“Thedemon.”
“Huh.”
“He also called himPrince.”
Myra sipped her coffee. I knew she was turning those little hints over in her big, beautiful brain, seeing which pieces of her research into all things demon fit with thatinformation.
“Want me to try and figure the dragon out?” she finallyoffered.
“Gods, yes,” I said on an exhale. “I was hoping you’d volunteer. I’ve asked it a hundred yes/no questions but it just ignoresme.”
“I’ll check the books. See if we’ve ever had this dragon out of its cave before and if so, what happened then. See what kind of history it has with demons. And trickstergods.”
“Perfect. I owe youone.”
She handed me her empty coffeecup.
“You owe me so many more than one. I’m going to check in at the station before I head home. I’ll call if there are any emergencies. Otherwise, try not to worry too much aboutRyder.”
“I won’t.”Lies.
“He’s okay and he’ll be homesoon.”
“Iknow.”
She narrowed her eyes. “And don’t sell your soul while I’mgone.”
“That joke’s gettingold.”
“Not a joke. You promised us you’d make no stupid decision without consulting with at least one ofus.”
“I promise I will make no deal, do no stupid deed without either you or Jean consulted and on board between now and when I see younext.”
“Good.”
I followed her to the door so I could lock it behindher.
“He’s going to love that ugly tree.” She waved one finger up and down at me and smiled. “I like this look on you,Delaney.”
“Whatlook?”
“Love.”
I tried to act annoyed, but couldn’t hold it for very long. She flipped up her coat hood and forged out into the wind andrain.
I stayed there inside the doorway, needing to see her walk down to the cruiser, needing to see her get in it, start it, and drive awaysafely.
Then I went inside and tried to keep mypromises.
