Page 49 of The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine

‘I found out that someone is demanding protection money from the vendors. Apparently Jeff didn’t pay up. No one identified the person, but they all agreed it was someone local – and it’s someone with the power to curse their victims.’

‘A magic user,’ Sidnee murmured.

‘You know what that means?’

She grinned. ‘Liv is gonna eat you for lunch if you start interviewing her magic users.’

I blew out a breath. ‘Yup. But did you know that she visited Stan and Sigrid in the hospital? She does have a heart somewhere.’

‘Buried deep, deep down,’ Sidnee snorted. ‘Anyway, it’s a start, though I honestly have no idea who would run a protection racket in this town. Threatening people here can go very badly for you.’

‘I guess that’s why they came down so hard on Jeff – you can’t let anyone buck the rules. Do you know anyone who has tried this before? Any complaints about people around town demanding protection money?’

She frowned. ‘Nothing springs to mind but I can search the database.’ Gunnar had a computer at his desk but we didn’t have his password. ‘Um, when are our new computers coming in?’

‘I have no idea. I’ll text the boss for his password.’

She smiled. ‘Don’t bother, it’ll be written down on a sticky note in his desk.’ She started pulling open drawers.

‘While you look, I’m going to call my favourite council member and see about our computers and office furniture. He was sorting it out for us.’

She grinned. ‘Buying your love?’

It was terrifying to admit to myself that he didn’t need to because he already had it for free. My commitment-phobic thoughts washed in and the urge to dump Connor and run for the hills was strong, but I told it to piss off and took a steadying breath. I was worthy of love, of being loved. I could do this.

I dialled Connor, my heart and mind a maelstrom of emotion. His phone rang for a long time and I nearly hung up before his husky voice filled my ear. ‘Bunny,’ he answered warmly.

‘Hey,’ I said happily, my emotions settling in an instant. Something about him grounded me in the very best way.

‘I’m down at the docks. Edgy is flying me to Homer – I’m heading to Anchorage to pick up the computers for your office.’

‘Oh.’ I was sure he could hear the disappointment in my voice.

‘I wish we were making the trip together but I know you’re busy, and the sooner I get these the quicker you’ll be back in business.’ He paused. ‘I don’t want to raise your hopes, but there’s a book in Anchorage that might have some answers as to what you are. That’s why I’m going myself rather than sending Margrave. This is too sensitive to farm out to anyone else.’

My heart swelled. ‘Thank you, Connor. And you’re right – we do need those computers and I need to do some research.’

‘Exactly. This way, I’ll have more time with you.’

‘I’ll miss you,’ I said in a small voice. It was hard to admit but it was undoubtedly true.

‘I’ll miss you too, doe. I’ll make up for it when I’m back home. I’ve gotta go. Edgy is ready.’

‘Okay, be safe.’

‘Back at you.’

We hung up. At least I had the answer on the office equipment. Connor had told me that no one would ship electronic items here directly; you had to arrange delivery with a pilot or go yourself. With the book coming into play, Connor had assigned himself the role.

I couldn’t suppress the fizz of excitement that ran through me at the thought of finally getting some answers about what I was. He’d told me not to raise my hopes but it was too late: they were already sky high.

Sidnee was clacking away on Gunnar’s computer. I popped my head around the door. ‘Connor is leaving now to go get us some more computers.’

‘Yes!’ she said giving a triumphant fist pump. ‘Gunnar’s computer is so slow it’s driving me wild – but I’m determined.’ She went back to clacking on the keyboard.

I waited a few minutes, trying to be patient. After another minute I asked, ‘Any luck?’

She looked up and gave me a wry look. ‘Not yet, Bunny. I barely got into the program.’

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