“I don’t want to talk about it.” She didn’t want to talk about anything from last night. In fact, she’d decided against telling Darrak what Oliver said regarding her father. Besides, she didn’t know for sure if it was true or not.
“But—”
“No, Darrak.” She went to the fridge and poured her daily glass of orange juice. Her queasy stomach protested, but she downed it anyhow.
“What happened last night?” Leena asked.
“Nothing.”
She felt Darrak staring at her, but she didn’t look at him.
The phone rang and she picked it up on the third ring.
“Eden,” Andy greeted her cheerily. Why was everyone so damned cheery this morning? “Running a little late today?”
“Yeah. Sorry. I’ll be in the office soon.”
“No worries. You got through a ton of files yesterday, so we’re all caught up. Take your time. Listen, I want you to join me for my cheating werewolf spouse stakeout. It’ll be good for you to see a master investigator like me at work.”
If nothing else, she was glad Andy was accepting the recent paranormal infestation in his life and business so easily. Although, it was likely he was in the land of denial. She really wished she could join him there. It was a happy place.
“When?” she asked.
“Noon. I can swing by the office and pick you up.”
That was when they were supposed to meet Theo the demon for Greek food.
“Can’t, I’m afraid. I have an appointment scheduled.”
“Is it important?”
“Vital.” She flicked a glance at Darrak, and memories of the prior night flooded back to her. “Can you handle it okay on your own?”
“Oh, sure. All I’m doing is snapping some pictures. It won’t be a problem. Just thought I’d offer. I’ll touch base with you later, okay?”
“Okay. Good luck.”
She hung up. Andy wanted her to learn the ropes of being a private investigator, and she had to admit, she’d started taking more of an interest in the business. She was naturally curious. Her case of the moment, although it wasn’t an official one, was figuring out who killed Graham. She wished she had more time to devote to it.
It wouldn’t be today, however. Her only priority was figuring out if Darrak’s friend was really going to help them or if he was just blowing smoke.
Since he was a demon, the smoke blowing might be quite literal.
“I feel like something’s going on that you two aren’t telling me,” Leena said. “If you tell me, I might be able to help out a bit more.”
“Yes, that would be nice,” Darrak replied. “What exactly is it you do around here? Other than watch television all day, that is?”
She gave him a dirty look. “This isn’t permanent.”
“So you keep telling us.”
Eden really didn’t need any bickering today. She was seriously close to the edge.
“Currently we’re a two for one deal,” Eden admitted tightly. “But, no, we’re
“Let’s leave, Eden,” Darrak grumbled. “I need to get away from Catwoman or I might say something I’ll regret.”
“Feeling uncomfortable around me?” Leena asked. “Is it because I remind you you’re as unwelcome here as I am?”
Eden hissed out a breath, wishing for the days when her apartment was empty except for her and a pile of magazines. Now she was constantly living an episode of
She rubbed her temples. “You’re not unwelcome. I promised you could stay until you sorted out your issues —”
“Which could take forever,” Darrak said.
“Right back at you,” Leena snapped.
“Come on.” Eden grabbed Darrak’s tense arm and directed him toward the front door. If they fought another minute, she was seriously going to lose her patience.
The wards she’d instinctively set last night wouldn’t protect her after she left the building. She’d have to keep an eye out for Ben and Oliver. However, they knew what she was capable of, and they wouldn’t know she didn’t use that black magic every day of the week. She’d be surprised if they approached her today, figuring they’d take a little while to lick their wounds.
Just the thought of a threat made magic begin to crackle down her arm.
Just like yesterday, her new neighbor Lucas was leaving at the same time as they were. Eden glanced at her watch. Maybe his alarm clock hadn’t gone off, either.
He looked over at her. “Hey, there.
“That’s right.” Small talk in the hallway felt like a chore this morning, but she’d give it a shot. “How’s that housewarming party coming along, Lucas?”
“Slowly.”
Leena peered out the front door to see whom Eden spoke to, and her eyes widened as she took in the attractive man next door. “I don’t think we’ve been introduced. I’m Kathleen Harris. But you can call me Leena.”
He approached and firmly shook her hand. “Lucas Campbell.”
“So we’re neighbors, huh?” she grinned. “Feel free to borrow some of my sugar anytime you like.”
“And by that,” Darrak said, “she means she’d be happy to have sex with you.”
Eden almost laughed. If a snort could manage to sound hysterical, she’d nailed it.
Leena glared at the demon. “Just ignore him. Darrak talks out of his ass most of the time.”
Lucas’s eyebrows were high, but there was a smile on his face. “So,
Her mortified look turned to one of amusement. “I am. Stop by any time. I’m always here.”
“She’s not kidding about that,” Darrak said. “She never leaves. Sad, really.”
Leena shot another death ray at the demon before her gaze returned to Lucas and she noticed the small bag he held.
“What are those?” she asked.
“Marbles,” Eden interjected. “For his students. Lucas is a teacher. You know, I could use a shiny, lucky marble myself.”
“That could be arranged.” Lucas smiled. “But first, please answer this question to the best of your ability. Where’s the best place for coffee around here?”
“There’s a Starbucks just north of here on Yonge Street. Five minute walk. Lots of parking if you take your car.”
“Excellent answer.” He handed her a marble he pulled from the bag. It had a green twisty center set into the clear glass ball. “See? Positive reinforcement for quality results. I have no idea why some of my students hate me so much.”
“Kids hate everyone.” It was so nice to talk to someone totally normal. It helped ease her tension a little. He wouldn’t be able to tell her many problems at a glance. It was encouraging.
He closed her hand over the marble. “Keep that safe. Maybe it’ll bring you some good luck.”
“I could use some of that today.”
