“So you didn’t see anything?”
“I regret not.”
The policeman hummed, making a note.“No one else about?”
“No, it’s usually quiet at this hour of the morning anyway.I didn’t see any other cars passing by, or any other people.”Also true.Ross had a feeling sticking to the truth rather than creating an elaborate lie in this case would serve him better.“I did think I saw something like fire out of the corner of my eye, but I can’t swear to what it was.”
“No idea at all?”
Ross spread his free hand in a shrug.He still had Glenn’s books tucked up against his chest protectively in the other.“It was orange and flickering, like fire, but I can’t tell you what it was.It looked close to the propane tanks.”
The cop pulled a notebook out of his pocket and started jotting down notes.“You sell—sold—propane here?”
“In small tanks, yeah.Stacked up just to the left of the door.”
“But you’re not sure what the fire was, or where it came from?”
Ross just shrugged again, trying to look confused.
“Anyone else in the gas station with you?”
“No, I’m night shift.My co-worker doesn’t come in for another few hours.I can give you the name of the owner, and her phone number.”
“Thanks, I’ll need to give her a call.”
Ross handed the books off to Glenn, then pulled out his phone and gave the officer all the information he had.He texted Suze, too, warning her what had happened.She wouldn’t likely get it until her alarm went off, but at least she knew she wouldn’t be coming in to work today.Or for a while.
The officer wasn’t at all suspicious of him.He just patted Ross on the shoulder with a smile.“Glad you weren’t in there when it decided to blow.It was good timing.I guess you’ve got a guardian angel looking out for you.”
Guardian angel.Vampire.Same difference.“Thanks for coming so promptly.”
“Sure thing.I’m going to go talk with our fire captain.Can you hang tight a while longer?He might have questions for you.And I’m sure the owner will want to speak with you as well.”
“Sure.”Ross watched him go and let out a low sigh.That had been easier to get through than he’d feared.Of course, he wasn’t done misleading the law in the wrong direction yet.
Annabella approached, a hopeful smile on her face.She glanced at Glenn, who’d been quiet and watchful as Ross handled the cop, then back to Ross.“So, I’m asking for a friend….”
Keane, still in the car, waved a hand.“I’ll be the friend she’s asking for!”
“Maybe you’d like to consider that job offer?”
Ross turned to look at Glenn, found the vampire already looking steadily back.A thousand thoughts, considerations, and feelings washed through him.Ross in no way thought it was a good idea to make a decision right now, while he was still rattled from the explosion, but it did beg the question.Still, if he’d learned anything from video games, it’s that when you meet enemies, you’re going in the right direction.Ross had a feeling that open door he’d been lingering in had just gone up in flames with the gas station.He was definitely through it now, and with nothing to slam shut.
A personal assistant to a vampire’s clan, huh.
Should he?
Incident 2: Common Sense, Where Art Thou?
Ross wasn’t one for seizing the day.He preferred poking at it with a stick.Still, as Glenn walked him to his car, he felt life presented an open window right now.A window that might close if he didn’t take advantage of it.
So, he slowed his footsteps, buying himself a few seconds to think.
Glenn—attentive and observant man that he was—immediately turned and gave Ross a worried sweep of his golden eyes.“Are you well?”
“Stop asking how I’m doing.You know damn well I’m tired, hungry, and need three peppermint schnapps delivered by puppies.”Ross passed a hand over his face.Alright, brain, work for a while longer.Five minutes, max.He needed to make a decision, and his gut instinct was to take Glenn’s job offer of personal assistant.
Ross could lay out the logical reasons for it, such as the amazing pay and the schedule flexibility that would allow him to finish college.And all that would be true.But the tipping point was tonight, when he had been in trouble and Glenn had immediately run to the rescue.Working with people who honestly cared about him was a game changer.He’d be a fool to pass that up.“Glenn.I think I need to do an interview with you.”
