Hugh tensed and released her hand. “I wonder what he’s up to. Did he say why he was leaving this morning? Seems strange he’d take off when you only just got into town.”
“He hightailed it out of here right after I told him Deputy March liked me for the double homicide.” Penelope had to agree that it was odd her grandfather would spend her first full day in Everlasting away from her. But she’d dropped in on him unannounced, and he had a life of his own. It was to be expected that he couldn’t stop everything at a moment’s notice.
Hugh grabbed his cell from his back pocket and pressed a button. “Jake, it’s me again. Call me back so I know that Wilber doesn’t have you locked in a dungeon somewhere while he tortures you.”
Penelope gasped and grabbed for the phone. “Don’t say that. He might believe it. He already has it in his head that I’m to blame for two bodies being on the cliff this morning. I don’t want him thinking my grandfather is some hit man.”
Hugh returned his cell to his pocket. “I hope he takes me serious. Wilber isn’t a guy you want to toy with. Not if you want to keep your head on your shoulders.”
“Now you’re just being silly. Grandpa is so sweet. He’s always hugging me and is always worried about me.”
“You get hugs. The rest of us could get hunted.”
“Maybe he’s trying to solve the murders too,” she said with a laugh, ignoring his comment on being hunted. It was hard to picture her grandfather running around town like a Hardy Boy. That didn’t seem his style in the least. She frowned. “I never heard him come in today. I wonder why he didn’t come into the shop?”
“He was probably going out to lay a world of hurt on someone.”
She eyed him. “He’s the sweetest man I know. I’m not sure his world of hurt would amount to much.”
“Are you telling me you don’t know what he is? What you both are?” Hugh asked, disbelief on his handsome face.
“I’m not following the question. What do you mean?” she inquired, at a loss to what he was referring to.
He rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Penelope, do you know your family’s history here in Everlasting?”
“I know that my grandfather’s family has lived here for generations. I think they were part of the first group of settlers here.”
“Yes, they were,” he said evenly. “What else do you know of them?”
“Not much. Well, unless you count the crazy stories my grandfather would tell me as a child. Stories of hunting mythical creatures and policing things that go bump in the night.” It took all of her to say the words. She’d spent so many years defending Grandpa Wil from her mother’s parents that she didn’t like talking about him in a way that might paint him in a mentally unstable light.
When Hugh didn’t laugh, she stepped back. He didn’t honestly believe those stories, did he? There was no way any of the things her grandfather spoke of were real. No way at all.
“Penelope, what if I were to tell you that your grandfather isn’t crazy? That his stories are true?”
“I’d wonder about your sanity. Grandpa has a really active imagination and is a great storyteller. I don’t think for a minute that witches, werewolves, and vampires are real. Do you?”
“Oh, you’d be shocked by what I’m willing to believe,” he said, moving a foot slightly, looking incredibly uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation.
She watched him for a sign he was joking but found none. “So you do believe in it all?”
He nodded.
Great. He was super attractive and insane.
“I bet you think the lighthouse is haunted too,” she said with a snort.
“Yes. I know it is, but Cornelius doesn’t show himself to men. Only women. That means I’ve never seen him for myself, but I know enough people who have. Plus, ‘weird’ is sort of Everlasting’s middle name. A ghost is pretty tame compared to most of what goes on around here.”
He really did believe it all. Who was this man? Did others in Everlasting share his views? Maybe the water was tainted or something. Or maybe they were all nuts.
She reached out and touched the back of a kitchen chair, feeling lightheaded. “I think I need to sit down.”
Hugh pulled the chair out for her, and she took a seat. He grabbed another chair and moved it close to hers, taking a seat himself. He then gathered her hands in his, his gaze meeting hers. “There are a lot of things in Everlasting that are hard to explain to outsiders.”
“I was born here,” she said flatly.
He tipped his head and then his eyes widened. “I just put together who you are.”
She stilled.
