by Неизвестный
Luna left the colorful rows of blooms and returned to the porch. She rounded the corner and began placing covers over the chairs to keep out moisture for the night. The arrival of a car interrupted her faerie thoughts.
A door slammed shut and feet clumped up the front steps. Luna peered around the corner as Devin cupped his hands around his eyes and stared into the shop through the open window. He spoke to Riddles, who sat stuffed into the sill.
“Where’s your partner in crime, buddy?” he asked Riddles in a soft voice.
“You don’t expect him to answer you, do you?” Luna chuckled.
Devin whipped around to face her.
“Where did you come from? I didn’t see you.”
“I was straightening up the porches for the night. I also have to clean the tearoom for tomorrow. Come in by the back.” She motioned to him and slipped around the corner toward the rear entrance.
They entered the building as Riddles sneaked out the open door. Luna grinned as he tried to catch a butterfly hovering around the flowerbeds. His weight was against him when it came to speed. He really needed a diet.
“You’re in good spirits. Have a talk with the faeries already?”
Her gaze narrowed as she focused on his face. Could this be ridicule or was he serious?
“It seemed good to enjoy some peace and quiet. What a day.” She swept the hair away from her face and slouched into a chair at the nearest table in the tearoom.
Taking the chair opposite Luna, Devin said, “I’ve been thinking about Thomas. When I got home I searched his name on the computer. It seems he’s had a run of bad luck and is nearly penniless. Hence, his partnership offer to you. The man is almost a beggar.”
Luna sat up. “Really? He’s broke? I can’t believe it. Thomas has serious business savvy and is as smooth as they come. What went wrong?”
“Greed.” One of Devin’s eyebrows pitched up higher than the other.
“Big surprise,” Luna scoffed. “He always had an insatiable appetite for money. How did it happen?”
“He bilked the wrong millionaire and now she owns his business, assets and all. There was an article written in the Portland newspaper about it a year ago. I dug around until I found it, then I called a friend of mine at the newsroom. He filled me in on Thomas and his shady dealings. The government, or rather the FBI, tried to indict him for scamming, but he beat them and walked away without hesitation.”
“No wonder he sought me out. He knows about my finances and said he had been searching for me for a while.”
“We need to beat him at his own game.”
“How do you propose we do that, Devin?” She waited for his ideas.
“While digging, I thought it might be wise to look into Arvi’s deals as well. He’s been in touch with a corporation that builds vacation condos. They want a large pristine setting to entice investors. Guess who’s working for the corporation?”
“Thomas?”
“Bingo.” Devin grinned and leaned back in the chair.
“How did you know?”
Devin smirked. “It’s all over town. I’m surprised you hadn’t heard. Thomas is in charge and Arvi is the realtor looking for land.”
“So, he’s scouting this property, wants to get his foot in my door, his name on my paperwork and then he’ll sell me and the faeries down the river?” She bristled with anger, her neck muscles tightening as her gut wrenched.
“Calm down, Luna. You’ll be useless if you allow anger to take over. Do what’s necessary to get rid of this bum.”
“Like what? He waltzes in here as though he owns the place, does as he pleases with my customers and then taunts me before he leaves. How can I not get angry?”
“I know, I know. We can get one over on him, we just need to be thorough in our plan before we get started.”
“S-sure.” Uncertain, Luna cupped her chin in her palms and leaned forward on the table.
“I think Thomas and Arvi will try to push you out of this business and take the land from you by any means necessary.” Devin’s fingertips drummed on the table. “Even force. The trip down the stairs is only the first of the nasty things that could happen.” Devin pulled a card from his pocket and handed it to her.
Taking the card, Luna stared at the numbers. She glanced up and held his sparkling gaze.
“What’s this?”
“My cell phone number. It not only rings, but pages me as well. If I don’t answer, stay on the line and I’ll be paged. If you have a problem, enter the numbers nine-one-one so I know. I’ll get to you as soon as possible.”
