The Dresden Files, #1
Storm Front
by Jim Butcher
Contents
Chapter Twelve
Overview
Murphy tends to an exhausted, concussed Harry and drives him home, subtly reaffirming their trust. Harry schedules a meeting with Linda Randall for later that night. When Harry calls Monica Sells, she hastily cancels the missing-husband case amid strange line interference. A silent follow-up call deepens suspicion that someone is monitoring them.
Summary
Harry wakes on Murphy’s office floor twenty minutes after collapsing. Murphy cools his fever, checks him for a concussion, and insists on driving him home. Despite his protests, Harry’s nausea and weakness force him to accept her help, and he notes the quiet steadiness of Murphy’s support.
Back at his dark apartment, Murphy settles Harry and lights candles. Linda Randall calls, offers new information, and proposes meeting later that night at Harry’s place after she finishes work and freshens up. Harry, woozy, agrees.
Remembering a Saturday obligation, Harry calls his client Monica Sells. A child answers first; when Monica comes on, she abruptly cancels the investigation, forces cheer into her voice, and ends the call—amid buzzing static and what sounds like another voice—insisting Harry keep the money.
Murphy gets Harry into bed, checks his pupils, gives him painkillers, and tucks him in. As she’s leaving, the phone rings again. She answers, hears only silence, then tells Harry it was a wrong number. The unexplained call, combined with Monica’s odd cancellation, leaves Harry uneasy as he drifts to sleep with Mister purring at his feet.
Who Appears
- Harry DresdenExhausted and concussed wizard; cared for by Murphy; arranges meeting with Linda; hears Monica cancel the case; unsettled by a silent call.
- Karrin MurphyDetective who nurses Harry, drives him home, ensures he rests; answers a mysterious silent call.
- Linda RandallEscort who phones with potential leads and schedules a meeting at Harry’s apartment later that night.
- Monica SellsClient who abruptly cancels the missing-husband case amid phone interference, insisting Harry keep the money.
- MisterHarry’s large cat; greets Murphy, then comforts Harry by purring on his legs.
- Monica’s childAnswers Harry’s call and loudly summons Monica, highlighting the domestic setting.
- Unknown callerSilent caller who hangs up when Murphy answers, suggesting surveillance or intimidation.