by Susan Harper
The next thing Monica knew, Chief Tollr was telling Monica he needed to borrow her portal and was disappearing to Wysteria. “That’s weird,” Monica said.
“The smile or using the portal?” Brian asked.
“Both,” Monica said. “Tollr, from what he’s told me, doesn’t visit Wysteria very often.”
“Why did he ever leave?” Brian asked curiously.
“I’m sure by now you’ve noticed there’s a certain social hierarchy in the world of the mystics. That sort of prejudiced thinking is going away. We’re seeing clans starting to merge. Like centaurs and onocentaurs. They used to separate themselves, but now the herds are coming together. Same for the trolls. The jotnars and the huldrefolk clans in Wysteria are merging now. But it was too hard on him.”
“Why?” Brian asked. “If the hierarchy is basically the more human you look the higher up you are, as a huldrefolk, you’d think he’d be doing all right.”
“It’s kind of reverse for trolls. As a huldrefolk, he does better amongst witches and wizards than another troll might, but in the troll clans, he’s considered weak. And being a half-breed, well, I think it was just a little much for him,” Monica explained.
Brian frowned, though by the expression on his face, he seemed to be understanding his boss a little better now. “Trolls… They’re known for their temper?” he asked, and Monica nodded. “That explains so much…” he said, then laughed slightly.
The next thing they knew, the portal was opening again, and Chief Tollr was coming through with a wizard in an authority uniform, both laughing as they spoke with one another. “All right, of course, Ruknuk, I know I should visit more, old friend…”
“Ruknuk?” Brian asked.
Chief Tollr shrugged. “Rud Tollr. Troll name is Ruknuk,” he explained and then clasped the shoulder of the wizard he had dragged along with him. “That’s what this fellow still knows me as. We served together on Wysteria Authority in our early years.”
“Only troll through the academy that year,” the man said and stuck out his hand to Monica. “Head Authority Mueller. I know you, of course, Monica Montoya. Know all about the Montoyas. Good family.” He shook Holly’s hand as well and then stood in front of Brian, hand held out.
“This here is Officer Brian,” Chief Tollr said as they shook. “One of my best officers!”
Brian looked like he was going to have a stroke at receiving an actual compliment from his chief. “Really? By mortal standards, I’m sure,” Mueller said with a smirk as he and Brian’s grasps released.
“Look here, Mueller,” Tollr said, growing serious. “You know the Wysteria-Bankstown border has been needing one for years. I disqualify, as Bankstown’s police chief, and none of your fellows want the job.”
“Job?” Brian asked. “What job?”
Mueller rolled his eyes slightly. “Portal keeper. It’s a lead detective position that exists for border towns. Places where the portals are. Most border towns have them—someone who has legal authority in both realms in the event any cases overlap, like if a witch came through and murdered a mortal. It’s usually given to wizarding officers in the mortal realm, but there are no wizards or witches working under Tollr. Tollr used to be our old portal keeper before he was promoted to chief. Can’t be chief and portal keeper.”
“I would… So what would… What would this position entail exactly?” Brian asked.
“You’d become a lead detective—what you’ve always wanted, Brian,” Tollr said. “At least, that’s what your buddies at the station would think was all you were doing. It’s a lead detective position, and your territory would cover both Bankstown and Wysteria.”
Mueller was thinking. “The Sorcerer’s Council has been on my case about establishing a new portal keeper. Can’t get any of my guys to transfer over, though. Posing as mortals is not exactly the expertise of an authority.”
“It’s not easy,” Monica said. “And I’m an unnatural.”
“Would it be something you’re interested in, Brian?” Mueller asked him.
“A lead detective position?” Brian asked. “Are you kidding? You can count me in for sure.”
“Then if you’re coming in so highly recommended by Tollr, I see no reason not to. I’ll alert the Sorcerer’s Council. I’ll be glad to have them off my back, for one!” Mueller smiled. “You will of course have to pass our physical exam and go through our basic legal training for the mystic world. Can’t have you ignorant of our laws if you are to serve as an authority.”
