That earned me a grin as Stuart slid his hands into the pockets of his suit. “Bernie thinks a gang came up from Los Angeles, had a wild party, and wrecked the place.”
“I always knew Bernie was naive.”
“I think he just can’t imagine what else it could have been. So he’s going with what works.”
“You couldn’t think of anything better?”
“Honestly, I didn’t even try.”
He looked around shaking his head. “I told you once that I wanted to buy this place for us, but now…” He trailed off with a shrug.
“Is it the expense? Or because you’re going to leave again?” The minute the words were out of my mouth I regretted them. We’d been down this road so many times. But I couldn’t deny that the hurt was still there.
“Kate... I’m not going anywhere. Not again. There’s still a lot to process, I know that. But I know the score. And now I know how bad it can get.”
It can always get worse...
That, however, wasn’t something I said aloud.
“As much as I think it would be incredible to live in a place like this,” he continued, “with two kids to put through college, it’s probably not the best idea.”
That was true, of course. But I couldn’t deny that there was something appealing about it. This place may have been invaded by a demon and owned by a crazy occultist, but in its bones, it also understood what we were dealing with.
“— some investors.”
“I’m sorry, what?”
“I was saying that I met with some investors in LA this morning. They’re considering turning it into a spa-style hotel retreat.”
“Oh.” I was more disappointed in the news than I should have been. “Well, it’s roomy enough. I went all over the place today. You could house a small army here. Allie loves it,” I added, which wasn’t relevant to anything.
“Where is she?”
She and Jared went patrolling with Eric.”
“Jared? The vampire?”
“Um, yeah.” I’d brought him up to speed when we’d talked on the phone this morning.
“You think that’s a good idea?”
“No. I think it’s a terrible idea, that’s why I let her do it. Of course I think it’s a good idea,” I snapped. “And so does Eric.”
He held up his hands. “Just asking the question. I worry about her. She’s my daughter, too.”
“Is she?” A slow fury was bubbling up inside me, and I was tired enough and worried enough not to try to tamp it down. “You haven’t hugged her since Rome.”
“Of course, I have.”
“No. You haven’t.”
“Are you sure?”
I nodded, and he leaned against one of the stacks of boxes looking a little broken. “I really haven’t, have I?” His words were a whisper, and when he met my eyes, he looked bewildered.
“She’s scared,” I said, taking his hands. “So am I. So are you. But she saved the world, Stuart. Don’t you think that has to count for something?”
CHAPTER 17
