Page 62 of Perfectly Perplexing Zombie

“I have. Interestingly, I had to call her back from an earthly visit.”

My gaze finally tracked Hamish’s way. He didn’t return my gaze but kept his attention on Stover’s house. A couple of lights were on, but I’d yet to see the human walk by a window.

“Wendall?” I asked. Just saying the name shot a pang of longing through my beating hearts.

“She didn’t say, but I believe that to be a fair assumption.” Hamish was one of the few fairies who knew of Wendall’s status and importance. There were times when Hamish and I fought on different sides, but only where the law was involved. When it came to the protection of Fairy and our queen, there was no discord between us.

“And her reaction?”

Hamish shrugged. “As you would expect. Queen Silvidia rarely shows true worry. She thanked me for the information and then proceeded to say that you had the issue under control. I did not feel arguing was wise.”

I silently disagreed. I didn’t believe for a second that I had any aspect of this situation under control. While I appreciated my queen’s confidence in my abilities, I did not want to disappoint her or myself.

“Have you spoken with the djinn again?” Hamish asked.

I relayed Aurelia’s impromptu visit with Wendall and me in the park.

All Hamish had to say was, “That is disturbing.”

“It is. I am concerned about Stover’s mental health. From what I have seen and given Aurelia’s warning, he is becoming increasingly unstable. I believe we have already lost any opportunity to appeal to his logical side.”

“I believe that opportunity was lost the moment he wished for Wendall’s death,” Hamish agreed. “Wendall was unaware of the importance of what he saw.”

He still hadn’t even with the hypnosis. “Lucroy, Muriel, and I believe the object of attachment is most likely the amphora on Stover’s keychain.” I’d filled in Hamish on Wendall’s recall of Stover’s office, minus the zombie chomping that followed.

“Agreed. The book is still a possibility, but it seems less likely.”

“We need to get the amphora away from him.”

“Again, I agree. Do you have a plan to do that?” Hamish raised a single eyebrow while eyeing me from the side.

“If so, I would hardly be standing outside his home.” Not that I had anywhere else to be. Wendall had made his feelings clear, and I didn’t know what to do with that. I’d been repeatedly running our discussion through my head. Did I leave him alone? Everything in me screamed that was the wrong answer. I wanted to be with Wendall for whatever time he had left. He’d made it clear he would never accept my bond. Wendall thought it a selfish act. I was beginning to think it might be more selfish of him not to accept.

“And where, exactly, would you be if not here?” There was a hint of arrogant mischief in Hamish’s tone.

I didn’t answer. Instead, I kept my gaze pinned on the house, searching for something. The truth was, watching Stover wasn’t getting us anywhere. I wasn’t even sure if he knew we were there. Aurelia would certainly know, but I doubted she’d be willing to give up information without a wish forcing her hand. The djinn wanted away from Stover just as badly.

When I didn’t answer, Hamish remained blessedly quiet. When he finally did speak again, he said something wholly unexpected. “She asked this of you, Hellfire. There were others Queen Silvidia could have asked, but she didn’t. She chose you. I will not lie. A part of me was angered by this. A larger part was relieved. I do not envy you this task, but I do envy our queen’s trust in you. I mirror that trust. You will find a way, Ray. You always do.”

Hamish’s footsteps quietly fell to silence as he walked away, leaving me alone again with my brooding. He was right. There were others Queen Silvidia could have asked. I hadn’t questioned her decision. She wasn’t just the most powerful of us but also the wisest. There was always a reason behind her perceived madness. I only wished I could figure out that reason now.

* * *

Icouldn’t stay away from Wendall, and after three hours of staring at Stover’s home, I gave up trying, climbed into my car, and headed to Dusk. It was a Saturday night, and Dusk was even busier than it had been the night before. Bax waved me through the line, and only a couple of patrons balked. When they saw I was a fairy, each and every one offered profuse apologies that I couldn’t have cared less about.

The music was loud, the cacophony of voices rising above and around it nearly mind-numbing. I wasn’t sure how anyone could find this form of entertainment desirable, and yet the throngs of patrons in Dusk and other similar businesses more than spoke of how wrong I was.

Wendall was busy. He scurried between the numerous bodies. Maybe not with ease, but he was small enough that he could wiggle his way through and barely make contact with anyone. Privately, that made me pleased. Trinket was on his shoulder. She rarely left his side, and Wendall didn’t appear to mind.

I planned to head to the dishwashing area, where Wendall would no doubt be up to his elbows in dirty glasses later when Dusk cleared out. For now, I was happy to find a wall and assist in holding it up. As I made my way around, a large, husky figure drew my attention. It wasn’t just that lone figure but the three beta wolves surrounding him that truly caught my eye.

My jaw clamped tight enough to be uncomfortable. Changing direction, I easily found my way to the table.

“Arie Belview,” I said, holding back my innate distaste. “I was under the impression that you detested vampire bars.”

Arie remained seated, a glass of what appeared to be water coolly sitting in front of him. Perspiration danced along the glass edges while Arie ran his fingers down the side.

“It’s a bar owned by a vamp and not exactly avampire bar,” Arie just as frostily answered. “I have every right to be here. I’m not threatening anyone in Sedrick’s littlepack.” The betas surrounding Arie snickered as if he’d made a joke. I didn’t find the reference humorous.

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