“Of course,” Brian said, smiling wildly.
Mueller shook Brian’s hand. “We’ll be in touch.” And after a friendly farewell to Tollr, he headed back through the portal.
Brian was beaming, and it made Monica so happy. He had always wanted to be a lead detective. “Chief, thank you,” Brian said.
“Of course, Brian, of course,” Tollr said. “Now, get to work. I’m docking you for being late.”
Brian smirked. “Wouldn’t expect you not to.”
6
Monica, Abigail, and Holly stood in a crowd of mostly Wysterian reporters, although they were trying to steer clear of them. Nearest to them was the entire Wysteria Werewolves team along with Monica’s twin sister. Mona stood with her arm hooked in Deimus’s. They were just outside the Sorcerer’s Council building, the mystic version of a courthouse. Standing up on the large steps of the building was Brian, dressed in his mortal officer uniform and looking quite nervous. There were some mystic authorities beside him, all looking quite stoic. Chief Tollr and Head Authority Mueller were standing on the opposite side of the podium as Preston and the other authorities.
Right at the podium was Madam Imelda, one of the leaders on the Sorcerer’s Council—an elderly but stern woman. She had on her always-serious expression that could make even the most powerful of mystics cringe. “We, the Sorcerer’s Council, have a number of important announcements to make, and we would like to thank the press for coming out on such short notice. Firstly, let us deal with the most pressing matter at hand. The murder of warlock Chip Grendwar. Chip, as most everyone already knows, was murdered and found bound to a podium on the playfield of the Wysteria Werewolves. The investigation is still open, and the culprit is still at large. His family has elected to offer up a handsome reward for information leading to the capture of his killer. Fifteen thousand golden galleons.”
There was a slight murmur in the crowd. “Well, that should do it,” Deimus whispered. “If anyone was keeping their mouths shut, they might come forward now.”
“No kidding,” Monica said.
“His family,” Madam Imelda continued, “is still currently staying in Wysteria during the duration of the investigation which, I expect, will go over quickly with the talented and experienced authorities this town has to offer. That being said, we have a grand announcement regarding the authorities. In collaboration with Chief Tollr of Bankstown, he along with Head Authority Mueller have at long last elected a new portal keeper.”
There were a few shocked expressions as Madam Imelda indicated Brian. “Officer Brian of Bankstown,” Madam Imelda stated boldly, “will be acting as the portal keeper for the Bankstown and Wysteria border.”
“Madam Imelda!” one of the reporters up front called, waving his arm a bit frantically. “Is this Officer Brian person a, ahem, mortal?”
“Yes,” Madam Imelda said matter-of-factly, and Monica could see a number of reporters scribbling notes to take back to their jobs.
“How does this mortal know about our world?” someone asked.
“I believe that is a fairly personal matter, but if you’re wondering whether or not someone with a reveal license told him of the mystical world, then you would be correct,” Madam Imelda answered.
“What qualifications does he have?” asked another.
Madam Imelda let out a loud, pained sigh. “Plenty,” she said. “Now, if I may move on to our next order of business. I’m sure you are all wondering the verdict of today’s ruling rega
rding Romp-A-Roo regulations. As many of you already know, Romp-A-Roo officials have tried to prevent a mortal from joining a professional league. In the past, mystics of all kinds have been forbidden from participating in professional games. In recent years, who is permitted in the games has changed drastically. Twenty years ago, the thought of having a selkie on a professional team would have been laughable, yet the Wysteria Werewolves have invited one upon their team. The Wysteria Werewolves, while not the only team with non-wizards, is the most diverse team ever seen in the mystical world. They have the first female dwarf, the first selkie, and is the first team to have non-wizards to outnumber wizards along with having the first non-wizard coach.”
“Come on, now,” Deimus muttered. “Get to the point.”
