Chapter Eight
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The next morning, Connor walked into Devon’s office bright and early, a scowl marring his face. “The hardware store was robbed last night,” his brother announced.
There went his quick return to Pittsburgh. Devon’s wolf rejoiced, but he didn’t. The image of the armored car robbery surfaced. “Was anyone hurt?”
“No. Best the owner could tell was that they were robbed during the day without anyone being aware. The owner was about to put the day’s receipts in the vault when he found his stash of money from yesterday’s deposits stolen.”
“How was that possible?”
Connor pulled up a chair. “It had to be an inside job.”
He could buy that. “Were there any security cameras in the office?”
“No, and that’s the problem. The person must have known that.” He glanced around as if he wasn’t sure how to approach the next topic. “When I was in the hardware store around six last night buying some wall anchors, I saw Vinea there.”
He bristled. “So?” His brows creased. Devon could see where this was heading. “You were at the store. Does that make you a suspect?”
“Devon. Think about it. How hard would it be for her to become invisible, hover over the owner’s shoulder as he opens the safe, and memorize the combination?”
“She would have had to case the store for days in advance to learn the owner’s routine and how the money was handled. I’m not saying she isn’t capable, but do you have any other proof? Did you see her go into the office?”
“Of course not. How could I if she was invisible?”
Devon didn’t want to get into it. If Connor could provide him with proof, he might believe Vinea hadn’t changed. Right now, she was an innocent bystander. But damn, she was making it hard for him to trust her.
The kiss convinced you, didn’t it? his wolf asked with way too much glee.
No, maybe… I don’t know.
Devon cleared his throat. “What do you want me to do?”
“Talk to her again. Pretend that you believe her. Find out if she saw anything suspicious. She might give us something to go on.”
“I don’t have to pretend. I do believe she’s innocent unless I’m convinced otherwise.”
Connor stood. “You need to think with the head on your shoulders and not the one between your legs.”
Devon refrained from giving his brother the finger. He loved Connor, and he believed he meant well. Vinea had hurt Devon emotionally, and that pissed his brother off, but if Connor had gone to dinner with them the other night, he’d know Vinea wasn’t the spiteful and deceptive woman she had once been.
Devon closed his door, returned to his desk, and then called her. His heart thumped, and he tapped his fingers on the desk waiting for her to pick up.
When she didn’t answer, he couldn’t help wondering if she was angry because he hadn’t called her in the last couple days or if she was where she shouldn’t be. In truth, it was probably best that he not speak to her right now. Devon needed time to sort through some issues. His stupid wolf kept insisting Vinea had changed and that she was his mate, but Devon didn’t know how his wolf could know so much when he didn’t.
Her voice message came on and then the beep sounded for him to leave a message. “Vinea, it’s Devon. Can you call me when you get a chance? I need your help.” That should appeal to her good senses.
Once he disconnected, he went over what Connor had said about the theft. It might be time to find out what Kalan could tell him. While Kalan and Rye were best friends when the three of them were growing up, they’d played alongside each other for years. Kalan would be straight with him.
Grabbing his gear, Devon left the office. As he drove to the sheriff’s department, Devon checked the sidewalk, hoping to spot Vinea. If she didn’t have a car, she most likely would be walking, since Vinea didn’t seem the type to hole up in a dingy trailer.
Unfortunately, he arrived at the department before he saw any sign of her. He would give her some time to return his call, and then if he hadn’t heard from her, he’d head on over to her place to speak with her. If she had been at the hardware store even close to the time of the robbery, she might have seen something suspicious. He didn’t want to believe that she would have robbed the store or that she was in league with the Changelings.
Once inside the station, Devon spotted his friend at his desk. “Hey, Kalan, how’s it going?”
His friend looked beat. Being a werebear, his beard grew faster than most, but it didn’t look like he’d even shaved this morning—or slept.
“To be honest, I’m dead tired. I was in the middle of working on the armored car heist when Dalton and I were asked to head up the theft at the hardware store. It’s like we’re the only ones on staff.”
Devon wasn’t sure if he should mention Vinea and her connection, but it might help him with his case. Knowing where to focus his attentions could save him time. “Can we go someplace private?”
Kalan pushed back his chair. “Absolutely. Follow me.”
He escorted Devon to an interrogation room then pressed two buttons. “No one can see or hear us,” Kalan said. “What is it?”
They sat opposite each other across a worn brown table. “I’m not sure how much you know about Vinea’s recent arrival or how she came into possession of a big chunk of sardonyx.”
“Rye told me Vinea removed it from Brother Jacob’s hotel room in California.”
“Yes, but a few have questioned if that was where she got it.”
