This particular save had a sister in a jazz band, and Keane had stumbled upon her in a bar one night. Where else could a guy hang out when the night was long and sleep was never coming? He’d listened to her soulful voice and the musical genius of the band accompanying her. Jazz had become one of his favorite genres of music that night, and he foolishly wished he could have taken Holly to hear that band.
The wail of a guitar tore into the tiny bar, ripping him from his romantic thoughts.
Just as well.
He gazed back at Holly and Leora. They were huddled next to each other on one side of their table so they could see the band better. Leora’s head kept the beat with a sharp rocking up and down, while Holly’s head went side to side. It was like watching a couple of wind-up toys.
The band was decent, and Keane was pleasantly surprised. Drums, guitars, and keyboard all worked together to create a unique, enjoyable sound. The lyrics had taken his mind off things that it hurt to think about. He made a mental note to listen to more music during the day while Holly was at work.
When the concert was over, Leora leaned over to Holly and said something that made Holly nod. Leora got up from her seat and approached the band packing their equipment. This left Holly alone at the table. Keane did not like this. Though Leora wasn’t that far away, it still left Holly wide open. Anyone could sidle up next to her. Keane wanted that anyone to be him. He gripped the edge of his stool as Leora brought two band members over to Holly.
You’re jealous when you have no right to be. Holly wasn’t his. She could talk to band members if she wanted. Short, grubby, no doubt uninteresting band members. Keane couldn’t decide with whom she fraternized, but he might politely discuss with her about not going out on school nights. After all, she was responsible for children tomorrow. She should be getting a solid night’s sleep so she’d be well rested and prepared.
Keane focused back on Holly. She was standing now, shaking hands with band members, smiling. This wasn’t good. Wait. Had she made a face? Did the band member she was speaking with have an odor of some kind?
Good. Keane grinned as he picked up his beer again and pretended to drink from it. He knew he was being immature, but sometimes when you’re centuries old, you deserve a moment of acting like a child.
He studied Holly as she laughed, looked down to her shoes, and shook her head. Was she saying no to some question?
As the two band members went back to their packing up, Leora clamped her hand onto Holly’s arm, angled her head, and gave Holly a pleading look. Keane desperately wished his curse had come with enhanced hearing. Unfortunately, only his vision had improved to better than human, which had proven helpful, but now he needed to hear what was being said among the women. Needed to know if the band members were coming back.
Deciding he’d put his sight to use to read their lips, Keane leaned forward slightly and listened with his eyes.
C’mon, Holly. Look at these guys, Leora said.
They’re attractive, Holly replied. But I’m not up for it tonight.
It? What was It? Keane’s body felt as if it ought to be sweating.
You can have the taller one, Leora offered.
Taller one? Both men looked pretty short to Keane. Of course, most people looked short to him, and generally he liked it that way. Maybe Holly liked tall as well, because she shook her head again.
I’m tired. Maybe we should call it a night. I mean, we both have to get up early for work. Holly fiddled with the beads around her neck, and Keane sensed the rise in her anxiety level. He had an urge to swoop in to her rescue, but couldn’t do so without compromising his anonymity and probably pissing her off.
You teach fifth grade, Holly, and you have a great class this year. Those kids could teach themselves. They won’t mind if you aren’t at one hundred percent tomorrow. C’mon, let’s enjoy ourselves. Leora gave Holly’s arm a fake punch.
I don’t think so. I’m sorry, Leora. I don’t want to spoil your fun, but I’m not feeling myself. Holly pushed a curl behind her ear and moistened her lips.
Was she sick? She hadn’t looked sick at home, but now her face was pale.
Fine, Leora said. Do you mind if I go with them then? The drummer, Keith, wants to reminisce about the old days in the ’hood. Maybe make out a little. Leora wiggled her eyebrows.
You want to go alone?
Yeah. I can handle these guys. Leora tossed a look toward the stage. The two band members who had spoken to them waved, and Leora waved back. They’re harmless, and I’ve always liked Keith. I need a little something after the fight I had with the asshole currently invading my home.
You sure that’s smart? Holly touched her friend’s shoulder, and Keane loved that she could care for Leora when, in his opinion, she was acting selfishly. If Leora left Holly alone in this dive, Leora was definitely going on Keane’s shit list.
It’s what I need, Holly. To clear my head. Leora patted Holly’s hand still on her shoulder.
Okay, but be careful and call me if you get into trouble.
There won’t be any trouble. Leora shook her head. Keith was like my older brother back in the day. Hoping to change that relationship tonight. She elbowed Holly and raised an eyebrow.
I meant be careful in general. With what happened at school today, we need to be alert.
True. Leora’s expression turned serious. Will you be okay driving home?
Yeah, it’s a short trip.
Lock the car doors. Leora pressed a hand to Holly’s forehead. Are you sick? You look pale.
Holly sent a glance around the bar, and Keane held his breath.
I feel…I don’t know…watched or something.
Shit. Keane nearly dropped the beer bottle in his hands as he searched for the quickest way out of the bar. He used to be better at undercover operations when he only watched demons he planned to kill.
Not humans he possibly loved.
