Game was 9/29/19.

Around 5 o’clock, just after Abby passes MacLeod, William’s cell phone rings. He answers without looking, and Chief Vandernoot snarls, “My office, now!” William doesn’t bother protesting that he’s retired; he simply replies, “Understood.” He hangs up and announces, “We need to go get milkshakes.” Abby turns to head back to King Street and asks, “What’s going on?” Leta guesses, “The angry police lady?” and William nods and replies, “Yes. That’s why we need to go get milkshakes.” Abby mumbles, “I’m so glad I’m already dead.”

Abby pulls through the Friendly’s drive-through and William orders milkshakes. They get their order and depart, and then Abby drives to the police station on Gothic Street. She parks, and there is a moment of silence before Veltis turns to William and says snidely, “It was nice knowing you.” Abby replies, “Let’s go,” and Veltis agrees, but grumbles about it. He and Leta get into another argument and Veltis mentions New Orleans, although Leta claims she’s never been there and Veltis is lying. She follows the others into the police station, griping the whole time. The desk sergeant looks up when they enter, and then vaguely waves them upstairs; clearly they’re expected.

Vandernoot speaks to the CSI technician on the scene at Damon Road, and he states flatly, “This is going to be an interesting ballistics report. We’re digging a musket ball out of one wall, and I’m pretty sure a Tommy gun was used as well.” Vandernoot curses and ends the call and William, Leta, Veltis, and Abby stride in; William hands her a milkshake. Vandernoot glares at him but accepts the milkshake. She then closes the door to her office and pulls the shades down. Once she’s assured their privacy, she turns to William and snaps, “So, having a bad day?” William shrugs, so Vandernoot growls, “Or at least a busy day. Care to explain the musket ball?” William looks at her blankly, while Leta remains stone-faced.¹⁾

Vandernoot curses again and says, “So, you were the one with the Tommy gun?’ William plays dumb, and Vandernoot snaps, “I’ve got another bad cop. Is he another Nazi?” Veltis speaks up and says, “We don’t think he was a Nazi.” Vandernoot glares at the talking rat before turning to William and saying, “I see you brought your talking friend.” William protests that Veltis is not ‘his,’ but Vandernoot snaps, “He came in with you. He’s associated with you. Dear God, I thought him talking was the morphine.” Veltis smirks at Vandernoot, who then threatens to re-deputize William. Veltis leans in and asks, “Can she do that?” to William. William shrugs, and Vandernoot threatens to deputize Veltis!

Veltis beams and William states, “That’s not a god idea.” Frustrated beyond belief, Vandernoot turns to Abby and snaps, “I get why Leta’s here, but why the hell are you involved in this? You’re normal!” Abby bursts out laughing, and Vandernoot recoils. William says simply, “Abby is Leta’s roommate. I can’t drive until my legs heal, so Abby brought me here. Leta came with us. That’s all.” Leta remains uncharacteristically quiet, while Vandernoot rages, “You’re always in the center of weird shit! You’re always at Cooley-Dick, or here in the NPD!” William retorts, “I’m here now because you called me!” Vandernoot grumbles about not being able to retire, but demands to know what William has discovered. William deflects, but admits the theft of the corpses and the disappearance of the files was a joint inside job.

At the crash site, MacLeod eyes the stiffs in the back of the truck and winces at the smell; he can see the autopsy incisions and the toe tags and realizes CDH processed these corpses weeks ago – and they reek. He snaps pictures for evidence, and then an ambulance shows up. A short black woman gets out, and MacLeod directs her to the injured driver in the cabin. The EMT performs a quick check and then notices the corpses in the back. She wrinkles her nose and mutters, “These two?” MacLeod looks at her quizzically, and the EMT explains she carried these two corpses from Smith College three weeks ago, after the NPD discovered them.

MacLeod calls for a tow truck while the EMT stabilizes the unconscious driver, and then she jokes, “So how do you report this?” MacLeod snorts, “As ‘fucked up.’ Although technically, corpse theft and abuse of a corpse.” MacLeod calls Vandernoot, and cautiously reveals his findings. Vandernoot drawls, “So glad to have those two back,” and MacLeod can tells something’s up. He swiftly learns William Troy is not only in play, but he’s sitting in Vandernoot’s office now. MacLeod states, “I’ll be along shortly. I need to get you another milkshake, this one’s melting.” Vandernoot replies, “No need. Just your company, dear friend.” MacLeod hangs up, knowing Vandernoot is pissed off.

