Fated Treasures
Page 3
Cam’s brow shot up. “I had no idea that you’ve been keeping an eye out for the talisman stones Merrick.” Three of the stones in question had been stolen from his pack before they’d moved from Ireland to the States.
Merrick’s smile was huge. “I hadn’t been actively searching. Not really. Now and then, if I have a client that I think might be able to help, I do like I did with this one and ask them to keep on the lookout.” Merrick’s eyes sparked with an intensity that Cam normally saw only when victory was claimed in court.
“So, my client sent a photo of one of the talisman stones along with another photo and the name Patrick Arden. Apparently, Mr. Arden came across the stone for sale on the black market and snatched it up.” Merrick leaned in, the lawyer in him taking over. “I did a search on the man. I wanted to see if I could arrange to buy the stone he has and find out if he knows anything about the other two still missing.”
Cam’s head cocked but he kept quiet, letting Merrick continue. “A little over a week ago, Patrick Arden contacted me. He said his research of the stones showed a link to our pack at one time. Man, he said he’s working on finding the other two. He was confident that, if one stone was still out there in circulation, then the others probably were as well. Better yet, he said he’d be back in touch when he knew more.”
Cam felt his pulse spike as the adrenalin rush of the possibility Merrick was suggesting hit him. “Son of a bitch, why are you just now telling me all this?” Merrick’s brow spiked high at the question. They were standing next to Cam’s bike and he was no longer worried about being late.
“I had to check out Patrick Arden first Cam. I wasn’t about to come to you with a wild goose chase.”
Sighing, Cam gave a nod. “Alright, that makes sense. Let me know when he contacts you next and Merrick.” Cam swung his leg over his bike and started it up. “I know you looked into Patrick Arden, but I want a full report on the male. Give me everything you can find.” Merrick gave a mock salute before stepping back so Cam could slip out into traffic and make his way home.
As Cam drove out of the city, he thought about how having the stones back could impact his pack. The stones had been given to his pack to help keep them safe back before humans knew about all the other kinds of non-human races. The pack didn’t need that kind of protection anymore what with humans knowing of them and for the most part everyone getting along well enough. So just what kind of role would the stones have for their pack now if all four were to be reunited? That was a question he didn’t have an answer to.
Making it home in record time, Cam got dressed, keeping his mother’s text to dress up in mind, then made his way over to her house. They didn’t live far, something he’d made a point of seeing to when he built a place of his own on pack lands. Giving her door a light rap, she opened it within seconds, revealing her attire to be far less dressed up than his own.
“Correct me if I’m wrong mother, but didn’t your message indicate this was going to be a somewhat dressed up dinner?”
The smile she gave him was one full of mischief. Closing the door, she patted his cheek as she stepped past him and started for the driveway. Following behind her, Cam was surprised once more when she headed to her SUV rather than his SUV parked next to it. “Mom?”
She’d rounded the hood and was opening the driver’s side door when she glanced over at him, a hint of impatience meeting his expectant gaze. “Is it against the law that a mother drives her son once in a while?”
Weird. That was all Cam could really chalk this whole evening up to so far. First the cryptic text from his mother, then her unusual state of dress and now her wanting to drive, when normally she was more than happy to let him do the driving. Once again, Cam found himself wondering what was going on as he climbed into the passenger side of the SUV.
The trip back into town was spent talking about the lion pride moving into the area and the negotiations he’d been having with them. Cam hadn’t really been paying much attention where they’d been going. He’d been so wrapped up in the details he’d been giving her about the new pride and all. So, when she pulled into a parking spot in an apartment complex, he frowned.
“Everything ok Mom? We aren’t out of gas or anything are we?”
Again, she gave him that cryptic smile of hers before sliding out of the SUV and heading toward a doorman that stood waiting with the door open for them. “Good evening Ma’am. How can I be of assistance?”
Cam’s mother smiled at the male while Cam wanted nothing more than to plow his fist into his lecherous face. The way the male looked his mother over was almost more than Cam could abide by as a low growl trickled out past his lips. His mother’s hand on his upper arm had him focusing on her instead.
“I’m Caitlin O’Hara-Bishop and this is my son Cameron. We’re here to see Gerri Wilder.”
The doorman gave a knowing nod then jerked his thumb toward the elevators. “She told me she was expecting ya Ma’am. Take the elevator to the top floor. When you get out, head down the hall to the last door. I’m sure you’ll be able to find her easily enough, she’s usually baking something that smells mouth wateringly good.”
Cam saw his mother smile at that as she took Cam’s forearm and guided them to the elevators. Cam followed quietly, watching as she pushed the elevator button, then escorted her inside when the doors opened. Once she’d pressed the button for the top floor and they were on their way up, Cam rounded on her.
“Just what the hell is going on mother? Where are we? Who the hell is Gerri Wilder and why is she expecting us? What are you up to?!”
All those questions came out in one long breath and Cam felt as if he’d run a marathon trying to spit them all out as he handed off the baton to his mother, hoping for answers. His chest was heaving as he sucked in air while attempting to glare his mother down.
