Page 50 of The Finder

She braided her hair for work and slipped on jeans and a long-sleeved dark purple sweater for work. Slipping on the black converse sneakers Madison had talked her into buying, she grabbed her coat and left her room. She made her way down the stairs and was surprised to see Madison and Kyle sitting at the table. Madison stood to her feet and came towards her. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” she said.

Emma didn’t really want to process it all right now. “It’s okay. I understand.” Madison looked like she wanted to say more. “Why are you guys still up? You have to be exhausted.”

Madison grinned. “Now that we’re no longer keeping our secret, I get to be part of your protection detail.”

Emma blinked. “Oh, right because you’re a...”

“Enforcer,” Madison said. It was then that Emma noticed what she was wearing. Gone was the girly, shopping, cooking woman she had come to know; in her place was a woman who looked every inch the part of an enforcer. She wore tight black jeans, black heeled boots, and a red V-neck shirt with a black leather jacket.

“Wow,” Emma said.

“Right?” Kyle said, wrapping his arms around her. “She’s one smokin’ hot enforcer. And to answer your question from earlier, we’ll be fine today. Wolves can go without sleep longer than humans can. We’d better get going or you’re going to be late.”

That snapped Emma back to the present. “Right.” They made their way outside. Emma was grateful to see the car was already running, so it would be nice and warm.

The ride to the shop was more talkative than normal. Madison kept a running dialogue, and Kyle responded whenever she came up for air. Emma just watched the scenery out her window.

Emma walked into the coffee shop and stopped for a moment. A strong cleaning smell hit her nose. She stood still as memories from the last time she had been here flooded her mind. Helen came and stood next to her. She linked her arm through Emma. “You okay?” she asked in a somber voice.

Emma nodded. “Are you?” she asked Helen.

Helen nodded resolutely. “It’s going to take more than that to stop us.” Emma nodded. “Here. We got new locks on the doors and new keys. I made an extra one for you.” Emma took the key.

“Thank you for entrusting me with this,” she said to Helen sincerely.

Helen laughed. “I think we’re way past that now, girl. I’d trust you to run the whole thing for a month if I had to.” Emma smiled, encouraged by Helen’s complete trust of her.

You ready to get back to work?” Helen asked.

Emma smiled. “Yes.”

“All right then. Let’s do this.” Emma made her way into the back room to grab an apron and get to work. It wasn’t long before the smell of fresh coffee beans filled the air. Soon after that, the smell of baking cinnamon rolls filled the shop. Emma took a deep breath, the scents relaxing her. This was where she belonged. This was her happy place. With a smile on her face, she started serving customers. Business was hopping as news of what had happened had drawn customers—some in show of support, others just curious. Either way, customers were customers; and both Helen and Emma were thankful for the business and the distraction.

During one of the lulls, Emma took coffee and cinnamon rolls to the table in the back where Kyle and Madison were hunched over a laptop with papers scattered around them. Madison looked up when Emma got close. “I brought you coffee.” She handed them each a coffee. “Black dark roast for you, Kyle; and our special right now for you, Madison. It’s a latte with cinnamon, maple, and little hints of butterscotch.”

“Ooh,” Madison said. She put the cup up to her mouth and took a small sip. “Oh my goodness; that’s to die for.”

Emma smiled. “I’m glad you like it. I’ve got to get back to work.” She walked back to the front of the store with a smile on her face. She had created that drink, working at it until she got it just how she wanted it. It was her favorite drink right now. She usually made one for her break and enjoyed sipping on it coming to and from the library. When it was time for her break, Madison talked her into getting sandwiches from the shop a few doors down, even though Emma had packed a lunch. Ever since she had moved into the house, she packed a lunch the night before. It was usually just a sandwich and an apple or something similar. It was so nice to have food for her break. Well, food and coffee.

“What do you do when you’re stuck in the shop all day?” she asked on their way back to the shop. She directed the question to Kyle because he had spent many hours at Sip and Drip.

“Garrett always has work for us,” he said, not really telling her anything.

They were walking along when suddenly Kyle put his hand up, stopping them. Madison immediately stepped behind Emma, pinning her between the two of them. He motioned them into the alley. Without warning, two guys came at them. Emma had no idea where they even came from. Kyle and Madison instantly responded. Emma prepared to fight, but she never got a chance. Kyle and Madison sent them running. Madison turned to check on Emma. “Are you good?”

“Yeah, I didn’t get to do anything,” Emma pouted.

Kyle came to stand in front of them. “I think we should get Emma home.”

“No,” Emma said instantly.

Kyle looked at her. “They were wolves, Emma. They could come back. I need to call Garrett. ”

“No, wait.” Emma said. “Look, they’re gone now. They’re probably not going to come back when they know they can’t take you. Let’s just go back inside. Wait to call Garrett until my shift is done, please? I’ve already missed so much time already. I need to be here to help Helen,” Emma pleaded with him.

Madison looked at Kyle, and he gave a short nod. “Fine,” Kyle said. “But if they show up again; we’re out of here.”

“Agreed,” Emma said.

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