Page 105 of Coven of Corpses

"Morton, please."

"Morton. So we don’t have to reapply for our business license at all?"

“That’s correct. All of that has been preapproved. Consider it a token of the city's appreciation." Morton reached into his portfolio again and produced another envelope, this one thicker. "Which brings me to the second reason for my visit."

This time he handed the envelope to Demmy, who opened it carefully. His eyes went wide.

"This is a check," Demmy said, his voice barely audible. "For ten thousand dollars."

Cody nearly choked on his tea. "What?"

"A settlement," Morton clarified. “And another token of thanks.”

“That’s a hell of a thank you note,” Cody said, reaching for the check.

“Consider it an apology for the previous termination of your business license, as well as a small token of appreciation for the suffering and sacrifice you’ve experienced as you continue to keep our town safe from… undesirables.”

“Undesirables?” Cody repeated, making a face. Demmy took the check back and stared at it as if he expected it to vanish in his hands.

Morton leaned in and lowered his voice. “Not just the witch and the demon, but the werewolves and the zombies and the vampires.”

“Don’t forget the shape shifting water sprite,” Demmy said.

“I hadn’t heard about that one.”

“You’re better off not knowing,” Cody said. “But for future safety, if you’re having doubts someone is really who they are, just look at them and say ‘nix.’”

“Nix?”

“Right. If they react as if it hurts, get the hell away from them.”

“I see.” Morton sat back and looked between them again. “You two have been through quite a lot, haven’t you?”

Cody met Demmy’s eyes and smiled. All they’d endured and triumphed over hung between them. And, he realized with surprise, he wouldn’t change most of it.

“Yeah,” Cody said. “We have.”

“Well, on behalf of the entire town, we thank you.” Morton gestured to the check. “It’s not much, but we found a bit of surplus in the budget.”

“All those paychecks you’re no longer writing for a DPW crew?” Cody said.

"I don't know what to say," Demmy said quickly, shifting Morton’s attention from Cody’s statement.

"'Thank you' would suffice," Morton suggested with a nervous smile.

"Thank you," they both said automatically.

Morton nodded, clearly relieved he had accomplished his mission. He stood abruptly, the table wobbling slightly and nearly spilling their teas. "Well, I should let you enjoy your dinner. The paperwork is all in order. Your license will be effective next Monday, though I understand you may need time to reestablish your operation."

He extended his hand first to Demmy, then to Cody. His grip was surprisingly firm.

"Parson's Hollow needs you," he said, his voice carrying an unexpected weight. "Both of you." Then, with a final nod, he hurried out of the diner, nearly colliding with Margie as she approached with their food.

"Was that Morton Whitfield?" Margie asked, setting down their plates—a turkey club for Demmy, a double bacon cheeseburger for Cody.

"Interim Mayor Whitfield now, apparently," Demmy said.

“Oh, I’d heard that,” Margie said, shaking her head. “This town." She nodded toward the envelopes on the table. "Good news?"