Caitlin O’Hara-Bishop wasn’t one to be stared down however. As the doors opened, she patted his arm and drew him into the hallway and down towards the last door. The hallway most definitely smelled good. Brownies were being made if Cam’s nose was any judge.
As they stepped up to the door, Cam’s mother knocked. Within moments the door swung open to reveal an older woman, still looking pretty damn fine by Cam’s way of thinking. Her hair was in a bob and she was dressed in the latest trendy style.
“You must be Caitlin O’Hara-Bishop and Cameron Bishop. Come in, come in, please and make yourselves at home. I have some fresh tea and brownies waiting.” More than a little bemused, Cam followed his mother inside the apartment, taking a seat next to her on the couch.
While the woman was putting brownies on plates and pouring tea, Cam looked around the apartment. It definitely wasn’t modern, but it was neat and felt homey, which made up for how old it must be. When Gerri handed him a brownie and cup of tea, his temper boiled over. “Just who are you and why are we here having brownies and tea?” Cam’s mother growled, but it was Gerri herself that responded to his outburst.
“I am Gerri Wilder young man and your mother called asking for this meeting. I believe she’s hoping that I might be able to help the both of you with find that certain someone to fill the emptiness in your lives.”
Cam sat there a moment, trying to digest words that felt like bricks toppling down all about him. He closed his eyes, shook his head, then opened his eyes once more. Nothing had changed. He still sat here in this charming apartment, looking at this distinguished, older lady, who was apparently wanting to set him and his mother up on dates. Things moved relatively quickly from there. Cam’s mother answering most of the questions Gerri would ask. Then Gerri turned to him and Cam had a feeling he knew what was coming.
“Tell me Cameron, what kind of woman would be irresistible to you that you’d be willing to settle down with? I mean, after all the women you’ve been with over the years, you must recognize the kind that has you running for the hills the moment things start getting real between the two of you?”
For what it was worth, Cam held Gerr
i’s gaze for several long moments. Then he felt the gaze of his mother upon him. Unable to handle both of them staring him down, he gave a nod and ducked his head for a moment. When he met her gaze once more, his voice was strong and unhesitating.
“Someone who’s confident in themselves and isn’t looking for a guy to swoop in and save the day. Someone who can stand beside me, not behind me, always needing my protection. Someone as strong as my mother here.”
Gerri chuckled, as she reached over and patted his hand. “Don’t you worry, as painful as this might be, I know exactly what you mean. As for picking someone for yourself and your mother, I already have two wonderful people in mind.”
Gerri pulled her hand away, then reached for a notepad and pen. “All right Caitlin, you are going to be meeting Ezekiel Robertson and you, Cameron, will be entertaining Fianna Arden. I think you'll find she's right up your alley since she's not looking for a relationship either.”
That caught Cam by surprise and it must have shown because Gerri chuckled. “I’ll be in touch with Zeke and Fianna first thing tomorrow to let them know where to meet you two. Make sure you’re at this restaurant at six sharp.”
Gerri slid a piece of paper containing the restaurant name and address over to his mother. “The table will already be reserved for you. All you have to do is show up, enjoy dinner while getting to know your dates and then… Well that will be up to each you. After all, I can only do so much.”
Before Cam could respond, Gerri was getting up, his mother doing so as well, causing Cam to stand out of respect. He felt completely dazed and confused about what all had just transpired. Had his mother just managed to get them set up on double dates? Who goes on a double date with their mother?!
Cam bemusedly trailed behind his mother as Gerri led them out. They rode the elevator down and Cam escorted his mother back to the SUV. Once inside, he turned to her, his eyes feeling as round as the moon.
“Mom, what the hell just happened?”
Caitlin laughed as she started the SUV up and pulled out of the apartment complex parking lot. “What happened my son, is that I just joined you in this dating game you seem to enjoy so much. I hope you don’t mind. I figured it was time I started seeing people again and its well past time you found someone to settle down with. Although, it sounds like that might not be the case with this gal Gerri has in mind for you.”
Cam swallowed hard, not sure what to think of all this. The way he reckoned, he had two choices. Ditch out on this ludicrous idea or make his mother happy and go through with it. With a resigned sigh, Cam decided to just go through with it. That would be easier than ditching his own mother on a double date.
Five
The Date
Fi sat in the restaurant and looked at her watch then looked around. What the hell was she doing here? On a date? In a dress? She smoothed down the silky fabric of the little black dress she’d pulled from the back of her closet. She didn’t wear dresses, never really had, but Joseph had always made her have at least one little black dress in case of a special occasion or a funeral. The funeral was more likely than a special occasion, but she had indulged him.
She heard the text tone for Joseph and pulled her phone out of her small black bag. She laughed softly shaking her head when she read his text message.
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She quickly replied to message before slipping her phone back into her purse.
