A Human’s Guide to Surviving Magical Mishaps by Kit Bryan
Rule 58- Sometimes you just need to ask yourself, ‘do you want to be right or do you want to be happy?’

On the way to the next address we discuss everything that just happened.

"I suppose I should not be surprised that the gentleman was afraid of us." He sighs unhappily.

"Does it bother you that much?" I ask, a little surprised. He didn't seem that concerned that there were entire groups of people who hate the fae for no reason. So why is this guy getting to him?

"They dislike us but do not know us. He was afraid of us based on his experience. I do not like that his only experience with the fae was negative. We do wish to get along with humans. We just do not know the best way to approach this." He sighs again and I glance at Fin who looks similarly disturbed.

"Well, think about it this way. It only took a few minutes for the two of you to change his opinion. Plus I've met three fae now, one of whom was definitely not a good person and I still like you guys." I tell them optimistically and Ashton rewards my efforts with a smile.

"That is good. I do hope that the rest of the men we hope to speak to are not so afraid. Perhaps we should not tell them that fae are involved if it will damage our already precarious reputation.” He considers.

"I think it'll depend on the person. You can decide as you go, like you did here. You're a fairly good judge of character after all." I assure him. Ashton seems surprised by my compliment and even Fin is a little shocked by it but I'm not sure why Maybe Ashton is more socially awkward than he's let on?

"I believe there was one aspect of the man's story that seemed significant." Fin remarks.

"Yes I agree." Ashton nods his head. I glance at them then back to the road. It doesn't sound like they're planning to elaborate further. Did I miss something obvious?

"Uhh.. What was significant exactly?" I ask.

"The fae woman held his hand. This would not be normal behaviour." Fin answers. Hmm, okay. Well I know the fae make a big deal out of contact, but if she was trying to seduce a human guy surely it isn't that weird. "Given her goal... Wouldn't it make sense for her to hold his hand?" I ask. Ashton shakes his head.

"No. It is not something that is done without intent behind it. She must require contact in some way to use her magic." He concludes. I have to actively fight the urge to point out that he's been holding my hand constantly. Then again, he's doing it to keep women away so maybe that counts as intent. Man, I seriously need a fae etiquette guide or something. I wonder if someone could make me one...

The next guy, Westley Grant, is very easy to find because he's outside mowing the front lawn of his house. I guess he has gone the opposite route to Craig. Instead of letting the place fall apart, he's using his extra time to get some housework done. Ashton seems alarmed by the loud gardening implement.

"Kat, what is he doing?" He asks a little anxiously.

"He's mowing his lawn. Cutting it shorter so that it doesn't get overgrown.” I explain.

"Oh, we... don't do that. There are fae who can manage a garden if it needs to be controlled. But mostly we allow nature to manage itself. This seems very... Harsh." he shudders slightly.

"Maybe you're right. But the grass grows back quickly and it doesn't damage the roots." I promise him.

"If you say so..." He trails off, a little uncomfortably. I guess fae aren't into lawn care. Westley turns off the mower as we approach.

"Can I help you with something?" He says harshly.

"I was hoping to ask you some questions about a woman you met recently who may have been involved with thefts in the area.” Ashton answers politely. Westley's face immediately turns angry and he steps towards us aggressively. "I don't know what you're talking about. I don't know anything. You should leave." He insists. Ashton frowns.

“But we checked the files, you are Westley Grant are you not?” He says confused. Apparently if you don't lie, it doesn't immediately occur to you that someone else might be. I decide to intervene.

"We understand that it's been horrible for you. We just want to help.” I insist. Westley glares and puffs his chest up.

"I said I don't know anything. Now get out of here. My marriage is already on thin ice and I can't afford to risk it any further by entertaining you whack jobs who think you know something. Go. AWAY." He says forcefully. "But we only want to-" I start.

"I said NO." Westley takes a step towards me. Immediately, Ashton steps in between us and I feel a gentle tug on my arm as Fin pulls me backwards to stand beside him.

"Very well. We shall take our leave. We do not want to cause you further trouble." He speaks calmly but there is a warning in his tone that says he will not tolerate any further aggression towards us, or maybe towards me. The three of us retrea to the car, Ashton follows last and I don't think he turns his back on Westley until we are all in the vehicle with the doors locked. I don't think we have anything to worry about. The guy is upset, angry and lashing out. But he's not an idiot. There were three of us and one of him. I seriously doubt that he would have gotten physical. Still, I appreciate that Ashton ended the situation without escalating it further. I probably shouldn't have argued.

It's nearly time for lunch so I stop off at a place that does sandwiches and show the guys how to order, picking out what they want included. They seem to enjoy the experience, even if I do have to explain everything. The woman behind the counter seems a little confused by their confusion but I just tell her they're visiting from overseas and haven't seen a place like this before. I don't know if she believes me exactly but she doesn't question it. We sit down at one of the little tables to eat. The guys both have twice as much food as me since maintaining their glamour makes them hungry. Although I have been feeding them a steady supply of snacks every time we're in the car since the grocery order I made arrived. I don't want them to be exhausted or hangry after all.

"Well... That didn't go so well." I start.

"No it did not." Ashton agrees.

"He was behaving very aggressively towards you." Fin points out and I shrug.

"If he's in trouble with his wife, he probably doesn't want to be seen speaking to any strange women. I doubt he was thinking clearly. I was a threat and he was panicking. Besides, I doubt he would have actually done anything other than maybe yell at me. Still, thank you both for stepping in. It was sweet of you." Ashton shakes his head, refusing my thanks.

"It is my responsibility to protect you. I promised." He insists.

"And it is my responsibility to support HIM, which means protecting you as well." Fin finishes. I shrug.

"I wasn't in danger. Not really... But I appreciate it either way. We have two more guys we're hoping to find this afternoon. Next up is... Lewis Matthews. He lives fairly close by so it won't be a long drive. If all goes well we should be finished with our interviews by late afternoon.” Feeling a little less than optimistic after the way the morning went, we finish our meals before heading on our way.