Page 53
“You what?”
He’d said it so casually, though she shouldn’t be surprised. No doubt he could knock out any human.
“I did him no permanent harm. When the police showed up, we sidelined it up here—”
“Because you don’t want any questions.”
“Precisely.”
He didn’t need to tell her how dangerous it would be for people to start asking the wrong questions. Why, for example, a man could hear a window breaking a block away.
“And Birdie—”
“Alessandra already talked to her. She’s OK, but she’s a bit shaken up.”
She needed to call her. Her aunt and uncle had owned that shop for their entire adult lives, and nothing like this had ever happened before.
“What else did they say in the paper? Is the guy a local?”
“Strangely enough, yes. His name is Zach Walsh. Apparently, he’s a construction worker, no priors. And he works for Tyler.”
“Hmmm. That’s . . . interesting. Did he see your face?”
Lawrence shook his head. “I don’t think so. And since most people in this town know who I am . . .”
He wasn’t being cocky. They did. When you strolled into a small town and bought a mansion not even for sale, people talked. Especially if you looked like Lawrence.
“I can only assume he didn’t get a good look. Otherwise—”
“The cops would already be here.”
They looked at each other for a moment, sparks flying between them. This time, Lawrence was the one who looked away first. That, in itself, was telling.
“Alessandra already brought you a bag. Your toiletries are in the bathroom, and there’s a change of clothes—” he nodded to the floor beside him, “—there.”
“Um . . . something tells me there’s more to this situation. Are you worried he wasn’t a random robber? Do you think it had to do with Tyler?”
He shrugged. “I’m not sure. But the guy’s no vampire, though the Cheld are harder to detect—”
“If they’re cloaked. But wouldn’t you know of him already? The Sect even?”
“Possibly,” he agreed, “though I don’t believe so. But I’d rather be careful. I’d appreciate it if you would stay here, just for the day, while Kenton and I investigate. Alessandra is coming over later, and—”
She shook her head. “I have work tonight.”
“I already arranged to take your shift.”
“Seriously?”
“You’re not going to feel like yourself most of the day. I don’t want to be presumptuous—”
“Too late.” But a smile sneaked out with the words. “How did you manage to take my shift? It’s not as if you work at Murphy’s.”
He grinned at her, showing his straight white teeth. Yeah, that’s how. Lawrence’s allure was undeniable. Even now she wanted nothing more than to—
“I’m sure you want to call your aunt. When you’re ready, I have breakfast waiting.”
“Of course you do.”