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The clink of glasses and silverware had Fi glancing around again then checking her watch. She didn’t realize how early she was going to be and now she was just sitting here waiting. The call from Gerri had come much quicker than she’d thought it would and although still unsure of going on an actual date, she had been excited that a year’s worth of research was finally close to being documented. When Gerri had told her that she had a date set up for her, Fi had quickly reminded her that it wasn’t really a date but research. Gerri had brushed her off with her “Yes yes I know. I’ve told him.”
The waiter appeared with the water pitcher, pulling her from her thoughts. She nodded when he offered to pour her another glass of water. He’d offered her wine when she first came in, but she’d refused. She didn’t drink much alcohol and never when she was working. Water would remind her that this was just another job.
Fi had seen several nice-looking men walk into the restaurant and glance around as if looking for someone. None of them were exceptional in Fi’s book and, under normal circumstances, she wouldn’t have given them a second look. But, again, this evening was far from normal, so it didn’t matter what they looked like. Right?
The maître d' appeared from around a corner then, a tall, older gentleman followed behind him and Fi’s heart sank. Was this the man Gerri had set her up with? He looked old enough to be her grandfather! Well, ok, Fi admitted, maybe not her grandfather, but older than she would have picked for herself. The man smiled when he saw her though, and he did have a nice smile. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad after all. They could have dinner, talk, Fi could get the information she needed, and they could say goodnight, never to see each other again.
The maître d' indicated the table Fi was sitting at and the man nodded, made his way to her table, then sat down and held out his hand. “Hi, I’m Ezekiel Robertson but you can call me Zeke.”
Fi took his hand and shook it. His grip was warm and firm and not as bad as she had imagined it would be. “Fianna Arden. You can call me Fi.”
Zeke nodded then turned to the waiter who had just appeared. He took a moment to order a glass of wine, obviously knowing what he was talking about, before turning back to her. “So, are you the first to arrive?” He looked around and then back at her smiling. “Stupid question, right?” He shook his head but kept on rambling. “I’m nervous. I’ve never been on a blind date before let alone and double date.”
Fi sat there, her mind trying to grab onto what he’d just said, and just stared at him. “Double date?” She picked up her water and downed it just as the waiter came with Zeke’s wine and turned to her. “I’ll take a beer. Bring me anything as long as it's not an IPA or a sour.” The waiter nodded and turned from their table.
“Did you just say a double date?” Fi leaned forward slightly, her eyes narrowing, as she pinned Zeke with a look. “Gerri didn’t tell me it was a double date.”
The waiter brought Zeke’s wine and he took a drink of his wine. “Yes, she told me you were coming and why. It was her thought that a double date like this would keep things light and you could do your research.”
Leaning back in his chair, he returned her look. “Your grandfather is Patrick Arden correct? I’ve read some of his articles and one of his books. I was sad to hear of his passing.”
Fi straightened in her chair, pulling her shoulders back, instantly on the defensive. “He’s not dead. He’s missing and I’m close to finding him.”
The lie stuck in her throat and she was glad the waiter had taken that moment to bring her the beer she’d order. Fi grabbed the glass the minute he’d set it down and took a long drink, avoiding Zeke’s gaze. When she finally looked back it wasn’t pity she saw but concern and she felt herself relaxing a little. “I didn’t mean to imply anything else, Fi. I hope you find him.” Fi took another drink and nodded. She hoped she did too. But her heart said she was running out of time to find him, although she didn’t know where the feeling came from.
Fi was suddenly startled when Zeke stood up from their table. She followed the direction that he was looking, a smile on his face. The waiter was leading two people toward them, one a beautiful older woman who smiled brightly when she saw Zeke. The other, a tall, well-muscled man with short black hair that was somewhat spikey on top with a goatee. He certainly didn’t look thrilled to be there until his chocolate br
own eyes met hers. Then his look went from bored to that of a predator spotting its prey. Fi bristled slightly in irritation and saw his full lips twitch in amusement.
When the waiter stopped, Zeke held out his hand to the woman, bowing slightly. “Zeke Robertson.” The older woman smiled, a soft pink spreading across her cheeks, as she took his hand.
“Caitlin O’Hara-Bishop and this is my son Cameron.” The two men shook hands, sizing each other up from Fi’s perspective, then all eyes turned to her.
“This is Fianna Arden.” Zeke spoke up before Fi could. “Looks like the gang's all here. Why don’t we order a few more drinks, then dinner and get our evening started?”
Fi watched Cameron Bishop closely, his emotions warring against each other when it came to his mother and Zeke, then he moved around the table to sit next to her. His deep earthy scent surrounded her, and she had force herself not to lean over and sniff him. She’d never wanted to smell a man so why now? Then what was up with that smirk he’d given her as he walked up to the table. Ugh. This could get complicated if she didn’t play her cards right. She needed to focus, ask her questions and hope that the evening ended quickly.
Six
Double Date Mayhem
Friday came all too quickly as far as Cam was concerned. While showering, he thought back over the night before at Gerri’s. It had all been too surreal to take in at the time. Thinking over it all with the dawning of a new day didn’t make it any easier to believe. With a resigned sigh, Cam dressed and headed into work. When he arrived, he told Nancy to hold all his calls and to make sure his calendar was clear after five P.M.