Chapter Twenty
“Watched?” Leora swiveled her head in all directions. “Everybody’s watching us here.” She leaned in closer to Holly. “I mean, take a look around, Holly. We’re the only babes in the place.”
“No.” Holly shook her head. “Not watched like we’re being checked out, more like…spied on.” Goosebumps rose on her arms, and she absently rubbed at them.
“All right. Forget it then. I’m staying with you.” Leora sat in her chair at the table they’d shared.
Holly scanned the bar. Sure, it was crowded, and she couldn’t see all the faces in the dim light, but someone was definitely watching her. She was sure of it. She was also sure she wanted to leave right now.
“Go, Leora. Keith is waiting for you, and I’m going to head home. It’ll be fine. I’m being silly.” She gestured to the band where Keith, the drummer, leaned against the stage. His eyes were assessing Leora with what Holly could clearly see was a mix of lust and something deeper. Leora was right about him being harmless. The way he was looking at Leora spoke volumes about his feelings, which if Holly had to guess, were honorable and then some.
“I don’t want to leave you if you’re creeped,” Leora said.
“I won’t be creeped if I’m going home. Don’t worry.” She patted her friend’s hand on the table, then gave her a little shove. “Go on. I want a full report tomorrow at lunch.”
Leora smiled. “You’re the greatest, Holly.”
“I know.” Holly laughed. “See you later.”
Leora gathered up her jacket and purse. “Toodles.” She walked over to Keith who led her to the back exit where Firecracker’s tour bus was parked.
Holly slung her purse over her shoulder, took the last sip of her wine, and wove through the crowd toward the front entrance. As she did so, she couldn’t help examining the people she passed. A table full of bleached blond middle-aged women. Another with four tattooed biker types. Still another with a set of couples who looked as if they were on a double date. Everyone was having a good time.
She glanced toward the bar where
every stool was occupied and something caught her eye. Someone. Tall, dark hair, blue eyes. She blinked, not believing she could have seen who she thought she did. When she focused back in the same direction, he was gone.
You idiot. Now you’re picturing him everywhere. Pathetic. It was one thing to fantasize about Keane in his presence while the temptation of his handsome perfection was right there in front of her. It was quite another to be imagining him in places he wasn’t.
She continued to the front door, but on her way, she spotted someone else she recognized. A blond-haired male with a mustache and scraggly beard. Close-set, dark eyes. The left eye stalked Holly from below a jagged scar across the eyebrow.
Hendrick. The name filled Holly’s mind. She ran for the door, but he was closer to it. He’d get there before her, and with the next band already beginning to play on stage, no one would ever hear her scream for help.
Calm down, Holly. You’re in a public place. People were around who would notice if Hendrick grabbed her. They’d stop him. Wouldn’t they?
At this point, she wanted out of the bar, but was too afraid to go out into the parking lot alone. It would be dark there and less populated. She hated it when all her choices sucked.
Hendrick’s thin lips were set in a smug smile. He leaned against the threshold of the bar’s front door now and tipped his head at her. He was definitely looking at her and knew she was trapped. Knew he had the upper hand.
Holly turned around to head back toward the stage where the crowd was thicker. As she did so, she rammed right into someone who was standing close behind her. She jumped back, but strong hands gripped her upper arms. Without looking up, she jerked her arms free, grabbed onto the man’s right arm, lifted it, and in a ninja-quick motion, she sent her right hand chopping into the man’s ribs.
He went down to a knee, groaned, and said, “A+, Holly.” Letting out a labored breath, the man shook his head, and slowly rose to his feet.
She looked up to see Keane’s sky blue eyes searching her face.
“What’s wrong?” He rubbed his ribs with his left hand.
“Shit, Keane, I’m sorry.” She put her hand over his. “I didn’t know it was you.”
“You did the right thing. Attack first. Assess later.” Keane straightened a bit more and took in several deep breaths. “Wonderful form on that move.”
“I didn’t break anything, did I?”
“No, but it hurt like a bastard, which is strange because I’m pretty indestructible. It’s like I’m more…human around you.”
Something lit up in his eyes, but then he shifted his gaze to look behind her, and the light was gone.
“Hendrick is here.” His voice had gone cold.
“I think he’s here for me. He must have seen me this morning at school.”
Keane maneuvered past Holly, but Hendrick slipped out the front door. Keane plowed through the crowd, and she trailed after him, not wanting to let him out of her sight.
Outside, the parking lot was almost totally black except for two floodlights on the front of the bar. Holly didn’t see any movement or hear any cars revving to life.
“Stay here.” Keane walked ahead a few feet.
“Don’t leave me.” She did not like the sound of her voice. Small and scared. Like a child’s.
Keane turned around and gathered her in his arms. She breathed in the scent of his leather jacket and pressed herself against his chest. Even in his embrace, a ripple of fear undulated through her body.