“We played together as kids,” he said, quirking a smile in her direction. “I’m pretty sure I cried when you moved away, but let’s keep that tidbit to ourselves, okay?”
She hiccupped as she laughed. “Deal.”
“It’s good to see you smile. I was worried me telling you the truth about the town would freak you out.”
“Oh, you’re totally freaking me out with that, but I’m choosing to believe that your mind is a bit muddled because I hit you with my car this morning.”
He exhaled, still holding her hands. “Penelope, it’s important you listen and that you believe me. There are a number of people in this town who fear your grandfather and have a bone to pick with him. For good reason. I don’t want you hurt because of that.”
“Everyone’s been nice so far. Well, except Deputy March. He’s convinced I’m a serial killer,” she said softly.
“Ignore Jake.” Hugh cleared his throat. “Trust me. News has spread all over town that Wilber’s granddaughter is here. It’s just a matter of time before some moron decides to try to have a go at you because they’re too afraid of Wilber to go at him.”
She eyed him cautiously. “Who in the world would be afraid of Grandpa? Other than you.”
“Anyone with a brain in their head,” he replied. “He’s far more than he appears to be. So are you.”
She shook her head. “I’m the type of person who trips over their own feet. I’m not a danger to anyone. Well, unless they don’t look before crossing and walk out into the street in front of me.”
He grinned. “I’ve never been happier to be hit by a car in my life.”
“That has happened to you before?” she questioned.
He nodded. “Once or twice.”
“Hold the pickles,” she breathed, making him laugh. “How are you alive?”
“It’s hard to keep a good man down,” he said before squeezing her hand gently. “But then again, I’m more than a man.”
She watched him.
Chapter Twelve
Hugh had never told anyone about himself. Those who knew him in town had known all along what he was, what his family was. Telling Penelope the truth was a huge deal. But it felt right. Like he had to make sure she understood what he really was. “I’m a wolf-shifter.”
She just stared at him as if she were waiting for the punch line. Sadly, there wasn’t one. The truth hung there between them for what felt like an eternity. When it became clear that she wasn’t going to say anything, he decided to fill the void.
“That means I can turn into a wolf at will and that once a month, I’m left no choice but to change shapes,” he said, wanting to drive the point home. He waited with bated breath, sure she’d scream and maybe throw something at him. She might even run in terror, fearful he’d eat her.
She just sat there.
“Penelope?” he asked, concerned he’d perhaps broken her.
A small laugh bubbled up from her before it moved into a full-blown cackle. She bent forward, holding on to him for support as she continued to laugh to the point she cried. “Oh my stars. I went from a man who didn’t see me as worthy to a man who is delusional. Wow. I have no luck with men.”
Hugh absorbed what she was saying, and anger welled in him. “Who didn’t see you as worthy? Tell me his name, and I’ll handle him for you. I’ll take him out and
show him where a bear goes in the woods.”
He cringed as one of Petey’s favorite threats fell free from his lips. Polly’s spell was more like a curse.
She laughed more. “Now you sound like Grandpa. He threatened to break Craig’s legs.”
Hugh tensed. He didn’t appreciate being likened to Wilber Messing. “Penelope, can we please talk about what I just told you? About me being a wolf-shifter?”
“Wolf-shifter? Really? Let me guess, Curt thinks he’s a leprechaun. Does Buster think he’s a butterfly? Oh, I bet Petey changes into a sea lion. Does Sigmund change into a hawk?”
Hugh licked his lower lip. “Uh, no. Curt is a lion-shifter.”
Her laughter reached epic proportions. She fanned her face with her hand. “Stop. I’m going to wet myself.”
Hugh found himself chuckling, finding her refreshing. “Sigmund comes from a line of were-marine creatures, each one in his family is different. We aren’t sure why he’s not shown any signs of being able to shift forms. Buster is a were-rat. Petey is a wolf-shifter, same as me.”
Penelope almost fell out of the chair as she continued to laugh. “Were-rat? For the love of all that is purple, you have got the best imagination out there. I thought Grandpa was a great storyteller. You might have him beat.”