“This has become too complicated and scary for me. I don’t want to fight with anyone. I just want to live in peace like the faeries do. Am I asking too much?”
“It’ll be over before you know it. Just hang in there, I’m not about to let anything happen to you, Luna.” Devin reached out and covered her folded hands with one of his.
It seemed ages since she’d felt protected, and while her independence was important to her, Luna smiled as electricity sped through her system.
“Would you like to get a sandwich or something for supper? You can’t live on cupcakes, you know.” Devin rose from the chair.
“Sounds like a great idea to me. How about Cornie’s down the road?” Luna asked.
“It’s one of my favorite places, let’s go. I’ll check these doors while you get ready.” He turned away with a wide grin on his face and a light step.
She hurried up the stairs, brushed her hair, changed into a fresh shirt, grabbed her purse and locked the back door as they left the building. She tried the handle to make sure it was secure and nodded in satisfaction. No doors left open for entry for a change.
Chapter 7
Tempting smells of fried foods reached Luna’s senses as they left the car. The neat roadside stand held an array of picnic tables inside which kept flies and hornets from interfering with the diners.
They placed their order, which arrived in no time. Crisp, fried chicken nestled alongside thick, cheesy fries in a red, plastic basket. A small cup of coleslaw teetered on the edge. Luna dug in with fervor as she realized how hungry she’d been all day. Devin was right, cupcakes just couldn’t replace a decent meal.
Chewing on a strip of chicken breast, Luna thought about her solitary lifestyle. She came and went as she pleased, answered to no one, talked to the faeries and Riddles, but had nobody special to share her deepest thoughts and desires with. Surprised at the internal admission, she sighed and glanced away from Devin’s intense stare.
“A penny for your thoughts,” he said as he popped a cheesy fry into his mouth.
“Just thinking about my life and stuff. Nothing important.” She wiped her hands on the paper napkin. “Now tell me what this plan is.”
“We need to let people know we’re getting married. It might curb the interest in your property. While I’m in the picture, Thomas and Arvi will think twice about proceeding with their intimidation strategy.”
“We’ve talked about this and while I’m not keen on getting married, I’m only doing it to defeat Thomas. This won’t be a real marriage, right?” Luna wanted to know.
“Not for real, but at least make-believe engaged. What do you say?” Devin’s smile shook her to the roots.
“Engaged is better than marriage,” Luna remarked. “You won’t sue me when we break it off, will you? Is there a plan B, by any chance?”
“Ah, plan B. We could always beat them both to a pulp, I suppose.” His eyes sparkled and his dimples deepened when he laughed out loud.
“Isn’t that what I suggested in the first place?” Luna succumbed to his amused laughter and enjoyed the moment, knowing violence wasn’t the answer, only a joke between them.
“Then there isn’t a plan B?” she asked.
Devin grinned. “The engagement was plan B. Now I’ll have to come up with something else.” He thought for a moment, then sat up straight and leaned across the table. “What if I moved into the Junction
with you?”
On her feet in a flash, Luna stared at him as if he’d lost his marbles. Her napkin fluttered to the floor, her basket of food overturned on the table.
“Are you crazy? Move in with me? Where would you sleep?”
He glanced around at the diners, grasped her wrist, and whispered to her to sit down.
“People are staring at us. This won’t work if everyone knows it’s a ruse. Just give it some thought, will you?” His hand lingered on her wrist, warming her skin.
“I’ll give it some thought, but you aren’t staying in the loft. You’ll have to sleep in the basement and be prepared to get up around two in the morning, because I start work then.”
Eyes twinkling, Devin’s smile widened. “You didn’t think about the idea very long.”
“And I haven’t agreed to it yet, either. I’m still thinking. Don’t rush me. It’s a big step to have someone invade my privacy. Besides, the faeries might not like having you around.” Luna sipped her soda and then grumbled, “It’s all Thomas’s fault, the beast.”