Kalan leaned back in his chair. “Is that so?”
“Let me back up. I need to start with how she became involved in the first place.” Devon detailed everything from about how she came to his office the first time to how she listened into their discussion of the armored car heist. He finished with how she’d retrieved the sardonyx and the money.
“I take it you aren’t sure whether to believe her?”
“At first I wasn’t. Connor still doesn’t believe her, but because I was eager to hear her side of the story, I asked Vinea out a few days ago. I have to admit she was convincing in that she had no involvement in any way with the Changelings. She said she just wanted to help us—to make up for all the wrong she’d caused.”
“I hope that’s true. Besides Vinea’s testimony, do you have any other evidence that the Changelings are involved?”
“No.”
“I see. What can I help you with then?”
Devon told him about Connor seeing Vinea in the hardware store yesterday.
“And you think she might have had something to do with that theft?” His words came out rushed.
Devon blew out a breath. “I don’t want to believe it, but she is capable of disappearing, which means she could have done it. I’m here to see what you can tell me.”
“So far, all we know is that the safe was wiped clean of fingerprints.”
His heart spiked. “That implies Vinea is innocent. She wouldn’t need to wipe the safe clean. If she even has fingerprints, she’d know they wouldn’t be on file.” Devon tried to hide his relief, but from the brief smile on Kalan’s lips, he hadn’t succeeded.
“We should ask her for them,” Kalan said. “How about talking to Vinea? If she is guilty, you might be able to sense it. If she had nothing to do with the crime, she might have an idea who’s guilty. I don’t know how much she knows about what’s going on, but she is a goddess. They know things we humans don’t.”
He really appreciated Kalan not automatically assuming Vinea was guilty. “I plan to do just that. Thanks.”
Kalan stood. “Keep me in the loop, okay? The red moon is tonight so there’s no telling what crap will hit the fan. A few of the shifter officers know to keep an extra eye out for the Changeling shenanigans.”
They always caused trouble around the red moon. “Whatever I find out, I’ll let you know.”
“Appreciate it.”
Once Devon left the station, he drove straight to Vinea’s trailer. The inside was dark, but he knocked anyway. She didn’t answer. Given how small the place was, he was certain he would have sensed if she’d been there. Not that he would blame her for ignoring him, but he believed he could sweet-talk her into speaking with him even if she had been angry.
Just as he jumped into his truck, his cell rang. “Hello?”
“Devon, it’s Vinea. I just got your message.”
A lot of banging and talking sounded in the background. “Where are you?”
“At work.”
How did he not know she had a job? Because you haven’t called her, his wolf was quick to mention.
“Where is that?”
“Just a sec.” She must have covered the phone because all he could hear was muffled voices. “I’m sorry. This is a bad time. I gotta go.”
“No, wait. I have to talk with you.”
She hesitated, and his gut churned. “I get off work at six,” she said. “So how about stopping by at six thirty?”
“I’ll be there.”
As soon as he disconnected, he let out a breath. He’d been about to say he’d bring over dinner, but if he did that, he wasn’t sure what might happen. The more he was around Vinea, the less control he seemed to have.
Devon had a sinking feeling that if she had asked him in the other night, he might have agreed. Once close to her, no telling what his wolf would have made him do. Until he was sure of her, Devon couldn’t let his animal have his way.
*
As soon as Vinea hung up, she rushed to pick up an order and then delivered it. “Here you go, Mr. Sanford. I’ll be back to check on you.”
“Can you stay and chat? I won’t bite.” The seventy-five year old human smiled, his perfectly white dentures lighting up his face.
She’d only been on the job for a week, but already she’d become attached to some of the regulars. Mr. Sanford’s wife had died about two years ago, and he said he liked to have either lunch or an early dinner at the Silver Lake Café several times a week. He was fast becoming one of her favorites.
“I have to take care of a few people first, but I’ll come right back.”
“You do that.” He winked, and she wondered what Devon would be like when he was that age. Handsome, sexy, and quite virile, she was sure.
Vinea rushed to the kitchen, picked up another two orders, and then took the food to the waiting customers. The whole time she was hustling about, she replayed her strange conversation with Devon. She understood that he was a busy man, but did he have to wait four days before contacting her? From his tone, something urgent had come up.
All day, she’d heard the gossip about the hardware store robbery, and she hoped he didn’t want to ask if she had anything to do with it. The Changelings were bad, and she’d been bad in the past, so it made sense he’d think she was working with them—only she wasn’t.
Just today, she’d wondered if her presence in Silver Lake was causing Devon more anxiety. Part of him seemed to want to believe she’d changed, but the other half was still skeptical.