“We no longer live in a world with borders between mystic ancestry,” Madam Imelda said. “As a citizen of Bankstown, the mortal in question is by law a legal resident of Wysteria if he knows of the realms. As last year’s Romp-A-Roo hearing rendered that any citizen may try out and play professionally regardless of heritage, we, the council, feel that this would extend to mortals of border towns such as Bankstown and Wysteria as well. To put it simply, Romp-A-Roo officials have no legal right to determine who can and cannot play on individual teams on the basis of heritage, mortal or mystic alike.”
“Yes! Yes!” Deimus exclaimed, practically jumping a foot off the ground in his excitement.
Monica caught Brian’s eye. He was grinning ear to ear. The press was going nuts with excitement. Several of them were pushing their way over to the Wysteria Werewolves, desperate for a quote for their stories, all wanting to know who the mortal was that would be playing. Coach Joanne-Jo made them all back up. She was quite abrasive for a little sprite. “We’ll release a formal statement to the press at a later date about our team,” she was saying, though Bolt was busy chatting it up with a female werewolf reporter, telling her all about Brian, the portal keeper, and their other new member, Urrgah the troll.
Brian eventually made his way over to the rest of the team, and he was greeted with high-fives and congratulatory pats on the back for his new position. Urrgah picked him up by his shirt, causing him to hang a bit limply, and gave him a way too tight of a hug. “Brian Urrgah’s friend,” Urrgah said, plopping him down and clapping his enormous hands excitedly.
“Sure thing, big guy,” Brian said, grinning.
“This is really exciting,” Mona said. “We need to celebrate. I am so glad the Sorcerer’s Council agrees with you guys over the officials.”
“I was a little worried, but I knew they would,” Deimus said. “Things have changed lately. And now we’ve got one serious team. The things that make us different is going to make all the difference in the playoffs.”
“I couldn’t possibly agree more,” Gale said. “We’re sure going to stand out, though, aren’t we?”
“You guys don’t even realize it, do you?” Joanne-Jo said, landing promptly on Urrgah’s shoulder so that everyone could see her. “This is more than just being a good team. The whole world is going to be watching us. Waiting for us to make a mistake. We got to show that we’re good. We got to show that we’re just as good as those other teams. This is groundbreaking stuff here.”
“Agreed,” Deimus said. “Which is why we got to practice harder than any other team we’ve seen. I think we got a serious chance to win this thing.”
“But for now, we celebrate,” Mona said, stepping in. “Then tomorrow, you get serious.”
“Fine,” Deimus said, smirking at her.
“I actually have a bit of work to take care of first,” Brian said, turning to Monica. “You heard Madam Imelda. Chip’s family is in town. They might be able to tell me something more about him to help with the investigation.”
“Are you in charge of the investigation now, Brian?” Mona asked.
“I’m helping out,” Brian said. “I have some authority here now. Portal keeper makes me the lead detective in both Bankstown and Wysteria, so if I want to put my nose in a case, I can.”
“I bet those authorities from the other day at the Romp-A-Roo fields are really eating their words now,” Bolt said with a snort.
Brian merely grinned at him. “I’ll catch up with you guys later.”
“I’m going with,” Monica said.
“I have to get back to the shop,” Holly said. “Someone has to go relieve your aunt. Glad I could make it to this, though.”
“I appreciate it, Holly,” Monica said, and she and Abigail and Brian bid Holly and the Wysteria Werewolves farewell before heading off.
The three of them were able to locate Chip’s family fairly easily. They were at the Sorcerer’s Council building, since they had been present for the announcement of the reward money. Chip’s family consisted merely of his mother and younger sister. The two witches were thanking Madam Imelda for making the announcement about the reward when Brian and Monica entered. The man’s mother turned her nose up slightly when Brian tried to talk.
“Mrs. Grendwar,” Madam Imelda said bitterly. “This is Officer Brian, this town’s new portal keeper. He is working on your son’s case.”
“Yes,” the older woman said. “The mortal.” She said it as though the thought made her want to gag. “Honestly, Imelda… How can you permit something like this? He’s not one of us. He shouldn’t be meddling around in our justice system.”
