Page 11

Nine

I t was a rare thing indeed when fate was so cooperative.

Flynn smiled and shook his head. Parked a discreet distance across the road, he watched through the barred gates as the small group of people gathered at the end of the driveway.

Just this morning he’d been cursing his luck, convinced he risked losing a special opportunity to have his talents recognized…and properly rewarded. He’d been so concerned about having to be here, about not being able to continue his surveillance of the woman.

But one did not refuse a task assigned by Reynard himself. At the very least, a personal assignment allowed him direct access. No more working through Adira.

Then fate stepped in.

Not only was the woman off the protected grounds, now she was well within his reach. It was almost as if the Guardian had delivered her to him.

Did the Guardian have any idea what she might be?

But no, he was getting ahead of himself.

It was only important that he discover whether or not his suspicions were accurate. He’d nearly had the opportunity to find out earlier today when they’d stopped. Crystal had done her best to distract the Guardian, to give Flynn time to get near the woman. But before he could reach her, the woman had suddenly gotten out of the car and gone inside the shop, and the Guardian had followed closely behind.

Perhaps he did suspect. Or perhaps he knew.

Flynn’s pulse quickened. It was a good sign. No matter. Flynn would know for certain soon enough. He only needed to see if she recognized him. Or if she could see him in his own form.

And if she does?

Well, then it would be time to call Reynard and update him personally.

Flynn rubbed his hands together before putting the car in gear and pulling back on the road. Success was so near he felt as though he could almost reach out and touch it. He cast one last glance over his shoulder as he drove away. The Guardian had taken a protective stance, his arm around the woman.

Now there was something Flynn hadn’t considered.

A look of irritation flashed across his face. He prided himself on being incredibly thorough. It was a trait that served him well, making his services especially valuable to Reynard. Yet he’d overlooked this possibility entirely.

Could it be that the Guardian hovered about the woman for personal reasons?

Flynn threw back his head and laughed. This day continued to get better and better. It had been a long time since he’d had the opportunity to challenge one of the Guardians over anything important.

He pulled out his cell phone and flipped it open. No need to wait now. Either way, Reynard was going to love this.