Chapter Nine
‡
“Where are we going?” Vinea asked as she slipped into Devon’s truck.
“How about McKinnon’s Pool and Pub?”
It made sense that he’d want to be surrounded by his family when he asked her any unpleasant questions. “Works for me. Maybe you can show me how to play pool while we’re there.” Not only would it allow her to spend more time with him, she could accidentally on purpose brush up against him.
Devon chuckled. “And be embarrassed when you clear the table in one turn? No thank you.”
She laughed. “I’ve never played in my life.”
“That doesn’t mean you won’t use your skills to win.”
He was being silly, but she enjoyed that he was worried about losing. She liked a man with ambition. “I’d never do that. Well, I might, but only if I had to.”
“Had to?”
“A girl can’t let a man have the upper hand all the time.”
He smiled. “Ah, the real Vinea Summer appears.”
She held up her palms. “What you see is what you get.”
Devon glanced over at her then returned his focus to the road. “I’ll store that comment for further study.”
A few minutes later, they arrived at the pub. “Does your father own it?” she asked.
“No. My uncle Garrett does. His daughter, Molly McKinnon waits tables. She’s finishing up school, but she likes the extra cash waitressing brings in. My youngest brother Finn is the bartender and recently became the manager.”
She remembered Finn; she’d tried to extract information from him about the demon from Cargonia. Man did that seem like a lifetime ago. “You must be proud of him. That’s quite an accomplishment.”
“I am proud. I’m very lucky that everyone in my family has done well.” He parked and then cut the engine.
Devon came over to her side and opened the door. Vinea wasn’t sure if she’d ever be used to such chivalry. She’d certainly missed out on a lot of things living in the dark realm.
Once she stepped inside the dimly lit pub, it took her a moment to become accustomed to the smells that seemed to be some combination of beer, old wood, and what she thought might be peanuts. It wasn’t unpleasant so much as unique.
A two-piece band consisting of a guitar and a set of drums was setting up on the small stage to the left as they walked in. A poolroom sat straight ahead with a large bar to the right. The dining area consisted of eight tables surrounded by a lot of booths ringing the walls. How had she not remembered any of this the last time she’d been in here?
A cute girl rushed up to them, and when she hugged Devon, Vinea had to tamp down her jealousy. It was her big weakness.
“Molly, I’d like you to meet Vinea. Vinea, this is my cousin Molly McKinnon.”
Ah, yes, the owner’s daughter. The relief was so great she almost hugged the girl. “Nice to meet you.”
Devon placed a hand on Vinea’s back and heat seared up her body. She was fast falling for this man, even though he might never accept her. Damn.
“Can we sit anywhere?” he asked his cousin.
“Sure, but my station is along the back wall.”
“Great.” Devon led Vinea to the back.
He was being so nice that Vinea was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Molly took their order and then rushed to fill it.
“Did you hear about the theft at the hardware store?” she asked, wanting to get the ball rolling if this was the real reason for him asking her out.
“I did. Do you know something about it?”
Vinea couldn’t detect any anger or censure in his tone, but Devon was good as hiding his emotions. “I only know what I heard at the café.”
“Café?”
“I work at the Silver Lake Café now.”
“Ah. So that’s what the noise was in the background when we spoke earlier.”
She studied him for a moment. “And you call yourself a detective?”
His chin lifted, acting as if she’d offended him. “I could have found out if I’d tried.”
Vinea didn’t even want to ask why he hadn’t. “I’m sure you could have.”
“Why didn’t you mention it?”
She was embarrassed. She also wasn’t ready for the censure of taking a menial job. It didn’t matter he seemed okay with her working tables in Billard. “I didn’t think it was important.”
Devon studied her for a moment, probably deciding whether or not to say if it was. “You know I like to know what you’re up to.”
She couldn’t decide if that was because he wanted to keep tabs or her, or if he was interested. Right now, her emotions were so erratic, she couldn’t be sure of anything. “Good to know.”
“So, back to the robbery. Did you hear any gossip?”
