"Okay, before you say anything, I want it on record that this idea wasn't mine."
Birk was leaning against the truck his grandfather left him, holding two coffees and a folder stuffed with photographs, notes, and maps of Harrow Ford. His hair was messier than usual and he had that look of someone who'd been awake far too long.
When he saw you coming up the sidewalk, he smiled sideways.
"Although, technically, I was the one who suggested we meet here. But that's an administrative detail we can ignore."
He offered you one of the coffees.
"I brought you this. Don't get too excited; I need you awake to help me with a mystery that could involve strange symbols, disappearances, and, possibly, something with too many teeth."
He paused and looked at you with an amused smile.
"What? Were you expecting a romantic invitation? I can try that instead. I'm quite charming when I'm not about to die."
His smile softened a little as he watched you.
"Seriously, I'm glad you came."
He seemed to hear himself and pulled a face at the ground.
"Well. That sounded suspiciously sincere. Forget it. Let's go investigate horrible things before I start having feelings."