Page 68 of Dragon Detective

Sylvia looked up, her gaze traveling from Hannah to me before narrowing. I grabbed an empty pillowcase and covered myself with it, and Sylvia’s eyes flicked back to Hannah. “Where is it? I know he still had it. It’s got to be here somewhere.”

Chapter 34

Hannah

We called Detective Carter—again—and he called the ambulance who took Sylvia to the hospital for evaluation. She wouldn’t answer any questions. She just stared at us blankly and periodically muttered. “Where is it?”

I assumed her family, if she had one, would be notified, but we didn’t know what might happen after that. It was clear she needed help, and I hoped someone would make sure she received it.

We couldn’t discover what she was looking for, though I’d started to wonder. Was she searching for something I’d purchased along with the estate?

Her blank stare and continuous muttering could be a ruse to make us think she was confused, something common enough with the elderly.

“Do you want to press charges for breaking and entering?” Detective Carter asked as the ambulance drove away. We stood on the front porch. Staff from Shriek & Nail had delivered the new glass and the construction company I’d hired to installit had arrived. Orc dudes bustled about, replacing my front windows. The owner of the business assured me they’d have this job finished within a few days. After that, I’d fix any dings in the trim and could move on to my next project.

“No, I don’t want to press charges,” I said. “I feel bad for Sylvia. She seemed horribly confused, though she told us how she got in.” Through the bulkhead that emptied into the wine cellar. She’d used a screwdriver to break the lock.

Was that why Max was suspicious? He could’ve heard her outside and wanted to find out what was going on.

“That’s kind of you,” the detective said. “If you change your mind, let me know.” His gaze traveled to two orcs carrying one of the windows carefully up the walkway. “I’m sorry you’ve been dealing with this, but I believe this is the end of it. Sylvia must’ve been entering your house to search it, which explains the odd sounds you kept hearing.”

“Why would she play with my lights and send water through my bedroom ceiling?” I asked.

He shrugged. “To make you believe the sounds were coming from a ghost. Wouldn’t be the first time someone staged paranormal activity to make someone behave in a certain manner.”

“I appreciate your help.” I squeezed Reylor’s hand. He’d grabbed the throw off the sofa and knotted it around his waist. We needed to talk about him moving in with me permanently and then he could keep all his clothing here. I suspected he’d say yes if I asked. He adored this building as much as I did, he was eager to help me start my new business. There was plenty of room in my suite for us both. No need for him to buy other property.

And we’d already shared that we wanted to be together as much as possible.

“Thank you,” I told Detective Carter, Reylor echoing my words.

We sat on the porch and watched as the detective slowly strode down the walkway and got into his car, driving toward town.

“It’s over, right?” I asked, stretching my hand out to take Reylor’s.

He linked our fingers and lifted our clasped hands, kissing my knuckles. “It’s over.”

“Do you have to return to the office?”

He shook his head. “I’m here for you, Hannah, twenty-four seven.”

“You know what I mean.”

“Tuvid can handle things until tomorrow. The day was nearly over.”

“Then I have an idea,” I said with a smile, feeling freer than I had for some time. “Let’s take the second pan of lasagna and some cookies I made this afternoon over to Bailey and Katar. I’m sure they’ll welcome a meal or two they don’t have to cook. I can’t wait to meet the baby.”

His head cocked. “Did you say cookies?”

“I made plenty.”

“Good, good. Wouldn’t want to miss out.” He stood and looked down at my couch throw covering his vital bits. “I suppose I should change.”

One of the orcs striding up the steps, holding a tool pouch, snorted. “No need to change on my behalf, dude.” He gave me a wink as he entered the house.

We exchanged eyebrow-lifted grins.

While he went to my bedroom to dress, I called to make sure it was okay to visit. Katar said sure, and I collected the food, putting it and the small gift I’d picked up for their new daughterin a tote bag. We got into his truck and drove to Bailey and Katar’s waterfront home.

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