”And just who is this,” Sheila says, releasing Liam from her embrace and clutching at her chest like my presence is giving her heart palpitations. I know I’m a whole lot, but I suspect her flutters are more due to Liam’s typical rigidity than my bright red fanny pack.

I stick out a hand and say, ”I’m Maddie Parker. I’m doing some consulting work with Beltane.”

Sheila squints for a minute before returning my shake. ...