“Okay.”
Cassius, Drax, and Mac did a quick once around, checking for any signs of Rune before returning without news when we finally make it up to the bar. The bartender, a beefy bear type with a long beard and thick eyebrows, turns on a smile.
“What can I get you guys?”
I lean on the bar. “Hey, were you working the last few nights?”
The bartender nods. “I work most nights. What’s up?”
“We’re looking for someone.”
Roman taps my arm. “He was here recently.” He bends his head and sniffs at the bar top. “Today or yesterday. I can still get a whiff of his magic.”
I nod, turning my attention back to the bartender. “Sorry, what’s your name?” I ask, trying to keep my tone friendly in spite of the excitement and worry mingling in my gut. I was right, he was here, but finding out where Rune was is only half the battle. He’s in danger and I need to find him.
“Jasper,” he says, extending his hand.
I shake it and give him a tight smile. “So, you were working yesterday then?”
Jasper starts to nod, but then he pauses. “Um…” His eyelids flutter like he can’t quite remember. “I was supposed to. Let me check my schedule. I’m sure that I was, but all the sudden I’m having a hard time recalling.”
Roman, Cassius, and I exchange glances while Jasper pulls out his phone and taps on his screen.
“Yep, I was scheduled from eight to close. I was a pixie.”
“What?” Mac asks.
“Shapeshifter,” he explains with a crooked grin. “Tuesdays are pixie night. The patrons love it.” His brow creases. “But yeah, my calendar says I was here.”
“But you don’t remember working?” I ask.
Jasper tilts his head. “I remember clocking in and washing some glasses. Then it got busy quickly and…” He shrugs. “It’s hazy after that. I don’t even remember going home.”
He turns and picks up a book that was tucked beside the register. As he flips the pages, my mind runs through several scenarios. Did he try to do something to Rune and Rune did one of his disappearing acts? Or was it something worse?
“Yeah.” Jasper taps the book. “I worked last night. This is my writing in the sales book. I just don’t remember anything.”
“I have an idea.” Cassius steps forward. “If you wouldn’t mind a nominal donation, I can check your blood.”
“For?”
“I think you’ve been drugged.”
Jasper opens his mouth but snaps it shut before nodding. “Yeah, okay. Not too much though. The last vamp who took a bite out of me left me dizzy for hours.”
“Just a taste.”
“Let me come around the bar.”
“Where you going, man?” a customer complains. I can tell she’s a fae from her pink hair and pointed ears—and, of course, the barely there glimmer of light around her head—and you definitely don’t want to piss one of them off.
“Just a minute,” Jasper says. “Promise.”
Jasper steps closer to Cassius while the rest of us crowd around him. Drax, the sweet demon, smiles to comfort Jasper.
“We’re just helping.”
Jasper nods. “Okay.”
