Cassie’s house, Clevedon, two weeks later
“I can’t thank you enough for letting us live here at the house,” Emma said. “Right, Jack?”
“You don’t have to keep thanking me. This house is yours for as long as you want it. Hone and I are fine living at his place in Papakura. Besides, I’ll be away for a month here and there when I have studio and publicity commitments.”
Hone wrapped his fingers around hers. It gave her a buzz, sent pleasure coursing through her veins every time. “We’re going to be away for a month here and there,” he amended.
She shared a grin. “That’s true.” They’d set a date for their wedding. Something small and intimate with just Hone’s family and hers—although her mother was still doing her best to run Cassie’s life. Even though she hadn’t met Hone, she didn’t approve of her daughter getting married in such haste. Too bad. Cassie had no intention of changing her mind. “You haven’t had any trouble here?”
“It’s quiet. Peaceful. Not a single clown or trespasser,” Emma said.
Jack turned the steaks on the barbecue, and the scent of cooking meat made her stomach rumble. “The cops have been around a few times, asking about your neighbor. Evidently, he’s done a runner with his kid. The community constable didn’t say much, but we got the impression they have no idea of his whereabouts. There is no record of him or the kid leaving the country.”
“Matthew loves his son.” Cassie picked up a piece of garlic bread and waved it in front of her as she spoke. “It was easy to see when they were here together. Dillion loves his father too.”
“Oh, that reminds me. A letter came for you in the mail earlier in the week. It’s propped behind my recipe book.” Emma started to get up, but Cassie stayed her with a hand.
“I’ll grab it. Want another soda? Hone, Jack, another beer?”
The letter bore a Hawaii postmark, and she didn’t recognize the handwriting on the envelope. She tucked it under her arm and carried the drinks outside. “I’ve no idea who it’s from.” She squeezed in the gap between Hone and Emma and put the letter in her jacket pocket for later.
“Steaks are done.” Jack placed the platter on the table.
“What did Kevin say about you signing with a new manager?” Emma asked.
“Huh! It’s a wonder you didn’t hear him shouting out here. He said I was an ungrateful bitch and I’d regret it, then he hung up on me. I haven’t heard from him since.”
“He was trying to take advantage of you,” Hone snapped. “Bastard. If he decides to visit you in person, I’ll give him a knuckle sandwich with a punch to wash it down.”
Jack snorted and Emma echoed the sentiment.
“I might let you,” Cassie said. “Wow, I hang around you guys for a while and turn into a bloody-thirsty wench.”
“My wench,” Hone said with satisfaction.
Emma chortled. “I never thought I’d see the day.”
“I like him,” Cassie said and winked at her man…ah, dragon. “Will you take me flying?”
“We’ll have to get permission from Manu because I’m not sure if his units will make you invisible,” Hone said.
“This is so exciting. I’m learning about this new, mysterious world. How is Manu?”
Hone frowned. “Not good. Samuel is doing everything he can to provoke him.”
“Samuel wants to die and Manu is the only one who can give him death.”
Cassie set down her knife and fork. “How?”
“The sword,” Emma said. “Now that June is gone, Manu is the tribe leader. He bears the responsibility for every dragon within the Auckland region.”
“If June was the leader, how come Manu had the magic sword?” Cassie asked.
“The sword chooses the leader by melting into their body. It rejected June and accepted Manu before June flew here. Kahurangi said that was the final bit that made his mother snap,” Hone said.
“Fascinating, but scary too.” Cassie pushed her plate away and retrieved the letter. She ripped open the envelope and scanned the contents. “I don’t believe it. Listen to this.”
She started reading aloud.
Dear Cassie,
Although we didn’t know each other well, I feel as if I owe you an explanation and Dillion wanted to say hello. No doubt, the police have already contacted you to ask if you’ve seen me. The drugs belonged to me, and when your land and house remained vacant, I decided to risk an extra planting on your land. The attacks and the clown thing happened because of me. I wanted to scare you away until the crop was ready to harvest. Unfortunately, my ex-wife and your discovery of the crop forced me to escalate my plans. No matter, since everything turned out in the end. Dillion is safe and we have a new home, a new life and new opportunities.
Thank you for being so good to Dillion. You were amazing with him, and I will be forever grateful.
Best wishes,
Matthew Jamieson
“Is there a postmark?” Hone asked.
“It was posted in Hawaii almost two weeks ago. I doubt they’re still there,” Cassie said.
“Are you calling the cops?” Jack asked.
Cassie folded the single sheet of paper and stuffed it back in the envelope. “No, I don’t think so. They could be anywhere by now. Besides, the cops probably assume Matthew has fled New Zealand. They’ll already be following leads and searching outside the country.”
Hone picked up her hand, seeming to take delight in the physical contact. “At least we can relax our guard and you’re no longer in danger.”
“I wish we could help Manu,” Cassie said. “He saved me. You all saved me.”
“Because we understood what you meant to Hone,” Emma said. “It was easy to see.”
“I had no idea,” Cassie said indignantly. “Why didn’t anyone tell me? It would’ve saved me a lot of heartache.”
Hone squeezed her hand. “You needed to choose me, sweetheart. Accept that we were meant to be.” He leaned over and kissed her.
“Ew,” Emma said. “We’re still at dinner.”
Cassie laughed against Hone’s lips. She was right where she wanted to be with the man she loved.
Silver linings.
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Shelley