“Call 911. Maybe the police can track him from here.” Keane pulled back a bit and kissed her forehead. “You’re safe now. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
“I know.” Holly searched for her cell phone and dialed. While she explained the situation, she watched Keane as he stood facing the parking lot. His legs were shoulder-width apart and firmly planted on the front walkway to the bar. His arms must have been folded across his chest, because all Holly could see were his elbows jutting out at his sides. His head moved from left to right, right to left as he scanned the darkness hanging over the parking lot. She got a quick image of what he must have looked like when he was targeting one of his kills. She knew she should have been afraid of that image, but right now, it was the one thing that was keeping her calm, keeping her protected.
“The police are on their way.” She took a few steps forward to stand beside Keane.
“You were going to leave this bar alone.” His voice was low, and his arms released to hang by his sides, his hands balled into fists. “I told you to stick with someone.”
“I know, but Leora wanted to hang with—”
“I don’t care what Leora wanted.” He turned to face her. “It’s not safe around here with Hendrick running loose. You have to be smarter than this. He knows what you look like and is probably pissed that you helped that student this morning. One idiot move on your part and—”
“Excuse me?” Did he call me an idiot? “I was merely going to get in my car and drive directly home, Keane. I wasn’t going to wander the damn streets at night. I do have some sense.”
Three police cars screamed into the parking lot. How long would it take for the bar behind her to empty out? Nothing like the sound of sirens to draw a crowd…and alert a criminal.
“You should have never gone out tonight. Period. Totally against my better judgment to let you—”
“Hold it right there, buddy.” Holly held up a hand to shut Keane up. Who did he think he was? Yes, he brought her back to life. Yes, he killed demons to keep her alive. Yes, he waited for her to do something important so he could leave. But he would not, under any circumstances, make decisions for her. She didn’t care how un-freaking-believably hot he looked right now standing in the dim light with his leather jacket and jeans fitting his amazing body perfectly. She made all her decisions and that was that.
“Look, Holly, I want you to be safe, okay? Is that so unreasonable?” he said.
Not when you put it that way. Not when you look at me as if I mean something to you. Holly let out a breath and toyed with the beads around her neck again.
“Why are you here?” A valid question.
“I was compelled to watch over you tonight.” He shrugged and rubbed the stubble lining his jaw.
“Compelled? Like you are compelled to save someone?”
Keane shook his head. “No. I think I had a choice whether I came here tonight or not.”
“Why did you choose to come then?”
“I wanted you to be safe.”
“Why do you care what happens to me?”
“Because…I do.” He took a step closer to her, but two police officers were making their way to the front of the bar. Most of the patrons had spilled out while Holly was questioning Keane, but she ignored them.
“Have you ever had a save die by some other means while you waited for them to achieve something?”
“No, but that’s not why I care about you, Holly.” He took another step closer and reached out to touch her.
She backed away. “You’re afraid if I die, you’ll be stuck or something. Maybe the curse will get worse somehow if you can’t be released from me.” She didn’t like this line of thinking, but it made sense. Why else would Keane be so mad that she could have fallen into Hendrick’s hands tonight? Sure, they had kissed earlier, but it couldn’t have meant anything serious.
Keane actually looked tired as he rubbed his jaw again. “Holly, you’re more than a save to me. Can’t we—”
“Miss Brimmer,” one of the police officers interrupted. He stepped into the light beside Keane and Holly recognized him from that morning at school.
“Officer McDonahue, right?” she said.
“That’s right. I’d say nice to see you again, but these are not the right circumstances.” McDonahue offered a slight smile, and that muscle in Keane’s jaw tensed as it had when he’d asked her about Luke.
Was he jealous? She shook that thought right out of her head. How could he be jealous? He woul
dn’t fall victim to something so mundane, so human as jealousy. Would he?
Holly let that thought cycle around in her head as she told McDonahue what had happened at the bar. The officer informed her that a full-scale search was being conducted in the surrounding area. He explained that unfortunately Hendrick knew all the good hiding places.
When McDonahue turned to question Keane, both he and Holly were surprised to find him gone.
“Where did your friend go?” McDonahue asked.
“I don’t know,” she said. Keane had probably had enough questions. Why had she given him a hard time? He had said he wanted her to be safe. Was that so bad? Why hadn’t she accepted that as his answer?
“Well, what’s his name?” McDonahue turned to a clean page in a little notebook he’d pulled from his shirt pocket.
“Umm, why don’t I have him give you a call? Can I have your number, Officer?” Holly held McDonahue’s blue gaze for a second longer than was necessary, but achieved the desired result. His freckled cheeks pinked slightly as he dug a business card from his shirt pocket.
“Here you go, Miss Brimmer.” He held out the card.
“Please, call me Holly.” She took the card and ran her fingers over the printed side.
“Holly, okay.”
An awkward moment of silence stretched between them as McDonahue grinned at her. She knew she’d done something truly horrible. Leading the officer to believe she was interested in more than reporting suspect locations to him was low, but she couldn’t give Keane’s name to McDonahue. A guy as old as Keane probably didn’t need a police officer nosing around. She was sure Keane probably had to get creative with things like a driver’s license.
She cleared her throat, and Officer McDonahue finally blinked.
“Give me a call then if you…need anything, Holly.” He looked over his shoulder toward the parking lot where the flashlights of the other officers reflected off windshields. “Do you want me to walk you to your car?”
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