Talking about facts would be easier than discussing what they felt about each other. “All I know is that the hardware store was robbed around six, but that the owner might have insurance.” She held up a hand. “Not that it makes it right.”
“I heard that too, and I agree. Did anyone speculate who might be responsible?”
She chuckled. “Even if anyone knew, it’s not like they’re going to point a finger. It would be unhealthy for them, if you know what I mean?”
“True. Connor said he saw you in the hardware store yesterday. Are you sure no one looked suspicious?”
The blood drained from her face, until anger scratched back. So that was what this was about. “I didn’t see Brother Jacob if that’s what you’re asking.” She hadn’t meant her comment to be curt. While he hadn’t come out and asked if she had been responsible, he’d implied it.
“I’m sorry. I’m not asking if you did it.”
Wasn’t he? “But you were thinking it.”
He slipped his napkin onto his lap. “Connor wanted me to ask, that’s all.”
“Connor? I suppose he suggested that I probably disappeared, waltzed into wherever they keep the cash, and stole the money.”
He glanced off to the side. “More or less.”
She swallowed her anger. “I know I tried to harm both Sam and Zane. I also understand that I hurt you by leading you on, lying to you, and then stealing from you. I broke any trust I had with Lexi and a lot of other people, but that is all in the past now. I’m not sure what more I can do to prove to you and your family that I’m not out to harm anyone.”
Molly chose that moment to deliver their drinks, and Vinea appreciated the chance to cool off.
Devon tossed back half his beer. It was as if he needed the fortification. “I want to believe you, but as you so nicely stated, your track record isn’t the best.”
“You’re right, but I’m determined to prove to you that I can be trusted. I should do a little more snooping up on the hill.”
“No way.” Devon clasped his hands on his drink.
Was he kidding? “What do you mean? You accuse me of wrongdoing or possible wrongdoing, and then say I can’t prove my innocence?”
Devon leaned forward. “It’s not safe. You don’t understand what kind of animals live in the hills.”
The Changelings. “It won’t be dangerous for me. Remember who I am and what I can do. Besides, I want to do this.”
He waved a hand. “You said yourself that your abilities aren’t what they used to be.”
Me and my big mouth. “I’ll be in and out in a minute. The last time went fine. Nothing is going to happen. One head bob and I’m gone, poof.”
He leaned back and shook his head. “No.”
Vinea huffed. “No? Since when did you become my keeper?”
Please say it was right after I kissed you.
“I’m not, but I would be lying if I said it wouldn’t affect me if you were caught.”
When backed into a corner, the Vinea of old seemed to come out. “Why? Do you think those people would assume I was working for you and then come after you?” Here she thought he cared for her.
Devon blew out a breath and glanced at the ceiling. “I have no idea how you came up with that conclusion, but you have it all wrong.”
“Then explain it to me,” she said between gritted teeth, trying to keep from shouting.
“Despite my better judgment, I like you.”
Her pulse shot up. “Does that mean you believe me?”
Once more, he glanced to the side before returning his gaze to her. “I think so.”
She’d been about to say that she wanted him to believe her unconditionally, but then decided that was unrealistic. She needed to be content with baby steps. “Okay, if I have to stay away from those people, what are you going to do to find the person responsible for the hardware store theft?”
Devon finished off his drink. “I don’t know.”
“You see? You need me.” There had to be a way to convince him. Sure, she could go there without telling him, but that would only add another lie to her pile of offenses.
“What if something goes wrong?” he asked. The anguish in his eyes told her a lot.
“I’ll make sure it doesn’t.” Please say you’re okay with this.
He blew out a breath. “Fine, but I want to hear your plan first.”
Excitement raced through her. If she could learn something, it might bring Connor over to her side too. Hopefully, this job would convince Devon once and for all that she’d really changed. “I’ll do the same thing I did before. I’ll enter quietly, listen for a while, and leave. Simple.”
Devon knotted his fingers together. “Fine, but on one condition.”
She had him. “What’s that?”
