"Positive, my love," Colin replied with a reassuring smile. "I've triple-checked our list, and we've got everything."
"Alright then," Gloria said. "We should be going. Adventure awaits.”
"Indeed, it does!" Colin grinned, pulling Honey and Roam into a warm hug. "Take care of each other. We'll see you when we return."
"Safe travels," Honey waved as the couple walked hand-in-hand towards the pub door, the magical confetti still dancing around them like a colorful farewell embrace. Everyone in the pub clapping until the door closed behind them, and the magical confetti fell to the floor.
With the departure of Colin and Gloria, Honey turned her gaze back to the lively scene of the Boozy Cauldron.
"Quite a sight, isn't it?" Honey glanced over and found herself met again with the confident, alluring smile of Roam O'Reilly. The flicker of amusement in his deep blue almond-shaped eyes only amplified the charming effect he had on her.
"So, what do we do without them?" Honey kept her voice light and steady despite the way her heart fluttered at the sight of him.
"Hmm, I think we’ll have to keep each other company, a lot," Roam’s words twinkled with mischief.
"Maybe," Honey admitted coyly, not wanting to completely reveal her obvious feelings for the panther Shifter. Even though solving the mystery of Morgan Hensley had brought them closer, their couple status was not completely solidified. They both seemed to still be dancing around their feelings, neither willing to make the first move toward a more serious, and official commitment. Honey knew how she felt about Roam, and she knew how he felt about her. But no one was saying it out loud.
"And where have you been? You’ve missed almost all the festivities.” Honey tried to keep the neediness out of her voice. But she’d missed him today. She just couldn’t bring herself to tell him.
Roam’s dark panther eyes shifted. “Well, I wish I had a better excuse for not showin’ up.”
She felt trouble emanating from his body. “What happened?”
“We found another wolf Shifter out by the orchard this time.” Roam dug his hand through his dark hair.
“Dead?” Honey turned into him, so close her words were almost said into his chest. She felt him nod and stoke the back of her hair.
“Oh Roam, I’m so sorry. Who?” She tipped her head up to take in the pain running through the veins in his neck.
“Shorty’s kid. The oldest. He was a damn good Shifter and an experienced hunter. I just can’t figure it.” Roam shook his head. “Who, or what, is targeting my crew? But I’m hellbent on figurin’ it out. That’s why I couldn’t make it earlier.”
“Forget about it. Seriously, I didn’t mean to…” He stopped her by placing a finger over her lips.
“It was important to you, and I don’t like to disappoint ya.” He bent and kissed her cheek. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’m here to clear my head. We can discuss mysteries later.”
“Certainly you’ll let me know if I can help, right?” The warmth from his kiss spread over her body, and it melted her thoughts in a split second.
“You mean, how.” Roam corrected.
“What?” she asked.
“I know you too well by now, Honey Hadwin. You meant how you can help. I know I can’t keep you away from a mystery for too long.” He slipped his arm around her waist.
“True. I do like a puzzle.” She smiled. “And I have a new one for you. Not near as serious as yours, but it’s a good one. Have you met Dr. Wimpleton, Roam?" Honey whispered.
“I don’t reckon I have, yet. Nope.” Roam said.
“Well, he’s in one of the back booths.” The melancholic man with the slightly disheveled hair and tweed jacket intrigued her."Just over there, by himself."
Dr. Wimpleton nursed a highball of amber liquid, sitting alone in a back booth of the pub. As Honey and Roam observed him from afar, she couldn't help but feel a strange connection to this man, who had arrived in Cauldron Falls seemingly carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.
“Let’s go join him. He looks like he could use the company.” Honey pulled Roam across the pub to Dr. Wimpleton’s booth. “Can we join you?” Honey, didn’t wait for a reply, as she scooted in the side opposite the Clive. She glanced at the sadness that clouded his eyes, and her heart went out to him. “You must be tired after your long journey."
“Just a bit, yes. I did rest in the apartment or a moment, but didn’t want to appear unsocial.” Clive took a sip of his drink. "Everyone's so friendly here," he remarked, looking around with a hint of wonder.
"We're one big family in Cauldron Falls. And now, you're a part of it, too." Honey gave him a reassuring smile, hoping to alleviate some of the heaviness that seem to weigh down his shoulders.
Dr. Wimpleton met her eyes with a small smile. “Please, call me Clive.”
