Page 61 of Evidence of a Folktale

“I appreciate that,” Bel said. “Mr. Draven doesn’t know about our arrangement, so I’ll stick to the act when I offer him my help.”

“Sounds good. I’ll wait till your back is turned before I start filming.”

“Thanks.” Bel twisted on her heels and approached the lead actor, smirking as she felt Eamon’s eyes track her. Perhaps this was the real reason he agreed to her scheme. To keep Hollywood’s sexiest actor from stealing her away from him. “Mr. Draven.” She extended a hand. “I’m sure you heard, but for the next few days, I’ll be acting as Miss Monroe’s consultant, but if you need clarification on anything, I’d be happy to offer my expertise.”

“Thanks.” He dismissed her as if he couldn’t possibly learn anything from a woman so attractive. He didn’t care about her brain, just the curves of her body, and Bel had to hide another smirk. Eamon had nothing to worry about. She preferred men who saw her as a human being, not a body. But Beau? He’d have something to worry about if he didn’t stop glancing at her legs.

“But what about the murders?” he asked.

“My partner and the sheriff are heading up the investigation,” she answered. “Trust me, the case is in capable hands.”

“Oh okay, cool.” He smiled, dialing up the charm, and Bel understood why so many women obsessed over Aesop’s Files. His smile was intoxicating… or at least it would’ve been if he hadn’t just lewdly scanned her head to toe. “So, is that a New York accent I detect?” he asked.

“Yes. Born and raised. My dad was the chief of police.” She wondered if that would deter his flirting.

“What’s a big city girl doing in a town like this?”

“Solving murders.” She deadpanned.

“You’re funny. I like?—”

“Hello Mon-hoes!” Taron Monroe blurted behind them as herlivebegan, and Bel instinctively ducked despite her turned back. “I’m here on location, and we’re shooting an explosive episode for all our fans, so make sure you catch up on the previous seasons if you haven’t binged them already. Before I announce my fun news, I’d like to observe a moment of silence for our fallen crew members. May they rest in peace.” She fell silent, and Bel didn’t miss how Beau shifted to get further into the shot.

“Gwen and Ellery will be greatly missed, but we’ll honor them by making this season the best yet,” Taron continued after a few seconds. “And now for my news. You can see her behind me helping Beau walk through his scene, but I have my very own homicide detective on set with me today.She’ll be consulting for the next few days,andhonestly, how cool is this?A real-life female homicide detective. Women like her are why I play such a badass character, so I should probably steal her back from Beau.Usgirls got to stick together. Sorry, what?” She faked being interrupted. “Sure, I’ll be right there… All right, Mon-hoes! Love you all. Wish me and my new detective bff luck. Hugs and kisses!” She endedthelive. “How was that?”

“Good.” Bel rejoined her, thankful to escape Beau’s unoriginal flirting. “Definitelyplayed up the girl power and not the protection aspect. Hopefully, The Wolf was watching and doesn’t consider me a threat.”

“I get why you’re saying that, but that freaks me out,” Taron said. “You’reliterallyhoping my stalker isn’t afraid of you so that he attacks you.”

“It’s part of the job.” Bel shrugged.

“I’m glad I only play a cop because Inever want that to be…part of the job,” she threw her voice to mimic Bel’s.

“That was pretty good.”

“You sound surprised. You don’t watch the show?”

“No, sorry. My life is endless death and crime already, so I normally just read. I also have my dog, who keeps me busy.”

“Makes sense,” Taron said. “Well, I am a decent actress, so while you’re here to protect me, maybe I canpick your brain. I could learn a lot.”

“Absolutely. As long as it doesn’t become distracting. It’s smart, though. It’ll help sell the lie about why I’m hovering.”

“Okay, now I’m excited… well, not about being stalked, but we’ve never had a female officer consult before. We’ve had male cops on the show, but never women. It feels verygirl-power. Especially since you have a female partner. I love it.”

Bel loved it too until Olivia decided she couldn’t forgive the lies.

“Speaking of girl power, can I ask you about him?” Taron nodded to where Eamon leaned against the far wall. “Why is he here?”

“You’ve been shooting on his property,” Bel half lied. “The producers are letting him watch as a thank you.”

“That gorgeous estate?” Taron asked. “Wow, rich and hot. My type… are you two a thing, though?” She glanced at Bel as if she just realized that Eamon hadn’t arrived at the cabin and sat on the couch with Cerberus because he consulted on cases as they’d claimed. “He kissed your forehead when I followed you to your house, but friends do things like that. Are you friends, or are you dating? Because he’s sexy, but I don’t hook up with guys who belong to other women.”

Bel bit her tongue to keep from laughing at Eamon’s reaction to the actress’ words. He could hear them despite the distance, and he didn’t bother to hide the amusement from his features. It seemed they bothhad the same responseto Taron’s belief that he’dabsolutelyhook up with her despite possibly being in a relationship.

“We’re friends,” Bel said. She couldn’t help herself. She wouldn’t mess with Taron—or Eamon—for long, but this woman had followed her home, witnessed Eamon arrive to protect her, and still assumed she had a shot. Bel liked the actress. She seemed fun and adorable, if not slightly out of touch, and it was understandable that Eamon’s unnatural attractiveness had gotten the better of her.

“Best friends,” Bel continued when he quirked his eyebrows at her answer.

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