Page 92 of A Seer and Present Danger

He stuffed his hands in his front pockets and shrugged. “Both. Same. But I’ve got an idea.”

“Uh-oh.”

“About what you said, the experience you have with running a restaurant.”

I didn’t dare look into the future, didn’t look into the past. I didn’t want to influence Buzz’s decision. Not when the outcome could mean so much to me.

“Plus, I’m not getting any sleep,” he said.

“Not enough,” I agreed.

“And Delaney told me you’re one of us. Magical.”

“Oh?”

“You see the future?”

There wasn’t any reason for me to deny it. “Yes. I see the future.”

“Well then, you’ll fit right in. I have a little magic too. A gift for making food. But that doesn’t mean I can handle the business on my own twenty-four-seven. What do you think about becoming a partner in this venture?”

Yes, I was tired. Yes, it had been a hard few days, and yes, just like Delaney had pointed out, a lot of bad stuff had happened in a place I loved.

But I did love this place. I wanted to make sure that a lot more good stuff happened here from now on.

I wanted to fully claim it as mine too.

“I’d love that,” I said. “How about we talk after we both get some sleep? How’s tomorrow around 4:30 sound?”

“Dark and early? Perfect. See ya’ then, Pipes!” He pivoted and started toward the next car rolling cautiously into the parking lot.

I gave the place one last look—happy, really happy—then got in my car and drove home.

CHAPTER 20

I strolled into the Puffin Muffin.

Jean knew I was coming (of course) and leaped up from the table to wrap me in a big hug.

“You are wonderful,” she said close to my ear, tightening the hug. “You are the best ever. I owe you one of every delicious thing Hogan can bake.”

“Well, I’m not going to say no to an offer like that! How are you?”

It had been a full twenty-four hours plus since they’d arrested Aggie. True to their word, the police had gotten a confession out of her, though it sounded more like Aggie had insisted on telling her side of the story, murders and all.

Aggie had decided that because she had power, because she was unique, that she was above the law. She had even tried to talk Delaney into seeing things her way.

Delaney had immediately told her she was not above the law and that she was going to be prosecuted to the full extent of both the mortal and supernatural laws.

Apparently Vandre was a part of the process too.

Not that I was thinking about him much. (A lot.)

“I’m good. Better.” Jean tugged me toward the table where Yancy was waiting for us. “My doom-twinges came back online. Right after the storm and hubbub at the diner.”

“Oh, that’s terrific,” I said. “How about you, Yancy? Can you see again?”

He had a large coffee and cinnamon bun in front of him and looked like he’d just come back from vacation.