Benjamin Volk knew about the notification awfully quick. “I find that odd,” Mia said.
“What?” Seth asked.
“That your father would go visit a grieving family before dawn even broke. I mean, just when the sheriff was making the notification.” She leaned toward Seth. “How did you find out so fast?”
His rugged face remained expressionless, as usual. “This is a small town, and I’ve already told you, my father runs it. He probably knew before you did.” A low tenor of sorrow rode Seth’s dark tone.
“Did you offer your, ah, condolences, as well?” she asked.
“No. My place is outside in such situations. Ben is the person they need to hear from.” Now, Seth’s tone turned matter-of-fact.
“Outside flanking the door, huh?” Mia shook her head. She didn’t have time for anger…she needed answers. Seth was a damn good source, whether he liked it or not. “I need to go meet the parents later this morning and look through Mandy’s room. What can you tell me about them?”
“Nothing.”
“That’s not true.”
“You’re right. I can tell you not to go see them later this morning. They don’t need to be bothered by the cops. It’s not your place, Mia,” he said.
Her breath heated. “Itismy place. I’m investigating the girl’s death. I’m going.”
“They won’t talk to you,” he murmured.
“They will if you escort me.”
He turned to face her fully, leaving half his face in shadow. A low growl erupted from his chest. Reaching for her, he grasped her chin and tilted her head into the waning moonlight. “What happened to your face?”
His grip was gentle and firm at the same time.
She frowned and then winced as her cheek protested. “I got in the middle of a lovers’ spat. No big deal.”
“Somebodyhityou?” His voice quieted to a tone that made her shiver.
She exhaled slowly. “I’m a cop. I get hit.”
“Not in my town.” His thumb swept gently across the bruise. “Who punched you?”
“Why?” Her smirk made the injury hurt more. “You going to go beat them up for me?”
“Yes.”
She lost her amusement and studied him. He didn’t move an inch. He was serious. An odd warmth filled her chest. Nobody had ever stood between her and danger before. Even so, she could take care of herself. “I don’t need a protector.”
“You need a protector more than any woman I’ve ever met.” He sighed. “Now, tell me who marked your face, or I’ll find out on my own. Trust me, it’ll be better if you just say.”
“Oh, for Pete’s sake. At the ball, on the deck, a couple was having a spat. I took the guy down, and the woman hit me. I’m fine.”
Seth’s shoulders straightened. He smoothed a curl away from her face. “I’m sorry I left you alone on the deck. It won’t happen again.”
She leaned back and relaxed when he released her. “You know I’m a cop, right?”
“You’re a woman first, darlin’.” He stood and tucked his hands into his pockets. With the moon at his back, his entire face was hidden now. “I’ll pick you up at eight this morning to visit the Fulsomes, and then we’ll tour the mine I promised to show you.”
A chill swept over her once he moved away. “Are you protecting Mandy’s parents from me…or me from them?”
“I don’t know. Maybe both.” He half-turned, making his strong profile visible. “Either way, be ready in a few hours.” Smoothly, almost silently, he descended the steps and disappeared into the night.
Far in the distance, a wolf howled a mournful tune to the disappearing moon.
