A White Rabbit in Summer

How it Ends

I had Detective Slauson meet us at the gate. I made Brandon promise me that no matter what he heard outside, that he wouldn't come to help. Detective Slauson was walking into a trap and no one was going to save him, least of all the police. Finn was focused. He looked ready to kill. Aden didn't say much of anything. He was posted up on a low hanging branch.

"Hands up!" Was the detective's way of saying hello.

He came out from behind a tree with a gun trained on me. I thought Finn would transform but he just did as he was asked. Was it some kind of illusion? Could Finn make illusions without needing to transform? I don't know. He never explained how he could teleport from Ohio to the gate. Maybe he wasn't worried about the gun aimed at my chest because he could stop the bullet.

"This isn't necessary, Detective. We're all willing to cooperate," Finn told him.

Detective Slauson looked us over and changed his target to Finn. "Who are you?"

"My name is Finn, Detective Slauson. I'm going to tell you all about the magic wand in your pocket and we're going to use that magic key together. Did you come alone?"

"Not a chance. The place is surrounded. You kids try anything they'll be on you like white on rice," he growled.

"You don't need to lie to me, Detective Slauson. I know about the ongoing investigation."

"How do you know about that?" He looked twitchy.

I tried to back away to the trees and the shaved gorilla swung the piece my way. I might've pissed my panties.

"On me, Detective Slauson. Holly isn't going to hurt you. None of us are. I know about the investigation for the same reason I know about your divorce and the tragic end of your son's life. I'm magic, Detective Slauson, all three of us are. We're travelers from another world. I don't know if your son is alive in our world, but we can help you find a world where he is alive."

The big man lowered his gun. "What's in it for you?"

"I get to help a man who got dealt a bad hand."

I was convinced it was a trick, but Finn sounded calm and collected. When the detective finally put his gun away, Finn offered him his hand. They shook.

"I'm Finn."

"Detective Slauson. Sorry about the gun."

"It's not a problem. All of that is behind you now. You don't need to worry about Internal Affairs or your mother's mortgage. You're safe now. You get to live the life that you want. Whatever life you want, we'll find a way to get you there. Can I have the wand?"

Slauson handed it over.

"That's mine, Finn. Don't double cross me."

Finn didn't even look at me. He kept his eyes on the big man. "Are you ready to go through the gate?"

He nodded. The big guy wiped tears out of his eyes. "It's really going to happen? Magic is real."

"You're a solid detective, Slauson. You didn't miss a thing. Terrance would've been proud."

Now the lummox really was crying.

Finn was in complete control and there was nothing I could do to stop him. I should've known he'd use the wand to enter Slauson's dreams and get him on his side. Finn's word was useless. He didn't believe in good or evil or oaths or promises. He was a selfish boy, willing to destroy the Magicals just to have sex with a cartoon witch.

"Jaden, are you ready?"

My bearded former crush nodded.

"I want you to go in first. Do you still remember how to open the gate?"