William continues the verbal dance for ten minutes until they all hear the loud engine noise of MacLeod’s truck pulling up to the station. A few minutes later, MacLeod saunters into the room and positions himself behind Vandernoot so he can loom menacingly at the others. Veltis flips him off, but MacLeod ignores the rat. William cracks, “Should we call Sam in and get the band back together?” Never lifting his eyes off William, MacLeod asks Vandernoot, “Did Polly call him first?” William gripes, “That’s why I’m here.”

Veltis loses patience and snaps, “How far do you want to go here?” William nods and Vandernoot demands answers. Veltis keeps it vague, and says the pair they’ve arrested was helping another group cover its tracks. Vandernoot disparages their efforts, and Veltis retorts, “I didn’t say they had competent help.” Vandernoot wants to know how this group secured another one of her cops, and Veltis asks, “What is the most potent and addictive drug you know?” Vandernoot frowns and replies, “Opiates, I guess.” Veltis turns to MacLeod and says, “How about you, furry?” MacLeod retorts, “Opiates and tic-tacs.”

Veltis sorts and lays it out; a cult of personality backed up with addictive substances to ensure loyalty. Vandernoot frowns as a terrible idea lodges in her head Veltis sees the shift in her body language and demands, “Do you want to know? Knowing will put you in grave danger.” MacLeod retorts, “We’re cops,” but Veltis snaps, “Yes, I know.” He turns to Vandernoot and challenges, “What do you think it is?” MacLeod loses patience and demands answers, but then pauses and demands, “Wait, did you make William younger?” Veltis replies, “No, that was… my opposite number.” Incredulous, MacLeod snaps, “So, a cat?” Veltis and William share a look and the rat mumbles, “Technically, yes.” William nods.

Vandernoot remains firm in her desire for answers, so Veltis hops off Leta’s shoulder, scampers over to her desk – and then increases size to the equivalent of a Great Dane! He looks right at Vandernoot and growls, “Vampires are real. They’ve existed for millennia, creeping in the shadows.” Vandernoot exclaims, “I knew it!” MacLeod mutters, “What about werewolves?” There is a moment of silence, and then Veltis replies, “Let’s not get into that right now.” Vandernoot eyes William, who admits, “The vampire thing is new to us too.”

Vandernoot then recalls multiple reports of large animals running around Smith College, but the cell remains silent. Vandernoot frowns and asks, “Wait, is Smith College run by vampires?” The hunters eyes each other again, and Veltis replies, “No. That’s a different problem.” Vandernoot and MacLeod grapple with the implications of the existence of vampires, and William jokes, “Welcome to the club.” Veltis snorts and MacLeod jokes to Vandernoot, “He’s as sassy as we are.” Veltis retorts, “I’ve had centuries to practice. But on the bright side, you’re unlikely to get taken to Europe against your will.” William grumbles.

Vandernoot acknowledges that while they got the corpses back, the files are probably gone. Veltis nods and replies, “Most likely. Vampires are paranoid about keeping their existence secret, and they’ve had millennia to practice hiding – and usurping institutions. The vampires won’t stop until they’ve erased all races of their existence in this double homicide. You want to keep your people safe? Let this one go, and have the bodies cremated before returning the ashes to the families. However, you may be able to spin this to your advantage, as I know Smith College would love to bury this.” Vandernoot grimaces at the rat’s ruthless pragmatism, and MacLeod incredulously demands, “So we just let you run roughshod over this town?”

Veltis suddenly shifts to the size of a gorilla and snarls, “If you want to keep your department safe? Yes, you do exactly that.” Vandernoot grumbles but dismisses them, although she challenges Veltis to wander downstairs in his current size. Veltis ignores her, and shifts size back to a normal rat. Leta picks him up, and the hunters depart. A few seconds after her door closes, Vandernoot opens her drawer and pulls out a flask. MacLeod asks, “You’re sharing that, right?” Vandernoot glares at him and snaps, “No shit. First, we drink. Then, we go back to work.”

As the hunters leave the NPD, Abby asks softly, “Was that wise?” William replies, “Of them? No.” Veltis adds, “We had to tell them something, though. What’s-her-noot wouldn’t let William go if we didn’t.” Although William disputes this, he does acknowledge Vandernoot’s legendary stubbornness. Leta adds, “She has your number. Your literal phone number and how you tick.” William concedes that, and Veltis says, “Let’s go home. I’ll make dinner.” The others agree, and pile into Abby’s car.

Meanwhile, down at the Montoya Botanica in Springfield, Anita learns a bit more about Josh’s sister, Serena – who she never knew existed until today – and notes some negativity from the usually-cheerful Josh. She also notes Abuela pacing back and forth, and how Del is cheating at cards but Ray hasn’t noticed. Once Josh finishes, Anita goes to cash-out the register. Abuela continues pacing until Anita gathers the trash and heads out the back to the dumpster. Abuela immediately follows, but waits until they’re outside in the back lot before she confronts her granddaughter. Anita lays out everything that happened earlier with Silas Black, including how he gave up Del for free but is holding Carlos for protection money. Abuela mutters, “Idiot. If he was smart he would have done that the other way around.” Anita bursts out laughing.

