I pulled my phone out to text Oliver an update. I walked out of the building and got to the car before Oliver called me.
“Vacation?”
“He claims that he wants me to take it easy. That I shouldn’t be on the field because of my past cases.”
“So that means he either really is looking out for you, or he wants you out of the office. Any ideas why?”
“None, but Mason told me he can’t get a hold of Liz, and he’s got three very nasty scenes.”
“Have you heard from Liz?”
“Just the other coordinates, nothing else. Wherever she is, she’s in deep, and if I try to contact her, I might blow whatever cover she has.”
“Just keep your eyes and ears open. Mason called you in on the case?”
“As one of Levi’s people, yes. I’m sure I’ll be called into the council tonight to discuss it. Catalina loves when I get pulled into vampire business, and there hasn’t actually been any vampire connection made yet. She’ll really love this.” I couldn’t keep the sarcasm from my voice.
Oliver laughed. “I’m sure it’ll be an entertaining conversation. I’ll talk to you later.”
He disconnected the call, and I started the car.
Well, tried to.
One click.
Two clicks.
It didn’t want to start. Which was odd because it usually ran fine. It wasn’t pretty to look at, but the engine was in good condition.
I sighed, popped the hood, and opened the door to get out.
I looked at the engine. Yep, it was still there.
And that was about all I knew about cars.
I sighed and pulled my phone out to call Simon.
“Hey, what’s up?”
“So my car—”
“Blew up?”
“No.”
“Was destroyed?”
“No.”
“Was—”
“Damn it, Simon, it won’t start, that’s it. It’s still intact.” I growled. “Will you please come look at it or pick me up until I can get it towed?”
He laughed, and it warmed me, chasing away the small bit of anger I had been feeling.
“I’ll be right there.”
I disconnected the call and put my hands on my hips. “It’s not very nice to just stop working.”
The car didn’t answer back, and had it, I probably would have run for the hills.
#
It wasn’t long before Simon and Travis showed up. Travis had an amused smile on his face as he looked under the hood. “I’m going to test your battery. You may just need a new one. It’s an easy fix. I can get it done tonight.”
I was hoping it was an easy fix, but that wasn’t how it usually worked for me. “Okay. That sounds good. I shouldn’t need it tonight if I can at least get a ride home.”
Simon nodded. “I’ve got you covered on that. Were you heading to lunch?”
I snorted. “No. Impromptu vacation. Long story, but it’ll be okay. I’d rather take a vacation than work from the desk for a week or more.”
“Oh, maybe I can take you out for your birthday then.”
Travis rolled his eyes and slammed the hood down. “Let me have your keys, and I’ll make sure to get the car fixed.”
I tossed him the keys, and he looked at the car again and shook his head. “Or just buy you a new one.”
“Don’t you dare. It’ll be gone in six months. There’s a reason I’ve stopped spending money on cars.”
Simon nodded in agreement. “It’s true. Don’t waste funds on it.” He opened the door of his truck for me. “Just get it fixed.”
Travis saluted Simon. “Yes, boss.”
I climbed into the cab of the truck, and Simon shut the door behind me. He got in the driver’s side and glanced at me. “Vacation?”
“Just from PIB. There’s a lot to keep me busy, and I plan on taking advantage of that and being one of Levi’s people.”
He hesitated for a moment. “Abby?”
“What’s up?” My heart sank, there was a tone in his voice that hinted at me not liking what he was about to say.
“The wolves want you to come up for the full moon.”
That wasn’t the worst statement that could have come out of his mouth. “Really?”
“Yeah, the pups especially. Your magic seems to calm them. You may not be alpha anymore, and you’re not a wolf, but your magic is part of the pack, and we’d like you there.”
I smiled. “I’d be honored to be up there during the full moon. As long as no one eats me.”
He reached over and squeezed my knee. “No one is going to eat you.”
“Famous last words,” I teased.
The first time I was on pack lands, someone tried to eat me. The whole pack, actually. And once, I accidentally became alpha. It was nice to be invited up as a witch. “Tomorrow night?”
“Evening. I’ll pick you up around five, and we’ll head up. Travis is cooking, so you know the food’s going to be delicious.”
I nodded. “He’s a good cook, and it probably tastes better than the healthy crap Merrick is trying to feed me.”
“He’s taking care of you.”
“Yeah, yeah, a burger occasionally wouldn’t hurt, though.”
Simon laughed. “Have you let him know that you’re on vacation?”
“Not yet. I’m just going to show up at the house. I’ll be honest, I’m not even sure what he does during the day while I’m gone.”
Simon shrugged. “Me either. I handle my business, then I spend my nights with you.”
Which had been lovely. I was glad we’d seen a lot more of each other lately. He handled the pack’s night clubs and politics. We tried hard to leave our work at the door when we came home, but sometimes it was impossible, especially when I was on a case.
“What are you thinking about?”
I looked at him. “Oh, just life and how everything seems to be trying
