by Vella Day
“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. Wi
th 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.
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.”