Abuela growls they need to toss Del into a nunnery, and Anita jokes, “There’s one across the river in West Springfield. Right behind the Hooters.” Abuela rolls her eyes, and Anita reiterates, “I inherited all the brains in this generation.” Abuela admits pretty and stupid men are a weakness within the Montoya women, but blames Anita’s deceased mother. Abuela then asks, “Why did he throw holy water at Black?” Anita replies, “They thought he was a vampire.” Abuela stares, and then blames Josh for this stupidity – and destroying her store. Anita hotly retorts, “He didn’t destroy it, he modernized it. I can do inventory in two hours instead of my entire Sunday!” Abuela counters, “You wouldn’t have so many gringos running around if you had to do inventory!”

Anita refuses to take that bait but when the conversation returns to Carlos, she admits she is considering refusing to pay, regardless of the consequences. Abuela nods, as she considered it too. Anita mutters, “I think the reason Black is so pissed is that Carlos and his buddies probably ruined the man’s shirt. Water and silk don’t mix. But at least it wasn’t piss or something.” Abuela groans and admits Carlos has thrown his own urine before. Years ago, the accountant Randall Crowe came by the store for his first meeting with Abuela, and Carlos ran out in front of the car. Randall was able to stop the car before hitting the boy, and gently admonished him with, “Hey, you have to be more careful.” Carlos got pissed, so he found a balloon and peed in it, and then threw it at Crowe’s car. Abuela grumps about having to pay the accountant a higher retainer because of that, but returns to her old gem, “Financial troubles? Get a white man.”

Anita points out that Josh can give Abuela a login and teach her how to use the system. Abuela eyes her with distaste before spinning around and marching inside. Anita follows, and sees that Ray is winning despite Del’s cheating. During their talk outside, Josh keeps an eye on Del and Ray, but Googles ‘How to get out of paying protection money.’ He carefully writes everything down on paper, figuring he can burn it later. Anita demands, “What are you Googling?” Josh shows her the paper and talks about a group of Italian businesses that banded together and refused to pay the mob – and advertised it, increasing business. However, he admits that’s a long-term marketing solution, and doesn’t help right now.

Abuela growls to Anita, “Don’t marry him.” Anita protests, “He has a girlfriend, and I don’t want to cross her!” Josh blushes furiously, and then Anita turns to him and says sweetly, “Josh, my grandmother would like you to teach her how to use the new system.” Josh’s look of pure joy causes Abuela to sigh and Anita to tell her, “I win.” Grumbling, Abuela snaps, “Fine. Show me how this damned thing works.” Behind them, Del drops her Coke on the floor in pure shock. Anita tells her that she’s cleaning that, and they get to sniping.

Josh creates a login for Abuela and shows her the basics of the system. He is a patient teacher, and Abuela actually grasps several of the advantages of the database – so much so that she grunts, “Customer discount codes? You can delete those.” Anita protests and reminds her that her friend Consuela gets a 10% discount. Abuela says peevishly, “She’s worth maybe 7%.” Abuela starts pestering Josh to have him show her various reports in the system, in the hopes of discovering a flaw she can hold over Anita. However, Josh’s system is thorough, and Abuela stares at multiple reports – all very useful in running a business or preparing for tax time.

Josh then shows Abuela social media and builds her Facebook and Twitter accounts. Anita decrees that to be a terrible idea, but Josh counters, “If she’s following social media, that’s time when she’s not bothering you.” That brings Anita up short, and she concedes with a grudging, “True.” Josh finds a custom report that breaks down the days he is selling, and finds them much higher than the other days. Anita is unrepentant; Josh is good for business. Abuela mutters, “Alright, this all might be useful come the audit.” Anita says flatly, “We’re not getting audited. I took care of that.”

Abuela spins on her heel and demands, “How the hell did you dodge an audit?” Anita replies, “Well, grandmother, I used dark magic.” Abuela stares at her, eyes narrowed, and Anita admits, “It’s not always reliable.” Abuela demands an explanation, but Anita replies, “Not in front of the children,” as she gestures to Ray and Del. Ray shrinks back as Del gets pissed. Abuela turns back to Josh and snaps, “Do you speak German?” Josh replies, “Nien,” and then quickly adds, “That’s literally the only German word I know.” Anita roars with laughter, but Abuela growls profanity in German.

