“Yeah, but how? She’s been a ghost for years. If only we had a face to put with the name. The only thing we know for sure is she’s female.”
“Addy saw her,” Noel said.
“True, but that descriptionshe gave us accounts for anyone with dark hair and dark eyes. For all we know, the mother used some random woman to drop off the baby.”
Noel nodded, thinking. “We know for a fact Addy and Solene are who they say they are.” Neither of them could be Angel.
“Exactly.”
Noel had checked and rechecked Addy’s credentials years ago, especially when he’d felt such an attraction toher. Anyone associated with her got the same scrutiny. Solene was an ex-model turned entrepreneur. Addy’s ex-boyfriends and dates had also panned out.
Noel was missing something. “I don’t like any of this.”
“Neither do I.” Deacon frowned. “Solene’s a major pain in the ass, and she’s in danger by association now. It’s too late now to back her out. Or Addy for that matter. Let’s hopeHammer has something more definite for us when he gets back.Ifhe gets back.” Deacon took out his phone and scrolled through it. “Where is that jackass?”
“He’s in Maryland right now, or so he said a few hours ago.”
“And he couldn’t tellmethat?” Deacon swore. “What a dick. And who made you boss of our little group?”
Noel dumped the marshmallows in his mug and took a satisfyingdrink. “Ah. What do you mean who put me in charge? I’m a natural leader. You’re our ace intelligence-gatherer. You, who can charm the pants off of anyone.” Except Solene, apparently. Interesting she bothered Deacon so much. “We both know Hammer isn’t known for his subtlety. He’s the muscle.”
“I guess. But I don’t have to like it.” Deacon swigged his cocoa. “Man, this is good stuff. Muchbetter than that cheap crap. Okay, it’s decided. Your place remains HQ until we see this through. I like your food.”
“Gee, I’m so glad. I hadn’t thought that was up for debate.” Noel gave Deacon a glare. “Oh, and on that note, you’re babysitting on Wednesday. At Addy’s house. You can keep an eye on Solene while Addy and I finish our date.”
“Finish, huh?” Deacon gave him a sly grin.“I’d say you finished earlier, if you get my meaning.”
Noel refused to grace that comment with an answer.
“Truth hurts, huh? Well at least you’re getting some action. I’m dry as dust lately.”
But not for lack of offers. Noel had seen Deacon wield that smile with deadly efficiency. “What? Solene not impressed by your charms?”
“Not yet. Woman is stubborn, annoying, anda know-it-all.”
“And too pretty for you, is that it?”
“Maybe.” Deacon finished off his drink. “But she’s not so nice, so there’s that. Your teacher is way too good for you, Ice.”
“I know. But I’m keeping her anyway.”I think. Hell, I hope.
“Does she know that?”
“Kind of.”
Deacon laughed. “Watching you try to charm your way into her good graces would befun if I wasn’t so busy babysitting. Fine, you get Wednesday night. But I want a favor in return.”
“What?”
“I don’t know yet.”
“Great.” Noel sighed. “Let’s hope Hammer’s having more luck than we are with this.” He glanced at Deacon. “So… You ever think of seriously leaving the Business?”
“Sure. Who hasn’t? But what else would I do? I’m good at it, and I’m not into gardeningor sunsets. I’d be bored living the good life.” Deacon kidded him, but Noel thought he heard a hint of longing in his friend’s voice.
“Who knows? Maybe we can find you something to do on the island. I hear Solene can always use a hand at the daycare.”
“I’d rather lose another pair of jeans to stink-butt again.”
