Page 29 of Ogre on Patrol (Monsters, PI #5)

Chapter 29

Thain

T he sun hung low in the sky, stretching its golden rays across Ellie’s yard. We stood on the porch, Ellie with her arms crossed on her chest, chewing her lip like she was already regretting letting me go. Not that she had much of a choice. This investigation was going nowhere, and we needed answers.

“I’ll be careful,” I said. “Promise.”

“You’d better. Don’t get caught. Elias is the kind of person who’d make sure the police hears about it.”

“Trust me? I'll find out what else he’s hiding and be back before you know it.”

Her mouth quirked up on the corners. “You’re savvy. I trust you.”

“It's all part of my charm.” I pressed a quick kiss to her forehead before leaping off the deck on to the lawn and striding toward my truck. “Lock the doors and text me if anything happens.”

“Come back safely. ”

The drive to Elias’s property was simple enough, though my mind churned. Ellie’s greenhouse, the rune, Ophelia and her lies. The chaos rune gnawed at me most of all. Whoever planted it had no business anywhere near Ellie. I gripped the steering wheel so hard my knuckles ached.

Parking down the road, I turned off the engine and stepped out, the cool afternoon air brushing against my skin. Once again, Fenwick’s estate stood like a beacon of too-perfect design. It made my skin crawl.

Timing my approach with a group of customers heading toward the main greenhouses, I slipped in behind the crowd, fortunately a group of monsters that helped me fit in. I kept my gait casual, strolling along the familiar crushed-stone paths. The staff hurried here and there, too busy with customers to notice one person leaving a group and weaving between the greenhouses.

I angled away from the main paths, aiming for the small greenhouse we couldn't get close to the day before. As much as I'd like to go inside the main building and look for the box with the rune, I didn't dare. Too many people around. I also didn't dare try to sneak in at night. Wandering off the path into a restricted area during normal hours of operation was one thing. Breaking into a building when they were closed was another. Katar gave us a lot of leeway at Monsters, PI, but I doubted it stretched to breaking and entering even if I had a solid excuse.

The small greenhouse came into view, tucked further back on the property and partially hidden behind a grove of young willow trees. Its glass panes gleamed under the fading sunlight, practically daring me to take a closer look. I scanned the area. No staff. No customers. Just the soft rustling of the willows swaying in the breeze. Perfect.

I circled to the side of the structure, keeping low and out of the open. A quick glance through the nearest window revealed rows of plants inside, their vibrant colors muted by the glass. They weren’t nearly as healthy or bright as Ellie’s, but there was no mistaking the fact that they were magical. Some glowed faintly, others shimmered as if their leaves were draped in liquid moonlight.

So, this was his plan. Branching into magical gardening, stepping into Ellie’s territory. No wonder he was desperate to sabotage her. He couldn’t compete with her craftsmanship, so he was resorting to destruction. The thought made my blood boil, but I forced myself to stay calm. If I got caught snooping here, I’d lose any chance of getting the evidence we needed.

I moved to another window, where I caught sight of a large ledger on a desk inside. No details from this distance, but I’d bet my truck it contained data about these plants—inventory, sources, shipping records.

A scuff of gravel behind me froze me in place. My heart thudded hard against my ribs as I crouched lower, pressing myself against the edge of the greenhouse. Voices approached. Two workers carried a crate toward a nearby shed, too caught up in their conversation to notice me .

I let out a slow breath and slipped back into the shadows. One step closer to the willows and I’d be safe, but as I shifted my weight, the creak of a door drew my attention. Valerie exited the greenhouse where we’d caught Ophelia painting rocks yesterday. She didn’t spot me as she fiddled with her hair and walked over to step inside a different greenhouse.

I glanced toward the one she’d come from. This was too good of an opportunity to pass up.

I waited as the workers entered the shed and Valerie moved out of view. Keeping low, I darted across the path, reaching the edge of the doorframe. I hurried inside, sliding past the neat rows of plants and over to the long table at the end still holding the rocks she'd been working with the day before. No Ophelia, thankfully.

More cats, foxes, bears, and lions. A few monsters, also curled into balls. She had talent, I'd give her that.

No runes around, but I doubted she'd leave them out in the open. She and Elias were a couple, and if he was sabotaging Ellie, Ophelia could be in on it too.

The sound of footsteps outside made my spine stiffen. I flipped the corner of a tarp at the edge of the table over a particularly intricate stone that looked like it bore the beginnings of a rune I couldn't identify. Then I moved to the end of the table, lifting a pot full of small plants, keeping my movements casual. Valerie entered, her sharp gaze narrowing when she spotted me.