Once she finished with her customers, she returned to Mr. Sanford. Knowing how lonely he was, she slipped in across from him. “So how are you doing?”
“Not so good. Marie died two years ago today. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of her, but today is extra hard.”
Vinea reached out and placed her hand on his gnarled fingers and squeezed. The irony of her sympathy didn’t escape her. Seven months ago, she might have laughed at the old man, relishing that he was in pain, but not any longer. His hurt resonated with her—like the ache in Devon’s eyes whenever he looked at her.
“What was Marie’s favorite dessert?” Vinea asked.
“A brownie sundae.”
She smiled. “How about I fix you one in honor of Marie? My treat.”
“I think that is a wonderful idea, as long as you can spare some time to sit with me while I enjoy it?”
“I would be honored, Mr. Sanford.”
Vinea slipped out of the booth, paid for the dessert, and then went to work on making the best brownie sundae ever. When she returned with it, they sat in silence as he enjoyed the treat. Once he finished, he leaned back, looking full and content.
Mr. Sanford smiled. “That was the best dessert ever. Thank you, my dear.”
For the rest of the afternoon, Vinea rode high. Being nice was addicting.
When her shift finally ended, Vinea was actually nervous about seeing Devon again. If he accused her of some wrongdoing, her mood would plummet. The hardware store robbery was sad, but several of the customers claimed the owner had insurance. She imagined the violation was just as devastating whether he was covered or not.
It was possible the Changelings had been responsible. After all, she’d stolen their precious stone, which meant they’d have to buy more. If they had to steal money the first time, they’d need additional funds.
Maybe taking the stone hadn’t been the smartest of moves. No telling what they’d do next. In the future, she should pass her plans by Devon before interfering.
Once she clocked out, she headed out the back door.
“Goodnight, Vinea,” Charles DuPree called.
“Night.”
It was snowing out, but the cold didn’t bother her as much as it had in the past. From all the running around during her shift, Vinea was quite heated. In fact, the cool air was actually welcome. She liked her job at the café, but she missed EmmaLee something fierce. Most of the other waitresses were nice, but she doubted she’d find anyone as understanding as her best friend.
The walk home took fifteen-minutes. During that time she let her mind wander to that wonderful moment when she’d kissed Devon, and how his lips had been warm yet firm. While the contact had been brief, it was something she’d remember for quite some time. Devon McKinnon was an outstanding kisser.
Once home, she hurried inside and slipped off her coat. After the afternoon she’d had, she needed to shower. Vinea was so wiped out that she didn’t even have the energy to swipe her hand across her body to change. Instead, she peeled off her clothes then ducked into the bathroom.
As soon as the water warmed, she stepped under the hot flow and sighed with relief as the heat pummeled her body. With little time to spare, she quickly washed, dried off, and then tried on a few outfits. Satisfied with the jeans and Kelly green sweater, she drew on wool socks and boots, and then padded out to the living room to wait for Devon. Taking the time to dress, instead of swiping her hand, made her feel as if she was growing accustomed to life here on Earth.
Six thirty turned into six forty-five, and she began to wonder if Devon was coming. When the knock finally sounded on her door, Vinea jumped. Nerves were never part of her character before, but now she was almost skittish. She wanted to believe it was because she cared.
When she opened the door, the cold air rushed in. Devon was bundled up in a navy blue parka, and his cheeks were a little red. Holy hell, he looked good enough to kiss. “Come on in.”
Once he stepped inside, she closed the door. Devon glanced around, but his expression didn’t change. For the past four nights, she thought Devon might stop by, so every evening she’d cleaned, but no matter her effort, the trailer would never be considered spotless.
“I haven’t eaten, and I thought perhaps we could go out to dinner again,” Devon said.
Did that mean he’d had such a good time before that he wanted a repeat performance? Here she thought he wanted to merely question her. “Sure. Do you want to go now, or would you like a drink first?”
The last time she went shopping, she’d picked up a six-pack of beer in case he did stop over.
“I’d just as soon go now.”
Two things rushed to her mind. Either he couldn’t wait to get started on their dinner date, or he was going to tell her something she wouldn’t like and believed that being in a public place would lessen the chance of her storming off or disappearing.
Not wanting to jump to conclusions, she pretended it was the first case. Without thinking, she swept her hand and dressed in a matching blue parka. His eyes widened at her selection, but he said nothing about her choice. Damn. If she wanted to blend into this world, she needed to dress the way a normal human would—by putting one arm at a time into the jacket.
“Let’s go,” she said.
Vinea crossed her fingers, hoping this date would lead to something wonderful.