“I have no idea. I’m going to figure it out, though.”
“Well, good luck.” Jackie tugged the door open. “I’ll see if I can find more specifics on the story. I don’t know how easy it will be, but I’ll give it a try.”
“Thanks. I’ll search, too.” It was with determination that Hannah faced down the bookcase. “There are answers here. I just know it.”
9
Nine
Cooper insisted they tackle the books in an orderly fashion. Hannah was the type to haphazardly start removing books from the shelves, and then proceed to dump them on the floor in no discernible order. Cooper’s organized brain couldn’t handle that.
“Okay, these look like books on herbs,” he said, gesturing toward a shelf. “Every single one.”
Hannah wasn’t impressed. “Who needs that many books on herbs? I mean ... blah.”
He laughed as she stuck her tongue out and cupped her chin to give her a kiss. She had an amazing rebound rate and was already mostly back to herself, which was something he was thrilled to see. A knock at the door caused him to groan and separate from her.
“That’s probably Tyler. He agreed to pick up dinner since we’re busy with ... this mess.” Cooper shuffled to the door and pulled it open, immediately stepping back so Jinx could race inside. The dog looked confused when he registered the mess. “I know, boy. Your mother has lost her mind.”
“Wow,” Tyler intoned as he stepped into the apartment behind Jinx, a box balanced on his hand like a tray. “Are you guys redecorating?”
“Don’t give her any ideas,” Cooper warned, gesturing toward the table. “What did you get?”
“Well, since you granted me carte blanche to get what I wanted, I went with the meal of champions.”
Cooper was familiar with Tyler’s appetite and didn’t have to ask. “Steak and potatoes.”
“And that fried onion thing ... and stuffed mushrooms ... and fried pickles.”
Cooper blinked several times in rapid succession. “Are you pregnant?”
“Not last time I checked. I just like weird food. Sue me.” Tyler started digging in the box and removing containers. “I got you the porterhouse, Hannah. I got the garlic mashed potatoes for all of us, too.”
“Oh, good, garlic,” Cooper deadpanned. “That won’t put a crimp in my plans for the night or anything.”
Hannah scalded him with a look and then moved to another shelf. “We’re not having fun while Angel is out there suffering. It’s not going to happen.”
Aggrieved, Cooper made a face. “I don’t think that should be a rule.”
Tyler chuckled and handed his best friend a container. “Welcome to the celibate club. I’m the president. You can be the vice-president.”
“Yeah, I don’t want to be in that club.” Cooper placed his container on the table and focused on Hannah. “Baby, I don’t want to come across as a sex fiend or anything, but I don’t think the way to help Angel is to stop living.”
“Then I guess we’d better find her fast, huh?” Hannah flipped through a book, her brow wrinkling. “Wait. I think I found something.”
“Thank the Goddess,” Cooper muttered.
“There’s a whole chapter in here about Clement Creed, a farmer from Louisiana who moved here in the late 1700s. He had two daughters, was a widower at some point, and was renowned for being a powerful warlock.”
“That certainly sounds like him,” Cooper agreed. “Bring that book over here. You can flip through it while eating your dinner.”
“I’m not hungry.” Hannah was completely engrossed in the book.
“You’re eating.” Cooper was firm, although he momentarily cringed when Hannah pinned him with a dark look. “Or something less bossy,” he corrected quickly. “You need your strength if we’re going to find Angel and Tyler went out of his way to get us an expensive dinner.”
“I just went to Ponderosa,” Tyler countered in a low voice. “It wasn’t all that expensive.”
“Shh.” Cooper was serious as he regarded Hannah. “I’m willing to stay up with you all night and research these witches, but I need you to meet me halfway.”
“And that’s dinner?” Hannah challenged.
“That’s nourishment ... and not looking at me in that evil way.”
She heaved out a sigh and stomped toward the table. “Fine. I’m only doing this because I don’t want the food to go to waste, though. I’m not doing it because you want it.”
“As long as you eat, I’m fine with it.” Cooper and Tyler exchanged looks. The veterinarian’s reflected amusement as Cooper dealt with his weariness. “We’ll go through the book together.”
“I’ll go through the book,” Hannah corrected as she plopped down in a chair, making sure it was across from Cooper rather than next to him. “You and Tyler can talk about manly things while I read about the witches.”
“Oh, that sounds fun,” Tyler drawled. “I think we should start with chest hair. Believe it or not, you have less of it than I do. I choose to manscape while you’re into the shaving thing. I would like to know if you believe there are genuine benefits to your approach.”
Even though she was determined to remain separate from the conversation, Hannah couldn’t stop herself from choking on a laugh.
“We’re not talking about that,” Cooper insisted, taking his seat. He was agitated Hannah opted to sit away from him, but he knew what she was doing. If it took picking a minor fight with him for her to feel strong, he was willing to take one for the team. “Tell me what’s in the book, baby.”
“I’m not in a ‘baby’ mood,” Hannah warned. “I’m mad because you’re so bossy.”
“Fine, tell me what’s in the book, Ms. Hickok. Later, when it’s just the two of us, you can punish me for my terrible transgression.”
She made a face. “You might think you’re joking, but I’m being serious. I’m totally going to punish you.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Hannah opened the food