“It’s all true, Penelope. And your grandfather comes from a long line of hunters. Men and women who kill my kind and police them.”
Penelope stopped laughing. “This story isn’t very funny anymore.”
“No. It’s not,” stated Hugh evenly.
She sat up straight. “You really think my grandpa is capable of hurting someone?”
“Yes. And so are you if you want the truth. It’s in your blood,” he returned.
“I didn’t hit you with my car on purpose. We’ve been over this.” She sat back in the chair.
“I know. I’m not saying you did. I’m saying, if you ever had to protect yourself from real danger, I think you could more than handle yourself. But I’m also not willing to risk your life. Until we figure out who the dead men are and what happened to them, I’d feel better if you stayed close to me or your grandfather.”
She met his gaze and held it. “You really think you can turn into a wolf.”
“Honey, I don’t just think it, I know it. I can show you when you’re ready. Trust me, you’re not ready yet.”
She nodded. “You’re right. I’m so not ready for that.”
“How about we head down to the marina, and we can take one of my boats out to the location the bodies were found. Maybe we’ll find something there that the police missed.”
“I have a confession to make,” she said.
“What’s that?”
“I’ve never been on a boat.”
He grinned. “Just think, you’ll be on a boat with a wolf-shifter.”
She giggled, and it was clear she didn’t believe him. He couldn’t blame her. It was hard to wrap one’s mind around it all. “Because they’re known for loving ocean swims.”
“Oh yeah. We love a good midnight ocean dip. Sometimes, we even like to swim without clothes on.” Hugh winked suggestively.
Instantly, her cheeks flamed with red. “Keep your clothes on please. At least for now.”
For now? That meant there was hope he’d get to undress with her at some point. He could work with that.
Chapter Thirteen
Hugh released Penelope’s hand as they came around the corner of Petey’s bait shop and found Petey on the largest of Hugh’s sailboats. Petey gave a small wave and pushed a cooler into the cockpit area. “Uh, Petey, what are you doing?”
Petey glanced up at him. “Helping you out. You’re hopeless on your own. Trust me, you need all the assistance we’re willing to give.”
“We’re?” Hugh asked, walking toward the docks.
Buster walked up into the cockpit area from below deck. He glanced over and spotted Hugh. The man then looked up at the setting sun, and started to whistle, as if that would avoid attention being drawn to him.
“Guys, what are you doing?” demanded Hugh.
Next up from below was Curt, dressed in a pair of Dockers and a long-sleeved V-neck sweater. He beamed as he spotted Hugh. “Great. You managed to convince her to join you. That’s a good thing, or this could have been really awkward.”
“From my point of view, it still is awkward,” said Hugh, waiting for an explanation as to what the men were doing on his personal sailboat.
Curt continued to smile. “We took care of dinner for you two tonight. And the boat is all set for you to take her out.”
Petey looked up. “It’s gonna be a great night. Lots of stars. Very romantic. Try not to ruin it, Hugh.”
Buster continued to whistle and avoid eye contact.
Curt laughed. “Sigmund was going to help, but his allergies started acting up more so he’s taking more meds and is staying in for the rest of the night. He sends his best and wants to stress that you need to not screw this up with Penelope.”
Petey smiled wide. “Yeppers. He said that it’s rare to find a woman who can tolerate your temper.”
A giggle came from Penelope. “He’s really very delicate and non-threatening. You should have seen him on the fainting sofa.”
All the men snorted, Hugh included. He took her hand in his once more and led her to the boat. “I’m afraid to see what these three cooked up.”
“Hey, we didn’t do any cooking,” said Petey. He thumbed toward Curt. “He had his chef do the cooking. We just did the heavy lifting and made it special.”
Hugh glanced at Penelope, worried his friends, while well meaning, would chase her off. She was all smiles as she allowed him to help her onto the sailboat.
