Sheriff Merrow closed the file and moved it to the corner of his otherwise pristine desk, then looked at Hugh. “What did you find out from Piper?”

“Not much,” Hugh said. “Just that she found a missing person’s report on Delaney.”

Sheriff Merrow tapped a finger on the file. “That doesn’t help me eliminate these two at all.”

“Probably makes them even more suspicious, huh?” Delaney sighed. “Hugh said we probably shouldn’t go to the parade tomorrow with those two in town.”

“Actually…” Sheriff Merrow sat forward. “If you went, we might be able to draw them out. If they are indeed in town after you.”

“No,” Hugh said. “We’re not using Delaney as bait.”

She put her hand on his arm. “Wait a minute. If it means getting rid of these guys—or maybe finding out there’s no one here after me—then why not?” She looked at the sheriff. “I’d be totally protected, right?”

“Absolutely.”

“By you and two deputies?” Hugh snorted derisively. “I wouldn’t call that totally protected.”

Sheriff Merrow’s already squinty-eyed gaze got a little squintier. “We’re all werewolves. And I’d assumed you’d be at her side the whole time. Are you saying you plus three of us wouldn’t be enough?”

Hugh leaned forward, clearly not amused, considering the stern set of his mouth. “I’m saying I don’t want to put her into any more danger than she already is.”

“The thing is,” Delaney started. “We don’t actually know if I’m in danger or not. This would be a good way to figure that out.”

Hugh shifted his gaze to her. “I don’t like it.”

“I’m not madly in love with it, but it’s a solid plan.” She nodded at Sheriff Merrow. “I’m willing to give it a shot.”

Hugh frowned. “What about your new friend, the gargoyle? You think he’d be up for helping out? Just to add a little sheer brute force.”

“I talked to him for five minutes. I have no idea.” But it was nice to know Hugh was over being jealous of Nick. She looked at the sheriff. “He said he knew you from the Army. Nick Hardwin?”

Sheriff Merrow’s head did a slow bob. “Nick Hardwin. Good guy. Just into town. I could deputize him if it makes you feel better.”

“Yes, it would.” Hugh stared at Delaney. “Are you sure you’re all right with this?”

“With three werewolves, one gargoyle, one vampire and Stanhill? I can’t think of how I might be safer.”

“I can,” Hugh groused.

“Yes, I know. If I wasn’t there at all.” She bit back a laugh. “Sheriff, what about the possibility that these men don’t even see me at the parade?”

“In that crowd, they may not. If nothing happens tomorrow, we’ll have to reevaluate.” He thought for a moment. “You two should go out to Howler’s tonight. Talk about going to the parade. It’ll be packed, and there’s a good chance our guys will be there.”

Hugh growled softly.

Sheriff Merrow nodded. “I get it, Ellingham. I wouldn’t want my woman to be in danger either, but we need Rastinelli to act first. Without provocation, we’ve got nothing. That’s why he’s not already in jail.”

“What about the video of him shooting that guy?” Delaney asked. “Why haven’t they acted on it?”

The sheriff frowned. “I have a feeling whoever Rastinelli owns in the police department made that disappear.”

“Well, that sucks.”

“It’s just more reason for you two to go tonight and set this plan in motion.”

She grabbed Hugh’s hand. “C’mon, it’ll be fun to go out and…have fun.”

“Fine.” Hugh laced his fingers with hers as he looked at the sheriff. “But if I have to rip someone’s heart out, I will.”

The sheriff sighed. “I’d rather not know about that. But I’ll still tell Bridget to expect you.”

Howler’s was Hugh’s idea of hell. Wall-to-wall human tourists, loud music, cheap alcohol and questionable bar food.

“This place is crazy,” Delaney exclaimed with a happy grin. “Ooo, I see dart boards in the back room. I love darts!” She hooked her arm through his. “You want to put our name on the list to play?”

Maybe Howler’s wasn’t that bad. Especially not with Delaney at his side. Somehow she made jeans and an off-the-shoulder T-shirt look as provocative as a lace teddy. Bloody hell, she turned him on. “You don’t want to play darts with me. My accuracy won’t make it much of a game, I’m afraid.”

She pretended to be upset with him, but her eyes sparkled. “We could shoot some pool.”

“Same thing.”

“Shuffle bowl?”

He frowned. “I don’t even know what that is.”

“It’s like bowling but on a table with a puck.” She leaned in and whispered in his ear. “Your Lordship needs to get out more.”

He snorted. “And you need to spend less time with Stanhill.” Although he couldn’t deny his honorific title coming from her lips sent a jolt of heat through him. He kissed her, laughing as he did. This woman made him happy beyond description. He wanted to shower her with gifts, to spoil her in a way he imagined she’d never experienced.