“Some of the plants were gone and the alarm system had been ripped out.”
Cassie froze. “I noticed someone had plucked off parts of the plants, but I didn’t notice the alarm. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“We’re telling you now,” Hone said.
Cassie frowned. “What does that mean?”
“It means we suspect your neighbor had a hand in this. He was the only one close enough. The alarm system was meant to give him warning,” Hone said.
“But he denied it. He sounded… I believed him. The cop said he was going to speak with Matthew.”
“The man is intelligent,” Jack said. “The cops won’t find anything on his property.”
“But shouldn’t we say something?” Cassie asked.
“There’s no proof. Did you notice he had sheep grazing in some areas but others were fenced off?” Hone received a head-tilt of agreement from Jack. “The fencing around the plants on Cassie’s land was built to keep out the sheep.”
Jack forked up potato salad. “Yeah. If the cops realize and ask, he’ll have an excuse. That he’s rotating the grazing or something similar.”
“Cassie, don’t worry. Sometimes the bad guys get away. Nothing anyone can do about it. The owner has lost his plants and that will hit his pocket.”
Cassie gaped at them. “But I liked Matthew. He has a son.”
Hone chuckled. “Takes all sorts, sweetheart.”
Emma returned and dispersed drinks, and the conversation drifted to Cassie’s music.
“Have you decided which songs you’re doing for the show next weekend?” Emma asked.
“Yes, I was going to ask if I could run through the songs tonight. I want to check the timing.”
“Dinner and free entertainment. Score.” Emma lifted her glass of wine in salute.
Cassie cocked her head as she stared past Emma. Her brows drew together. “What is that? Do you see it?”
Hone turned in the direction she indicated. Horror interfered with his breathing. He speed dialed his father. Crap.Answer the phone, dammit. “In the house. Cassie. Emma. Jack—”
Jack was two steps ahead, phone in hand. “Manu, June is here in Clevedon at Cassie’s house.” He rattled off the address. “Hurry. Inside. Cassie, now.”
“But what is that? It looks like…” she trailed off as Emma grasped her upper arm and propelled her indoors.
George Taniwha took longer to answer. “Yeah?”
“Dad, June is here, at Cassie’s place.”
“Dragon form?”
“Yes.” Hone didn’t take his gaze off aunt. June in taniwha form was a fearsome sight, her jade hide gleaming, her scales and horns glinting under the early moon. She let out a roar, flames shooting from her giant maw as jade green wings brought her ever closer.
“Hell. Where’s Manu?”
“On his way.” Hopefully. As a water taniwha, Jack could shift, but he didn’t have fire in his arsenal. His abilities were swimming and close combat fighting. It also took him longer to return to human form.
“Leaving now,” his father said.
Hone ran inside to check on Jack and the girls. Emma clutched a permitted gun while Jack closed windows and curtains, searching for the best place for cover.
Hone’s dragon fought for escape. He couldn’t contain the growls and rumbles. June intended to hurt his mate. Not gonna happen. He ripped off his shirt and kicked off his sandals.