“Call me as soon as you get out of there and let me know what you’ve learned. No heroics, hear?”
Vinea smiled. “Absolutely none.”
Devon cleared his throat. “Okay then. So tell me about your new job.”
Vinea was thrilled that the inquisition was over, and they could finally get on with their date. “As I mentioned, my skills are rather limited, so when I spotted the help wanted sign at the Silver Lake Café, I applied.”
“I’m impressed you looked for work so quickly.”
She hadn’t expected him to say that. “Why? I do need money to live on.”
“I know you worked as a waitress in Georgia, but it has to be harder for you to do manual labor than the average person.”
She laughed. “Because you think my life was so cushy before?”
He shrugged. “I’m not sure what to think, but if you were still up to your old ways, I guess you wouldn’t be working a regular job.”
Vinea sipped her beer, liking the taste. “I’m glad you’re finally willing to see the real me.”
“So am I.”
Molly returned with their meals. Vinea had ordered the breaded chicken breast with a mushroom sauce and Devon a hamburger. Now that he wasn’t shooting daggers at her, she could enjoy her food.
“So, how long will you be staying in Silver Lake?” she asked Devon.
“It depends on what you find. Just today, Connor suggested I return to the branch office in Pennsylvania because we’d reached a dead end, but then the hardware store was robbed.”
“Isn’t finding the perpetrator a job for the police?”
He chuckled and nodded. “They are handling it, but the owner is a good friend of my father’s, and he asked if we could lend a hand.”
So when this mess was cleaned up would he head on home and not give her a second thought? That idea upset her so much that her chicken no longer looked so appetizing. “What would you like me to listen for, or to find, when I visit your friends in the hills?”
“Anything you can find that relates to them having newfound money, whether it’s in relation to the hardware store theft or the armored car heist. Hell, if they discuss anything about a new attack, we’d love to know.”
“That’s a tall order. I can float around for a bit, but my ability to stay invisible for long has always been an issue.”
He leaned forward. “I take it back. I don’t want you to go.”
Shit. Devon really did care about her safety. A warm and embracing liquid shot through her, filling her with joy. However, if she had any hope of being with him long term, she had to do this job. “I want to help you. If I feel myself appearing, I’ll leave. I promise.”
He chewed the inside of his mouth. “Fine, but be careful.”
She smiled at Devon. “I will.”
Maybe he was starting to care for her again. She could only hope.
*
This time when Devon dropped her off at her trailer, he said he had some business to take care of and couldn’t stay. She didn’t believe that was the reason for him bugging out so fast. True, he had received a phone call on the way home, but a few minutes extra to say goodnight wouldn’t have hurt him. Men. She wanted to believe it meant he didn’t trust himself, fearing a kiss would turn into something more, but getting her hopes up meant it would hurt more when he left.
If he had to leave, she’d let him go. Even a goddess couldn’t make someone care if he didn’t.
“Okay, while you’re working,” she said, “I might head on up to Brother Jacob’s house sometime tonight.”
“Shouldn’t you wait until tomorrow?”
“Why?”
“It’s late. Brother Jacob might not be conducting business at this hour.”
Vinea leaned closer. “Are you worried about me?”
“Yes.” His voice came out strangled.
So he was afraid what might happen if he stayed—or so she told herself. “You are a sweet man, Devon McKinnon.”
He cleared his throat. The man definitely had issues with expressing his emotions. “Remember to call me. Okay? And don’t stay too long.”
She ran a hand down his arm. “Don’t worry. What can go wrong?”
“Plenty.”
Quite happy with the way things had turned out this evening, Vinea slipped out of his truck and rushed to her trailer. Anxious to learn something, she decided to head up right away.
But when she stepped inside her trailer, she instantly knew something was wrong. The heat had gone off. After investigating the heater, she realized it was beyond her scope of expertise to fix, and no amount of hand waving would help. Damn. Fortunately, she had the landlord’s number and called him.
“I can send someone over in a half hour.”
That would give her enough time to head on up to Brother Jacob’s, listen for a few minutes, and return before the repairman showed up. “That would be great. Thank you.”