A light chuckle met her dismay. The thought of having an almost stranger move in, one sexier than hell, didn’t raise her spirits much, though it did unsettle her. Up-righting her basket, Luna found a fresh napkin and finished her meal while mulling over his offer.
The longer she thought about it, the safer it seemed. Luna relished the thought of feeling secure in her surroundings. She could always ask the faeries how many posies it took for the doom end of things. It would be a good way to end Thomas’s harassment. He could enter faerie land, the bad side of it. She smirked at the thought as Gulliver’s Travels entered her mind, imagining Thomas all tied up with faerie string. A light snicker left her and she glanced up at Devin’s inquisitive stare.
Luna explained the primrose theory, the faeries and her Gulliver thoughts. As she spoke, Devin’s eyes filled with laughter and he chuckled out loud.
“You don’t find it strange that I believe in creatures most people can’t see, do you?” she asked. Finally, someone who thought she wasn’t barmy, but simply accepted her beliefs.
“At first it felt odd to have you talk about them, but I can see they are dear to you and part of your life. Who am I to disagree? It’s like saying there is no God, just because He isn’t visible before us as a person, but only as a spiritual entity. Were you ridiculed as a child over it?” He leaned back against the bench and watched emotions play over her face.
“Some of the kids teased me, but I stopped talking about them on advice from my mother. She said she wouldn’t want me criticized for it and I believed her. I’d been careful about it over the years until I met Thomas. He had me fooled and when things didn’t go his way, well, he nearly had me put away by claiming I was barmy.”
The old hurt surfaced for a second before she shoved it away into the deep recesses of her mind while wondering if she could really trust Devin.
“He was cruel. I’m sorry you were hurt.” His voice gentle, he reached his hand and covered hers as she clasped them together on the table.
The clock above the take-out counter caught Luna’s attention. She realized how late it had become and readied to leave.
“I have to get back. I still need to straighten the tearoom and stock the galley for tomorrow. Did you set the basement to rights before you left today?” she asked.
Devin nodded, tossed their leftovers into the trash bin and set the baskets on the stand at the take-out window.
“I’ll be baking extra cupcakes tomorrow so you may not be able to start as soon as you’d like. I have an order for five dozen to be delivered around noon to Mrs. Gregory. Do you know her?”
“I sure do. She’s a tough old battleaxe, but sweet once you get to know her. Does a lot of entertaining, is as rich as they come, and smart, too.”
They walked toward the car and Devin took her arm as he opened the passenger door. Luna smiled at his attentiveness, once again aware of her lonely existence.
“She was the woman Thomas sold all the giftware to today. She fairly melted when he oozed his charm all over her. She’s smart, you say?”
“Don’t be fooled. She could take down a tree without any tools, she’s so sharp. If he decides to take her on, he’ll be sorrier than he ever imagined.” His chuckle caused her to stare at him.
“How do you know so much about her?”
“She was my mother-in-law. Her husband tried to take advantage of her when they separated. She felled him like a redwood. It cracked me up to watch her in action. By the way, I was the one who recommended her to your shop.”
“Oh, thanks. I take it then that you two have mutual admiration for one another?”
“We do. When Libby, my wife, died, we clung together like masts on a ship. She was my strength, and I was hers. As time went on, we became close friends and have remained so. She does wish I’d find a suitable woman to marry though.” His eyes twinkled as he gazed at Luna.
“Forget it. I’m not in the market for a real marriage, though a fake engagement seems a good idea after all. Besides, you hardly know me. You know what Dilly and Annie have told you, but nothing else really. Unless of course, you have looked me up on the internet, too.”
“Nope, but I will now that you mention it. I took their word for it that you’re a good business woman and pay your bills without delay, you’re wonderful, easy on the eyes, and pleasant to work with. All of which is true, I might add. This phony engagement won’t be so bad. You may even change your mind about marriage.”
Embarrassed at the description, Luna turned her head toward the passenger side window and stared into the descending darkness. They returned to the shop, where Devin made the rounds to assure them both that nobody had entered during their absence.