“Lost again?” Her tone came out dry, unimpressed.

“Just making some purchases.” I lifted the flat of petunias .

She crossed her arms on her chest, her nails tapping against her biceps as she studied me. “What are you really doing here?”

“Plants. Just said that. And admiring the rocks.” I tilted my head toward them. “Impressive stuff. I’ve never seen art quite like this.”

Her expression didn’t soften. “Ophelia takes pride in her work.” Her eyes flicked to the tarp I’d shifted and back to me. For a second, I thought she might march over and examine the area further, but she stayed put.

I hummed as if deep in thought, setting down the flat I’d been holding. “You know, some of these with markings almost remind me of runes. Not decorative ones, though. Something more functional.” I let the words hang between us.

“Functional?” Her tone sharpened. “You think she’s using rune magic on garden stones? That’s ridiculous.”

“Is it?” I leaned one hip against the edge of the table. “I’ve seen what a well-placed rune can do. A chaos rune, for instance, could ruin something beautiful.”

Her shoulders stiffened. “That would require a pretty skilled witch. Ophelia doesn’t dabble in dangerous magic. She paints cute rocks for customers, and that’s it.”

“That could be true.” I glanced back at the stones scattered across the table. “Sometimes things aren’t what they seem.”

“I don't know what you're insinuating.” Her gaze hardened. “You should leave before Elias sees you’re nosing around again.”

“Hey, no problem.” I spread my palms wide. “I was ready to leave already.”

“Good. Do that.”

She watched as I strode from the greenhouse and outside, and I could feel her heavy gaze on my spine as I made my way to the road. It was only when trees blocked her view of me that I fully relaxed.

So, Elias was growing magical plants that could compete with Ellie's business—if he could steal away her customers.

Was he willing to poison plants? I was thinking of Misty and her anger about her purchase from Ellie.

If someone wanted to dominate the plant business in the area, damaging Ellie would make that much easier.

The next morning, I opted to remain at Ellie’s place to help her finish cleaning up the mess.

After we left her house, I went to the shed and grabbed a bucket, filling it with soapy water at one of the greenhouse sinks. With a brush in hand and my shoulders set, I strode toward the greenhouse vandalized with the ugly graffiti. The word “THIEF” stretched across the glass like a wound, mocking everything Ellie had poured her soul into. Not for much longer.

Ellie knelt nearby, meticulously repotting a pitchling plant that had survived, her hands steady and sure despite the tension tightening her jaw. Crouton sat beside her, his tiny tail wagging every time she spoke to the struggling plant .

I scrubbed at the letters, suds foaming under the stiff bristles. Water ran in rivulets down the glass, dripping onto my boots as the red paint started to fade. Leaning in, I put more effort into removing it from the glass. What had they used, magical paint?

Elias could be capable of doing something like this.

“How’s the gladiator match going over there?” Ellie asked. Dirt streaked her cheek, a smudge of war paint that only made her look more determined. “The fight’s ugly, but I’ve got the upper hand.” My lazy grin rose. “You know me, a hard-headed ogre and all.”

“Good thing.” She brushed her hair back with a muddy wrist, leaving a brown smudge on her cheek. “Let’s just say I’ve been imagining that word gone for days.”

“It will be. Give me a little time. It’s no match for me.”

Ellie’s lips curved but worry still lingered in her eyes. We'd discussed what I'd discovered at Elias's place, and that had added to her concern. If he went full-in with magical plants, he'd undercut her business in no time.

As lunchtime approached, not only was the graffiti gone, but we’d also carried every wilted plant outside. Some could be saved. Watching her comb through the wreckage of what used to be her thriving greenhouses left me more determined than ever to help her rebuild.

Customers came by, and I kept working while she took care of their needs. We were making slow progress, but we'd probably have it all cleaned up by the end of the day .

Her grandmother came by with a council member, and they diffused the rune, taking it with them when they left.

Later, with the area cleared, I placed an order with a local supplier for new materials. Ellie hovered nearby, pretending not to listen, but I caught her throwing glances my way as I confirmed quantities for wood, glass, and various other items I'd need to build her a new greenhouse and repair the other.

When I hung up, Ellie sighed. “I'll pay you back once I get the insurance check.”

“This is on me.”

“What?”

“You heard me.” I went around behind her and finger combed her hair before creating a neat braid and tying it off with a piece of string. “I'm going to build you a new greenhouse.”