Not bothering to take off her jacket, she nodded once, and to her delight, she found her prey in his study again. He was on the phone talking to someone about buying more sardonyx. Perfect timing!
His conversation certainly sounded promising, however that alone didn’t mean he’d stolen the hardware money. She should have asked Devon how much was taken so if Brother Jacob haggled over the price, and the two prices matched, it might indicate he’d been the thief.
From the casual way they were talking, he was calling the same man who’d sold him the stone in California the last time. Before she would traipse out to the west coast again, she’d ask Devon first if his crew wanted her to get a hold of some of the money and the stone like she had the last time. If the Changelings lost their precious sardonyx a second time, no telling what kind of retribution they’d engage in.
“If you do,” Brother Jacob said, “call me.” He tossed his cell phone on his desk and leaned back.
Guess that didn’t go as planned. The man looked tired, as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. She couldn’t imagine being responsible for a large group of people, especially since he believed he needed something as rare as sardonyx to ensure their existence. That would put a toll on anyone.
Vinea waited a few more minutes, but he just seemed to be surfing the Internet. As she was about to call it a night, a knock sounded on the door.
“Come in,” Brother Jacob said. The scowl on his face implied he wasn’t in the mood to be disturbed.
John Ernst walked in with his chest puffed out. “I have some news.”
Well, she couldn’t leave now!
Brother Jacob stood and came around to the front of the desk and peered down at the newcomer. He was a good four inches taller than Ernst, so perhaps this was his way of intimidating him. “What is it?”
“Were you able to secure any more sardonyx?” Ernst asked.
“No, but Archer says he’ll explore other avenues.”
Archer? Having a name might help Devon.
“I might have a lead. I spoke with the realtor about buying the craft store.”
Brother Jacob waved a hand. “The hardware store safe didn’t yield even enough to buy a hunk of stone, let alone a down payment on the craft store.”
Bingo! Too bad she hadn’t thought to record the conversation. She was slipping.
“We’ll have to find more money,” Ernst said.
Now things were heating up. In her excitement to find out more, she lost focus and appeared. Oh shit. Vinea tried to become invisible once more, but it seemed she needed a moment to regroup. This was bad. Really bad.
“What the hell?” Brother Jacob said as he grabbed her arm.
The shock of being exposed enabled her to activate her flight mechanism, and a second later she was back in her trailer, her heart pounding so hard, she thought she might go into cardiac arrest.
Shit, shit, shit. While he hadn’t captured her, he’d seen her face. Jacob would be more careful now than ever. She hadn’t prayed in years—make that hundreds of years—but she believed now might be time to start. If she caused these men to go underground or go on a witch hunt for her, Devon would never forgive her.
Vinea paced her living room, knowing Devon was waiting for the call. If she told him she’d found out nothing while in Brother Jacob’s house, he would think she was in cahoots with those evil Changelings. Telling the truth was the only option, and the sooner the better. Calling wasn’t an option. She would need to tell him in person, and then calm him down when he began shouting.
With a nod, she disappeared and reappeared in the McKinnon and Associates office. Devon wasn’t there, even though he said he was heading to the office to do work. Using her cloak of invisibility, she searched the other offices and spotted Sam and Connor at their desks. While she wanted to tell someone about her fiasco, she believed neither of them would be likely to hear her out.
Next stop was Devon’s house. She’d never been inside, but she knew where he lived. In fact, she might know more about Devon McKinnon than he did—other than where he was at the moment.
Her arrival was a little misplaced however, and she landed in his unlit bathroom. Whoops! That would have been embarrassing if he’d been in the shower or worse on the john.
The rest of the house was dark, implying he wasn’t home. While she doubted he was on a date, given her frazzled state of mind, it might be better if she headed home and waited. After all, the repairman would be there momentarily.
Because she didn’t have time to search, she should just call him, but she was a chicken. Not talking to him in person would be disastrous. Maybe after the heater man came and went, she’d call, assuming she’d figured out what to say to him.