“A portal keeper must have a foot in both worlds, Mrs. Grendwar,” Imelda said. “And Brian is a skilled upholder of the law who meets that qualification.”
“You know you’re only portal keeper because there’s not a wizard in town willing to do it, right?” Chip’s sister asked, her arms crossed.
“You two are being awfully unkind to someone who is trying to help find out who murdered your son and brother,” Monica said angrily. “Brian is going to do a great job as portal keeper.”
“Fine,” Mrs. Grendwar said. “Then prove it and find out what happened to my son.”
“I’ll do my best, ma’am,” Brian said politely as ever. “Can you start by telling me if your son had any sort of enemies? Recent arguments? Disagreements? Unsettled disputes of any kind?”
Chip’s mother and sister exchanged glances for a moment.
“Well?” Abigail asked impatiently.
“Well…” his sister said uncertainly. “He was recently engaged. He broke off his engagement, though. We’re not really sure what it was about. He hadn’t had much of a chance to tell us yet what exactly went down, but it was very sudden.”
“That would be a great start,” Brian said. “Who was he engaged to?”
“Zora,” Mrs. Grendwar said. “The witch Romp-A-Roo official.”
“Okay, that’s serious,” Monica said, and Brian nodded in agreement.
“Anything else you can tell me?” Brian asked. “Anything at all that might help?”
“He got along with most people,” Chip’s sister said. “Though I know he did get into it with the Wysteria Werewolves during tryouts.”
Brian nodded. “I will have to look into them as well. The other officials were all in town. There might be some hard feelings between Chip and some of them regarding policies.”
Mrs. Grendwar and her daughter thanked Brian hesitantly before leaving. Brian, Monica, and Abigail made their way outside as well. Brian had on a look of contemplation as they stood out on the front steps of the building. “Well?” Monica asked. “What are you thinking?”
“I’m thinking that working the case might be a conflict of interest,” Brian said. “For all we know, one of the members of my team killed Chip. He was very much against the new members. Urrgah seems like a nice guy and all, but he certainly has the physical capability to hurt Chip.”
“I have a good feeling about Urrgah,” Monica said. “I don’t think he had anything to do with it, and I bet if you ask around, you’ll find that he has an alibi. A lot of the team was still out celebrating during the time of the murder.”
“Yes, t
hat’s certainly possible,” Brian said. “But for now, I want to zero in on Zora. Find out why she and Chip called it quits.”
“Great,” Monica said, clasping her hands together. “She’s probably staying at the local inn since she’s from out of town. We might want to be quick. Who knows how long she and the other officials will be sticking around now that they’ve lost their hearing request.”
7
There was a large inn in town where out-of-towners would gather. It was a three-story building with a bar on the main floor and rooms on the top two. As it was really the only public accommodations in town, it was safe to assume that the officials were all staying there. They entered the building, expecting to have to at least speak to a bellhop or the innkeeper in order to find who they were looking for, but evidently, luck was on their side that day.
“Look, there she is,” Monica said, nudging Brian as she peered through the lobby into the dining area where Zora was seated at the bar.
“That was painfully easy,” Abigail said. “Almost anticlimactic.”
Monica smirked. “Take the win, Abs. Take the win,” she said, and the three of them made their way over to the bar.
Zora spotted them instantly and groaned as though their presence caused her physical pain. “Oh, boy, it’s the Wysteria Werewolf Brigade,” she mumbled, sipping a martini.
“Oh, geez, day drunk,” Monica groaned right back. “That’s never a good sign.”
“Screw you,” Zora said and took another long sip of her drink until she had slurped the last of it. She gently banged her knuckles on the bar to attract the attention of the varaha woman working there.
The varaha threw Brian for a loop for a second, and he smiled and chuckled uncomfortably when the boar-headed woman winked at him while fixing Zora another glass. Monica nudged him to let him know he was being rude, and he quickly broke the awkward eye contact as the varaha handed Zora her drink. “We need to talk,” Brian said, and Zora spun sloppily on her stool to look directly at him. She huffed. “Oh, the mortal… This should be good. What do you want?”