At the rear door, he held her arms lightly. “Remember, call my cell phone if you have any problems. I’ll get here as quickly as I can.”
“Right, sure thing,” she said as his lips met hers, muffling any other words she might have spoken.
The brief moment passed and Devin left her with a dimpled smile on his face. She smiled in return and headed into the tearoom to sweep and mop the floors. When she finished, the room glowed in the soft overhead lighting. The sweet scent of pine lingered as the floors dried.
Galley cupboards proved to be fully stocked and ready for the morning. In silence, Luna thanked and blessed the two women who worked for her. They often did extra work to make her life easier, and Luna considered giving them a bonus. She’d made more money than ever this summer and the season had just started. If business kept up, she’d have a stellar year.
As Luna buttoned up for the night, she emptied the cash drawers and headed upstairs. Deposit slips filled out, she viewed the paperwork for the day’s take and stuffed the money into the safe hidden in the recessed closet wall.
Yawning, Luna readied for bed, watching as Riddles climbed onto the soft mattress and snuggled down comfortably. Within minutes, she and the cat slipped into oblivion.
Clock numbers glared in the dark. They tumbled over and Luna realized she’d only been asleep for an hour, though it seemed much longer. What had awakened her? Then she heard the sound again.
Muffled noises drifted in through the loft’s open windows. Her heart rapped against her ribs. Fumbling in the dark, Luna pulled Devin’s card from atop the nightstand. The book light on the stand glowed softly, allowing her to see the numbers as she dialed the phone. He answered on the second ring.
“Luna, is that you?” His sleepy voice sounded distant.
With a whisper, she told him of the sounds outside.
“I’ll be right there. Call the sheriff and tell him to send a patrol car.”
“S-sure thing, you b-bet,” she stuttered. The line went dead after Devin disconnected and Luna pressed the call button again for a dial tone. Nothing happened. She pressed it several more times to no avail and tossed the phone aside.
Dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt, Luna hauled socks over her feet and tiptoed
through the house. She moved down the stairs and into the tearoom in stealth mode, her body snuggled close to the wall. I’ve read too many mysteries, and I’m probably overreacting to simple wildlife noises.
The gloomy tearoom appeared the same as she’d left it. Luna crept into the gift shop and peered through the shadows. Wan, ambient light from a distant street lamp poured over the shelves and racks of merchandise. Through the windows in the side door entry, she could see a small beam of light bounce around as someone struggled with the lock. The door handle jiggled. Luna caught her breath. Diving behind a table filled with statues, Luna peered over the top of it as footsteps crossed the porch. She slunk down, fearful of being seen.
Footsteps momentarily ceased as a tiny beam of light from the flashlight scanned the room through the windows. A deep, hoarse voice broke out.
“I can’t get the damned door open. Bring her over here and set her down in a wicker chair.”
A grunt followed as a limp body was dragged across the porch. Luna scuttled on hands and knees to peer over the edge of the windowsill. She raised the window a crack and listened while her nerves grew taut. Another body? Why the hell would someone bring in another body? Wasn’t one enough? The sheriff would have a field day with this. Infuriated, she envisioned the scene with Tiddler. Rolling her eyes, she leaned closer to the sill and listened to the conversation below.
The other voice, a high pitched whine, complained about the weight of the woman.
“You could help, you know. This is a shitty idea. Just plain stupid, if you ask me,” the whiner exclaimed.
Anger laced the husky voice as he whispered swear words followed by, “Nobody gives a shit what you think. Just do as you’re told or the deal is off, understand?”
Mumbling met the husky words as the two interlopers settled the woman into the chair. Luna peered through the glass. Placing her hand at her throat, she watched the spooky sight unfold while her fear mounted. She slapped a hand over her mouth to prevent a gasp as she witnessed a tiny beam of light flash into the face of a huge, bodacious woman wearing a wig askew on her head.