grabbed the door handle behind him. “I’m afraid that’s not within the scope of my job. Your best bet is to call the police.”
    Bambi sputtered, letting saliva fly from her mouth. “The police doona want ta help. I pay me taxes and ye should do yer job!”
    Yeah, right. It didn’t take my lie-detecting skills to know she’d probably never paid taxes.
    O’Connell jerked the door open. “Sorry, but I’ve got to go.”
    He dashed out the door and across the parking lot toward a black SUV. Bambi cackled as she watched him go before turning to face me.
    “That fool’s been askin’ too many questions ‘round here the last couple days. Thought I’d get rid of ‘im for ya.”
    “Thanks,” I said, actually