Chapter Twelve

October brings heat by day and chill by night as life at the castle finds a rhythm: roof training with Bear, music and games in the hall, and small comforts like Harry crocheting a scarf for Maggie. After practice, Bear pushes Harry to spend regular time with his daughter, arguing it will help him heal. Harry resists over safety concerns but agrees to start visiting on set nights, acknowledging Maggie’s need and his own.

Bear reveals the contents of her ubiquitous duffel: a monstrous four-bore rifle meant for “soft targets” like ghouls, signaling their preparations for escalating threats. A fleeting dark shape overhead puts Harry on edge, and they head inside to await their midnight guest.

Right on time, Carter LaChaise arrives under guest-right, dressed flashily and acting affable. Harry states the problem directly: ghouls in Chicago are killing people, and it must stop. LaChaise claims he does not control all ghouls, but Harry counters with a unilateral decree—Chicago is off-limits to ghouls as of sunrise, with violators forfeiting their lives.

When tension spikes, Bear silently levels the four-bore at LaChaise’s head, underscoring Harry’s resolve. Harry cites his past victories and potential allies to imply overwhelming consequences if challenged. Weighing the threat, LaChaise drops the genial mask, then ultimately accepts the terms and departs.

Afterward, Bear questions the personal stakes of Harry’s move. Harry commits to the course, determined to end the ghoul predation and test his readiness in the morning.