Abuela demands in German, “Was this sex magic?” Anita snaps, “No!” in German. She snarls, “Remember, I got the sense in the family.” Abuela retorts, “That’s relative, look at your competition!” While the two women are arguing in German, Josh pulls up a phone app to translate, but only gets ‘sex magic.’ Del snarls a French profanity at them all, the only words in French she knows. Anita switches to English and asks, “What is the next step? Do we bring him home?” Josh turns to Ray and asks him, “What do you need? Where is safe for you?” Ray shrugs and tries to be oblique, but Josh takes a gamble.

Turning back to Abuela, Josh says that the botanica has thrived for ninety years here in Springfield. He makes a few insinuations about candles and the supernatural that Ray notices. Josh keeps it formal, without any overt weirdness, but asks Abuela, “How much do you know?” Abuela hesitates, but realizes almost everyone else here knows something – except for poor Del. She brusquely tells Del to go outside; Del protests but her grandmother is ruthless and refuses to budge. Anita adds, “Out! Don’t disappear!” Del stomps outside angrily, and once she’s gone Ray shudders and blurts out, “My sister is now a monster!” Josh stands behind him in support, but Abuela stares at him and then turns to Anita and snaps, “What does this group of gringos do?” Anita says flatly, “Not my story.” Fuming, Abuela turns back to Josh and demands, “Why is my granddaughter involved in this?” Josh considers his reply, but Anita sighs and says, “I wasn’t sure how to tell you this, but now is as good a time as any.” She steps forward as Josh turns to Ray and says hurriedly, “We’re a mixed group.”

Anita unlocks Pyre-Flame Rage and magenta flame crackles from her body! Abuela stares, but tells Josh, “Pin in that.” She turns back to Anita and demands an explanation. Anita says flatly, “The night of the fire? I died. I didn’t fully come back.” Abuela goes stock-still and hisses, “Did you make a bargain with something dead?” Startled, Anita nods, and Abuela hisses, “You… you’re one of the Joined!” Anita snaps, “Wait, you know another Sin-Eater?” Abuela screams, “Yes, your grandfather!” Anita rocks back in shock, and Abuela hisses, “Please tell me you didn’t make a bargain with The Witch!”

Anita nods dumbly, and Abuela starts cursing. Anita reaches inside herself to speak to The Witch; she demands, “We need to talk. Do you stalk bloodlines?” The Witch whispers, “One of you was going to die. In truth, I expected to get your sister.” Anita closes her eyes and starts cursing herself. Ray leans into Josh and whispers, “Is she a medium?” Josh replies, “Sort of. That is The Witch. It’s… complicated.” Ray eyes the swearing women and raises his hand. Both Anita and Abuela eye him, irritated, but he just points out the window – to Del, who is staring in absolute shock!²⁾ She barges in, swearing, and demands answers. Anita gives a partial explanation, but then asks Abuela about the store’s wards. Abuela admits they’re keyed to the dead, but demands, “Who was that European woman?”

Josh says quickly, “A candle. The biggest, brightest candle.” Abuela retorts, “Candles don't pop wards!” Ray asks softly, “What are the Joined?” Are they vampires?” Anita shakes her head and Josh replies, “No. She doesn’t drink blood.” Abuela eyes Ray and demands, “Vampires are real?” Ray nods and says softly, “Yes, they are. They’re very real. And the mythology shit doesn’t work.” He reddens and immediately says, “Sorry.” Abuela grumbles, but mutters, “The wards won’t work against them.” She turns back to Josh and demands, “Are you involved in this?” Josh replies, “Aware, yes. Involved, no.” Abuela grumbles again, but narrows her eyes and snaps, “You’re going out with the gringos tonight!” Anita nods and Josh clarifies, “The other ones.” Anita stipulates, “I’m coming back,” and Abuela hisses, “You’re going down Below, aren’t you?”

Ray whispers, “What are they talking about?” Josh whispers back, “Not now, OK?” Ray replies, “Only if there’s more ice cream.” Josh chortles, but Anita demands, “Wait, have you ever been down below?” Abuela growls, “Once. That idiot decided to bring me to a brothel!” Anita goes pale, and Abuela swears. She points to Anita and snaps, “You’re Joined.” She then points to the two boys and snarls, “You two carry a candle.” Finally, she points to Del and snarls, “And you’re an idiot.” Josh replies smoothly, “I know I’m not smart,” clearly trying to take some heat off Del. Abuela snarls but says Josh and Ray will accompany her and Del home. She snaps to Anita, “Be careful down there.” Anita shrugs and replies, “I plan to. I don’t want to get any more trains thrown at me.”