Screaming Elk, MT is the first story from [[Swift To Chase (Book)]] and takes place in Screaming Elk, Montana (population: 333). The story features recurring protagonist [[Jessica Mace]] helping out a cursed, travelling carnival ran by the Gallows Brothers. In the story, Jessica meets recurring character [[Beasley]] who is taking a break from his regular job to help out the carnival. At the beginning of the story, Jessica recalls something a good friend once said to her. This friend sounds a lot like (and might be) recurring protagonist [[Isaiah Coleridge]] and this [might not be as implausible as it sounds](https://twitter.com/LairdBarron/status/1455645797329088524): "A good friend who worked in the people-removing business for the Mafia once told me there aren’t coincidences or accidents, reality doesn’t work that way. [...] He said, Jessica, you’re a dancing star being dragged toward the black hole at the ragged edges of all we know. Drawn with irresistible force, you’ll level anything in your path, or drag it to hell in your wake." (Swift to Chase, p. ) The events of [[Termination Dust]], in which Jessica's survives (and perhaps kills) the [[Eagle Talon Ripper]] back in [[Alaska]], are mentioned multiple times in the story. Beasley mentions his bosses [[Toshi Ryoko]] and [[Howard Campbell]] and their research project regarding [[Rex]]. We learn about Beasley's backstory: "I traveled with this carnival as a kid. Ran away from a bad scene at home. The Gallows took me in, gave me a job, made sure I got an education. They’re my uncles and they’re in trouble." (Swift to Chase, p. ) The knife thrower of the Gallows carnival, who has been with the carnival since the 60's, is called Conway. One of the main characters of the story [[Ardor]] is called Conway as well, though this could be coincidence. Jessica briefly mentions her old school nemesis [[Julie Vellum]]. #Story #Swift