“And I'm going to pay for the materials and your time.”

Such a stubborn streak. I loved that about her, how she spoke up for herself and didn't back down.

“We're a couple now, right?”

Turning, she looked up at me, slowly nodding.

“Then let me do this for you? I'm living here with you most of the time. You're supplying all the food my really big ogre body can consume, you're paying for the utilities, the bed we sleep in that I still need to replace with one that's ogre-sized, and you're?—”

She held up her hand. “Alright. I get it.” Her shoulders slumped. “Thank you. I just like to do things myself.”

“Would you prefer something other than a similar greenhouse?” I should've thought of that before I stomped through what could be different plans.

“No, I was going to replace what was there, but still.”

“Still what?”

Her voice softened. “I'm not used to this yet.”

“Do you think you'll get used to it, to me being here all the time? Because I don't want to go away, not even after this case is finished.”

“I want more.”

I grinned. “Good.”

“While I'm not used to having anyone around to help,” her lips twitched up, though not in the full smile I adored in this woman, “it's nice.”

I teased a fingertip across her jawline. “Just nice?”

Her smile bloomed fully. “Alright, it's wonderful. Perfect.” She barreled into me, hugging me, and I lifted her up and pressed her against the trunk of a nearby oak tree. Naturally, I had to kiss her. Couldn't do anything else.

Her arms slid around my neck, pulling me closer as her lips met mine. It didn’t take long for the kiss to deepen, for the world around us to blur.

I pressed her against the tree with just enough pressure to pin her without overwhelming her smaller frame. Her body aligned perfectly with mine. It was like stepping off a cliff yet coming home. I skimmed one hand down her side while supporting her with the other. A low growl vibrated in my chest as I kissed her harder, my need for her growing insistent, carving itself into every part of my being.

Her fingers threaded through my hair, pulling, tugging. Making it impossible to think straight. I tasted her deeper, exploring the sweet mouth I'd dreamed of every night we were apart. She moaned, the sound sending fire through my veins, making me ache for her in every possible way.

She poured everything into this, into us, and I felt it in every stroke of her fingers.

I lifted my head and loved how she stared up at me as if I was her world.

I trailed kisses down her neck, her pulse thrumming beneath my lips.

Her head tilted back, giving me full access, and I nipped at the delicate skin below her ear, moving down to her collarbone. She shivered, her soft sighs fanning against my hair.

Because we were on camera, I didn't take this further. I also didn't carry her into the house to consume her in every way possible. We had a bit more cleaning up to do, and I wanted it finished before the sun finished setting, which looked about ten minutes away.

“The thrill is gone,” she said with a smirk as I lowered her to the ground.

“Never,” I vowed. “This is only the start. I plan to finish later.”

“After we finish here.” Her smile faded as she looked around. “And after we shower. ”

“About that shower.” I stroked her cheek. “I noticed yours is nice and big.”

“When I renovated, I made sure it would accommodate monsters, or in our case, you and me.” She smiled up at me. “I assume you have a few ideas you'd like to try out?”

“I'm not giving away my secrets, sweet one.”

Her laugh rang out as we got back to work.

By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in amber and mauve, the greenhouse was cleared, and things were starting to look normal again. Ellie stood at the edge of the path, facing the row of greenhouses with her hands on her hips. Crouton barked at a moth, then gave chase.

"Well." She puffed out a breath. "That’s one disaster down."

"One greenhouse to build and you're back in the ordrid business.” I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, tugging her into my side. “Hungry?”

"Starving.”

“Pizza’s on me."

Her smile deepened. “As long as there’s pepperoni. And mushrooms. And none of that pineapple nonsense.”

I groaned. “I didn't realize you were one of those people. Pineapple is amazing on pizza.”

“It doesn’t belong anywhere near a dough, cheese, or tomatoes, let alone pepperoni,” she said with a flick of her braid before she headed toward the house. Crouton darted after her, his stubby legs flailing as if the word pizza meant he’d been invited to feast as well.

An hour or so later, refreshed from a long shower and some fun, we sat cross-legged on the living room floor with pizza boxes between us. Ellie wore casual sweatpants and a loose hoodie, her damp hair pulled into a bun. In the glow of the lamp and with the soft hum of crickets outside, she looked relaxed for the first time since we'd reconnected.

Crouton sat to her left, his little face resting on his paws. Every so often, he whimpered, shooting pathetic glances at the pizza boxes that told me he'd begun to suspect he was stuck with the dry food that came in a bag.

