Page 139 of Tangled in Knots

“Enjoy,” I call out, putting the cash away.

“Adira, there’s someone who wants to talk to you,” Caleb says, coming close to me. “He’s Aisling’s alpha, and his name is Caelin. He said he may have some information about your father’s inheritance.”

“Right now?” I ask, glancing at the line at the bar.

“I can make drinks, kid,” Caleb grumbles, holding his hand out to motion someone over to us. The alpha is wearing glasses, has wide shoulders, and blond hair. While he appears nerdy, there’s an air of danger around him that makes me step back before I’m aware I’m doing it.

“Woah,” Caelin says, hands up in front of him. “Damn, I thought I was reigning in my grumpiness, but apparently not. Someone was talking about your ass when I walked by and I almost punched him.”

“Really?” I ask, smirking. “I thought it was typically my boobs. I’m a bartender, it comes with the territory.”

“Still wanted to punch his face in,” he mutters. “I am not at all dangerous to you. Just assholes who can’t control their mouths. Most people can’t tell I’m dangerous until I’m killing them.”

I think he does it on purpose, because he’s wearing a very preppy tan sweater, an open gray coat, and dark gray pants.There’s a computer bag looped over his head, which also lends itself nicely to the idea that he’s not dangerous.

However, I could feel it when I saw him. I’m taking what Morris told me to heart and trying to trust my instincts more. Caelin may be a killer, but if he’s here, I doubt he’s going to hurt me.

“I’ve always been really sensitive to intentions and energy,” I tell him. “It exhausted me, so I tried to ignore it. I’m trying to trust my instincts again.”

“You should. Like I said, they’re solid,” he says. “Can we borrow your office, Caleb?”

“I guess,” Caleb grunts. “Head straight back, I’ll take it from here.”

Before I can protest, he begins to take drink orders. Sighing, I walk back to his office with Caelin in tow. The door is unlocked, and I turn the light on as he follows me in.

“What kind of information do you have for me?” I ask, curious. “Aisling said you’d look into it, and I couldn’t believe you’d offer.”

“Again, I hate shitty people,” Caelin says. “What happened to you isn’t right, and there’s quite a bit of money on the line. You remind Aisling a little of herself. You’re spreading yourself too thin.”

“I don’t really know what else to do,” I admit. “I can’t live at the shelter forever, and my life is a dumpster fire. Working keeps me busy.”

“That’s fair, the quiet in your head sometimes isn’t pretty,” he says sagely.

Opening his computer, he taps on it to wake it up, as he sits in one of the chairs in front of the desk. Boosting myself onto the desk I’m leaning against, I wait as patiently as I can, my feet gently swinging.

“So Jeremiah moved all of his existing money into offshore accounts a few hours before he died. They’re all in the name of Cassia Whiddich, his sister’s name,” Caelin says, making a face as he shows me.

“I could just make it disappear, but if Cassia knows about the money, she could make trouble about it.”

“I didn’t even know until recently that Dad had a sister,” I tell him. “Technically, I didn’t do anything to earn that money. While it would make things easier, I don’t think I’m entitled to it.”

It sucks, but I like working here. It’s not the end of the world.

“Do you want to meet your aunt?” Caelin asks. “I could track her down, meet with her first to see if it’s worthwhile? You’ve had a lot on your plate, if she’s a bitch or could possibly hurt you, I’ll kill her. It’s been a busy few months, and I need to let off some steam.”

“Is that what killing does for you?” I ask, interested.

“It does,” he says with a nod. “You don’t look scared by that. Why?”

“Everyone speaks highly about how talk therapy works, but the idea of it gives me hives,” I say. “Rock Dresmond is why I have nightmares. If he was gone, I’d be able to worry less.”

“Do you want to be involved in his death, or do you think knowing he’s dead would be enough?” Caelin asks.

“Involved,” I whisper, as if someone might hear.

“I heard the Dresmond brothers are having a hard time getting the families to meet with them, but you’re different,” Caelin says. “Would you like to meet my boss?”

Eyes wide, I shrug. “Would that help?” I ask.

---