Page 5 of Forensics of a Fable

“I read about your boss on the news,” Olivia said as the conversation turned to Lumen’s Customs. “I’ve seen photos of his designs. He was impressive. It’s a shame what happened to him, but it’s amazing you got to work for him.”

“I loved working for him,” Violet said, downing her drink. “God, I’m so glad you called, Bel. I needed this. I’m at my wit’s end trying to figure out what to do with the business.” She studied her empty glass, as if just realizing how fast she drank the martini, and then she stared at the basket of fries longingly. Bel shoved them toward her friend with a nod. She had expected her companions’ need for comfort food and ordered a double serving.

“Does anyone want another drink?” Violet asked as she pushed two fries into her mouth. When both Olivia and Bel shook their heads, she seized a small fistful of fries and walked on her impossibly thin stilettos to the bar with the grace of a runway model.

“She’s really nice,” Olivia said as they watched her all-black ensemble charm everyone as she ordered another martini. “Do you mind?” she pointed at the food, and Bel nodded, feeling justified in her decision to order the largest basket on the menu.

“I was worried about moving,” Olivia continued. “This is a small town, but I come from an even smaller one. I wasn’t necessarily looking to leave my hometown, but there were no opportunities. Bajka seemed like a good stepping stone, but between not knowing anyone and learning three officers and four civilians recently lost their lives, I almost refused the job.”

“I moved here from New York City, and that case was the worst I’ve worked,” Bel admitted. “But that was a once-in-a-lifetime case, so I’m praying for smooth sailing from now on.”

“I got shots,” Violet laughed as she returned with a small tray. “And Bel, you’re doing one. If anyone needs a night off, it’s you.” She shoved the alcohol across the table with an authoritative look, but when Bel opened her mouth to protest, she pouted. “Please do one. I ordered more food too, so you can eat before you have to drive.”

“Fine, just the one,” Bel conceded.

“I didn’t think that would work.” Violet flashed an incredulous expression at Olivia. “Hurry, before she changes her mind. She needs a night of fun.”

Bel rolled her eyes but picked up the shot glass. The three women toasted and downed the liquor. The whiskey curled fire through her as it slipped down her throat, and Eamon’s voice drifted through her memory at the taste. His voice always reminded her of whiskey, harsh and smooth, fire and smoke and desire. Was that what it would be like to kiss him? Would it burn as deliciously as the alcohol did and linger intoxicatingly on her tongue?

“Hello, who is that?” Olivia froze, french fry halfway to her mouth, and Bel’s skin flushed hot as she wondered if her thoughts had summoned Eamon. But then the atmosphere shifted, and her skin cooled as the hairs on the back of her neck rose. The bar door slammed shut behind her, but Bel didn’t need to look to know it wasn’t Eamon. The aura was all wrong. Theearthy darkness of the newcomer’s scent coiled around her, and a pinprick of wariness stung her subconscious. There was an infinitesimal shift in power, enough to cause her spine to stiffen, but it was weak compared to Eamon’s magnitude. Nothing like his domineering presence and intoxicating scent. No, someone else had caused the energy in the room to shift.

Bel twisted on the stool,her gaze landing on the newcomer as he strode toward the bar. He was tall and broad, his form pure muscle, but not in the way Eamon was. Her beast was all formidable power and death, sleek and terrifying in his towering mass, while this man was burly in an undeniably sexy way. His brown hair and beard were neatly trimmed, his brown eyes were speckled with gold, and the flannel stretched over his thick shoulders gave him a decidedly lumberjack appearance.

As if sensing he had an audience, the man’s gaze shifted to their table, and his eyes immediately locked on Gold. He smirked at her as he ordered a beer, and Bel felt the sudden urge to look away from their wordless conversation. The heat that passed between them was palpable, and the warning that chilledher skin when he entered vanished. Bel stared at the empty shot glasses, wondering if the liquor had triggered the false sixth sense. Her wariness disappeared as the man smiled at her new partner, his aura charming and inconspicuous, and she shoved a few fries into her mouth. She shouldn’t have drunk that whiskey. She had lived next door to a serial killer without suspicion, and that had been when sober. Who knew what might escape her notice when intoxicated.

“Who is that?” Olivia whispered, unable to tear her eyes from the newcomer.

“Never seen him before.” Violet shrugged. “I’ve lived here most of my life, and I would remember a man who looked like that.”

“If this is what Bajka men look like, I’m glad I accepted this job.” Olivia laughed, and the stranger smiled as he toasted his beer at her. Olivia’s pale skin blushed crimson as she lifted her almost empty drink at him, and after studying the glass, the man turned back to the bar. He spoke briefly to the bartender and then gestured to Gold with a warm invitation. For a moment, the three women stared at him until a martini appeared beside his beer, his intentions charmingly clear.

“Oh,” Olivia stuttered, looking sheepishly at her companions. “We’re having a girl’s night. I guess I’ll thank him for the drink and come back?” She looked suddenly insecure at the thought of having to interact with the handsome stranger, and her hands unconsciously smoothed her blonde hair.

“No.” Bel smiled at her new partner’s shyness. “Go, talk to him. Have fun. If I’ve learned anything over these past few months, it’s that life is short. Don’t hold back. You may never get another chance.”

Olivia’s eyes dipped to Bel’s scars, assuming they were what she was referring to, and Bel let her believe that as Garrett’s face played in her memory. They had never even gone on a realdate, his murder stealing any future they might have had. She’d been too nervous to seize her moment, and she wouldn’t stop someone else from following their heart.

“Are you sure?” Olivia asked, eyes shifting between her companions.

“Yes!” both women insisted at once.

“If a handsome man was looking at me like that, I would’ve left the table five minutes ago,” Violet joked. “Go, before I do.”

“Fine, all right.” Gold blushed.

“If you don’t like him, we’ll be here,” Bel said as her partner strode toward the bar. “Just give me a look, and I’ll rescue you.”

Goldand the stranger hit it off, and an hour later, she was still sitting with him, laughing and smiling in a way that made Bel wish Eamon had followed her to the bar. She tried to put the hulking blond out of her mind, but his death-black eyes haunted her even from her memories. She wondered what it would be like to laugh and flirt and simply exist in Eamon’s presence, but she would never forget what he was. Never forget how his teeth felt, how he owned her fear, and she didn’t think she could ever be just a woman in his presence.

Bel placed some cash on the table, forcing her beast’s eyes from her thoughts, and wrapped an arm around Violet. One of Violet’s friends had shown up, and with them catching up and Olivia occupied by the handsome stranger, Bel had finally found an opening to escape home to her dog.

“You’re leaving?” Violet asked. “No, please stay.”

“I need to feed Cerberus,” Bel said, kissing her friend’s head.

“All right, you have a good excuse.” Violet returned the hug. “Let’s do this again soon. I’ll text you, and I’ll make sure Olivia is safe.”

“Thank you.” Bel smiled as she walked to the bar, Violet’s friend claiming her vacated seat. “Olivia, I’m heading out. Have a good night.”

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