Ellie tore a piece of crust from her slice and tossed it to him, shaking her head. "You're such a beggar."

He snapped it out of the air with the enthusiasm of a crocodile devouring its prey, swallowed it fast, and settled back down to beg all over again.

“I thought we weren't supposed to feed him people food,” I said, taking a bite of my slice. "Or, since this is pizza, also monster food."

She gave me a mock glare. “He deserves it. The poor guy’s been stressed with all the mess around here.”

I snorted. “Stressed? He spent most of the day chewing on a leaf, then napping in the sun like a spoiled prince.”

“Shush.” she waggled her crust at me. “Let me mother him if I want.”

“He loves it. So do I.” I leaned close and gave her a kiss.

We ate in silence for a few minutes, the tensions of the day easing with every bite. I leaned back against the couch, stretching my legs out under the coffee table as I watched Ellie savor her meal.

“You know,” she said after a moment. “I think Elias is behind all this.”

“Not a doubt in my mind,” I said, grabbing another pepperoni slice—with pineapple. "Ophelia too. Remember I sensed her on the stone with the rune. They’re a couple. We just need to prove they did it."

"And that's going to be the hardest part."

"I'll look further into him, ask around town. If he's slipped up, and I imagine he has since everyone does eventually, I'll find the evidence. Pieces will fall into place, and we'll have him arrested."

Her lips pressed into a thin line as she stared at the pizza box in front of her. “If he’s tampering with magical plants, then the sabotage makes perfect sense. He wants my business to crash and burn so he can swoop in and take over the market. It’s not enough for him to grow magical plants. He wants to wipe out the competition.”

"It’s cutthroat, sure, but this goes beyond business. The rune? The plants poisoned to frame you, and the graffiti? It’s personal."

Ellie tore into a new slice, her features tightening with the kind of fury that made me want to pull her into my arms and hold her until it all melted away. She didn’t need this stress, didn’t deserve it. All she wanted was to care for her plants, her customers, and Crouton—the little guy who, at this moment, was attempting to look even smaller and sadder than usual to earn more crust .

Her gaze flicked up to meet mine, and I recognized the fire burning there. "I won’t let him take this from me." Her voice wavered, but her resolve was strong. "I’ve worked too hard."

"He won’t win. You have me now, Ellie, and ogres are not known for backing down from a fight.”

Her lips curved into a smile, the genuine kind that made the knot in my chest loosen, even if only a little. “Good. I could use someone stubborn on my side.”

“Stubborn? That’s an understatement. I’m downright immovable.” I winked, trying to lighten the mood. I'd fight hard to keep her from breaking under this pressure.

Crouton let out another whine, and Ellie sighed, tearing off another tiny piece of crust and tossing it to him. He caught it midair, clearly smug as he sprawled out on the floor like it had been his plan all along.

"Manipulative little prince, isn’t he?” I said.

“He learned from the best.” Ellie arched a brow in my direction, and I feigned shock, pressing a hand over my heart.

“Me? Manipulative? Sweet one, I think you must have me confused with someone else. I’m the very model of honesty and innocence.” I grinned, leaning closer, letting my knee bump against hers.

She snorted, shaking her head as she swiped her napkin across her mouth. “Honesty? Sure. Is that before or after you faked being a customer just to snoop around Elias’s greenhouse?”

“Hey,” I said, lifting my hands in mock surrender. “ That was for the greater good. Plus, technically, I am a customer now. I was close to buying those petunias."

Her laughter lit up the room, warming the air between us. For a moment, the tension eased, and we were just two people sharing pizza, teasing, and finding a way forward from a rough past. This was why I’d never let Elias, or anyone else for that matter, dim her spark. Not while I was around.

She leaned back against the couch, her head resting against the cushion as she looked over at me. Her expression softened, and the fire in her eyes was replaced with something quieter, something that made my chest tighten.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

“For what?”

“For everything. For coming back, for not giving up on me, for being here.”

I swallowed hard, her words settling heavy in my chest in the best way. “Always, Ellie. I mean it. You don’t have to do this alone any longer.”

Her gaze lingered on mine for a moment before she reached out, her fingers brushing the back of my hand. I turned mine over, catching hers and squeezing.

“I missed you,” she whispered.

“Me too, sweet one. All the time."

Crouton let out an exaggerated sigh and rolled onto his back in a dramatic way that made us both laugh. Ellie scratched his belly.

And almost everything was right in my world.