Page 12

12

Cary

I returned to the bed-and-breakfast to see a chagrined Christie and a fuming Al standing on the front porch. “Thanks, Christie,” I said sarcastically, then got into the Lexus.

I passed Evan on my way to The Pink Palace, knowing he wouldn’t accept a ride from me at this point. If that was where he felt most comfortable in this town, I’d make sure he didn’t have to pay.

“Dammit, Christie,” I said, knowing damned well she could still hear me even though I’d driven away.

“Sorry,” I heard in my head, and knew she really was. Christie came from a long line of powerful Yoruba priestesses. Her father was Dinka, though, giving her intense height and elegant features.

Along with inheriting natural beauty, her mother’s gifts gave her considerable power, over men especially. If it didn’t piss her off, I wouldn’t hesitate to call her an incubus. Although she wasn’t a demon, she did deserve it for playing games with Evan after all he’d been through since arriving.

I couldn’t be too upset at her, though. Christie didn’t know about everything that had happened. Not even Al knew the full scope of events from this morning, since I hadn’t had time to fill her in yet. The leader of a coven should never be in the dark about paranormal activities happening in their territory. I might be the hired hand to oversee Cordelia Manor, but Al was ultimately in charge of managing the area’s magical and paranormal activities.

Evan eyed me when he walked into the hotel lobby. He turned to one of the young owners of The Pink Palace, and asked, “Are you a witch too?”

She looked at him funny, then over at me, before laughing. “I’ve been accused of that before, but not usually until you get to know me. Mr. Beacroft has already paid, and you’ll be in room thirteen. “I know it’s auspicious, but unfortunately, it’s the only room left. You’re on the second floor.”

Evan nodded. “As long as it’s not haunted and there are no damned witches around here, it’ll be fine,” he said, taking the keys before eyeing me again, then walked out and up the staircase to the balcony.

I hurried out of the lobby and hollered, “I’ll come by with your things as soon–” I heard his door slam before I could get the words out.

I sighed, shook my head, and climbed back into the Lexus. I needed to talk to Al and figure out what came next. Then I needed to figure out what to do with Evan Garland. At least he would be safe here at The Pink Palace, that was a start.

Christie would need to apologize for intruding on his mind without permission, but Al would hash that out with her. Right now, we needed to formulate a plan for Cordelia Manor.