Page 37 of Bit's Bliss

“There’s a crew moving inventory out. Another truck arrived a few minutes ago, and it looks like they’re about to load equipment.”

“Fuck,” I said under my breath. “Any sign of Malcolm?”

“Negative. What do you want me to do?”

“I’ll contact Zin. He’s arranged to get in front of a judge to delay the foreclosure on the house. If he can convince him there’s a case to be made for the winerybeing sold fraudulently as well, we may be able to get another injunction to prevent the removal of property. In the meantime, get in touch with Vader and let him know what we’ve got in the works. I’ll call you back as soon as I finish running this by Zin.”

“Who were you talking to?” Eberly asked when she came out of the bathroom.

“Snapper. He said there are people removing inventory from your winery. So far, no sign of your dad, though.”

Her eyes opened wide.

“You probably heard me say I was about to call Zin.”

When she came over and sat on a stool near the kitchen island, all I could picture was how she’d looked with her legs spread for me.

“Excuse me for a sec,” I said, stepping into the living room to place the call, not that it helped wipe the image from my mind.

“We’ve got another issue,” I began when Zin answered. After I explained what Snapper had reported was happening at the winery, he said he’d contactVader directly and ask him to send deputies to stop the removal of assets until this afternoon’s hearing.

“Can he do that?”

“As sheriff, it’s within his power. Given what we know so far, I think he’ll agree to in order to buy us some time.”

I thanked him and returned to the kitchen, where Eberly waited.

“Zin’s on it, but now, I should give Snapper an update.”

“Do you want me to leave?”

I stepped closer, stood behind her, and wrapped one arm around her waist. “From now on, whenever I’m in this kitchen, I’m going to picture you lying on this island naked, little dove. I went into the other room so I could focus on the call I had to make, not to hide anything from you. Understood?”

“Yes, err, sir.”

“Unless we’re in the middle of what is referred to as a scene, you do not have to call me sir. In fact, it’s best if you don’t since every time you do, I’ll be distracted by what I plan to do to you next.”

Eberly leaned against me. “I’m thinking aboutthat too.”

I moved her hair and kissed her neck. “It’s taking every ounce of control I have to remain focused on the issues with your house and the winery. But after we’ve met with Zin and the judge, all of my attention will be on you.”

“When do we have to leave?”

“In about an hour.”

“I’d like to walk over to the Stonehouse and do a quick check on the gardens.”

There was no reason for me to think Eberly would be in danger while on the Los Cab estate, except the thought of not being with her made me anxious, particularly since, at the time of my attack, the property should’ve been impenetrable too. “I’ll go with you.”

“I swearthis is one of the most beautiful places on earth,” Eberly said as we walked along the trail that led to the old winery.

“Since I grew up here, I take it for granted. There are a couple of other places I feel that way about.”

“Yeah? Where?” she asked.

“My uncle has a place in Mexico. He calls itEl Lugar de Curación, which translates to the healing place.”

“How beautiful. What made him give it that name?”