Buster and Petey were on her in an instant, talking her ear off as Curt pulled Hugh aside. “Dinner for two has been provided. There is cheesecake in there as well. And wine. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
Hugh nodded and clasped Curt’s hand, pulling him into their version of a manly hug. “Thanks, man.”
“No problem. Just be careful out there. When you told me you wanted to take her to the spot the bodies were found, I thought you were nuts. Then I realized you just wanted alone time on the boat with her.”
Hugh glanced in the direction Petey and Buster had pulled Penelope off in. He lowered his voice. “I told her the truth about me.”
“That you’re a jerk?” asked Curt, snorting. “News flash. That isn’t a secret, Lupine.”
Hugh growled lightly. “No. That I’m a wolf-shifter.”
Curt’s eyes widened. “Did she freak?”
“She laughed. A lot. I don’t think she believed me.”
“Not really a shock. Hard to soak in. Though I’d have thought Wil would have told her the truth about supernaturals,” said Curt.
Hugh nodded. “I think he tried but did it in the form of bedtime stories. Penelope has grown up thinking everything strange in Everlasting is simply a made-up story.”
Curt exhaled loudly. “Good luck with everything tonight. And be careful. Remember, something killed those men, and the murderer hasn’t been found. Unless, you’re having a romantic dinner with her, alone, on the boat tonight.”
Hugh snorted. “She wouldn’t hurt anyone.”
“I noticed you didn’t say she couldn’t hurt anyone. We all know what the Messings can do when push comes to shove,” added Curt. “I don’t really think she had anything to do with what happened by the cliffs, but that doesn’t mean she’s harmless. Be careful. As much as you get on my nerves, I like you alive.”
“Aww, that is the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me.”
Curt offered a cocky smile. “Well, it is nicer than being called a fish stick.”
“Eat a muffin, lemon head,” said Hugh, instantly regretting it.
“Polly is awesome!” Curt laughed. He brought his hand up for a high-five that went unreturned by Hugh. “Totally worth losing the bet to hear this. I hope you get fleas again.�
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Hugh gave Curt a hard shove, and the man nearly fell overboard.
In the blink of an eye, Penelope was there, catching hold of Curt, steadying him as if the man weighed nothing. Curt was the same size as Hugh. The strength she’d had to use to complete the act was supernatural worthy. Something a born hunter could easily do.
Both men shared a knowing look.
Penelope pointed a finger at Hugh. “I saw you push him. Shame on you. He was out here with Petey and Buster doing something nice for you and me, and the thanks he gets is that?”
Lowering his head, Hugh put his hands behind his back, feeling like a scolded child. “Sorry. Won’t happen again.”
“It better not,” she warned.
Curt laughed and gave Buster a light jab on the arm. “This is great. I hope she sends him to his room.”
“Keep it up, and I’ll push you in and save him the time,” she said to Curt, making Buster and Petey laugh.
“I really like her,” offered Buster, adjusting his bow tie.
“Come on,” said Petey. “Let’s leave these two young lovebirds to start their evening. I’m off to check on Polly. Gotta make sure she knows I was thinking of her.”
“Has she forgiven you for the fishing lure corsage yet?” asked Buster, walking behind Petey to the edge of the boat.
“Kind of,” admitted Petey. “Okay, not really. I thought it was a thing of beauty. She loved Herman.”
“Herman?” asked Penelope.
Hugh glanced at her. “A live lobster that Petey gave her to eat. She kept it as a pet and named it.”
Penelope walked over to the older man and planted a chaste kiss on his cheek. “Thank you for everything, Petey. I’m sure I’m going to love it.”
Petey blushed. “Aw shucks. You’re welcome. I’m just doing my part to get Hugh married off. The boy doesn’t stand a chance on his own.”
She laughed. “That is a big job.”
“Don’t I know it. No pain. No gain,” said Petey, hopping off the boat with the skill of a seasoned fisherman. “Let’s get this show on the road, folks.”
Once Hunted, Twice Shy: A Cozy Paranormal Mystery (The Happily Everlasting Series Book 2) Page 9