Page 67 of Evidence of a Folktale

“Don’t be. You’ve gone out of your way for me and this case. We’ll reschedule.”

“Just because I can’t go doesn’t mean you shouldn’t,” he said. “Go get dinner and drinks with your friend and interrogate her potential boyfriend. Cerberus can hang out with me, so don’t worry about him being alone. It’s the perfect night since I’ll be locked in my office for the next few hours.”

“You sure?” Bel wrapped her arms around his neck. “I could use a drink.”

“Yes, have fun. Cerberus will keep me company, and you can crash at my place… since I’ll have your dog.”

“That’s the real reason you always want to hang out with him.” Bel kissed him full on the mouth in a shameless display of public affection. “Forces me to sleep over all the time so that we live together without living together.”

“Alas, I’ve been discovered.” Eamon buried his face in her throat until she laughed at the tickle of his lips against her scars. “The struggles of dating a detective.”

“Okay, okay.” She kissed his temple before shoving him off her. “I won’t be late.”

“Take your time.”

“Fine, I won’t be too late.”

“Better.” Eamon climbed into his truck. “See you later, Detective.”

Bel blew him a kiss as he pulled away, and then, drawing her coat closer around her body, she jogged through the throng to locate her ward. She escorted Taron to the bed-and-breakfast, and when the actress was safe, she rushed through the town to the bar.

“Hey!” Violet waved fromwhere she waswaiting by the entrance. “Thanks for coming. Where’s Eamon?”

“He has to work,” Bel said as she peeled off her coat, noticing that her friend looked suspicious. Maybe Rollo didn’t realize he was about to be interrogated, but then shenoticedblonde hair hiding in the background.

“I’m sorry.” Violet grimaced. “I don’t know what’s bothering you and Olivia, but I work with Ewan, remember? Something is going on between you three, and while I won’t insert myself into a romantic relationship, we’re friends. If I’m here, hopefully, you two can smooth over whatever happened.”

“I doubt it.” Bel glared at her friend. She wasn’t the one unwilling to talk it out. “Was this a trick to get us in the same room? Is Rollo even here?”

“Of course he is,” Violet said. “I like him and want your opinion.I just figuredputting you and Olivia in a neutral setting might help whatever’s bothering you two.”

“Fine.” Bel relented. “I could use a drink, anyway.”

“Thank you.” Violet slipped an arm through hers and escorted her to their booth.

“Detective.” Rollo stood as they approached and shook Bel’s hand. “Nice to see you out of work.”

“Agreed.” She smiled at him and then Olivia, but her partnermerelythrew a questioning glare at Violet.

“Can I get you a drink?” Rollo asked, oblivious to the arguing partners. “I have a beer, but Violet and Olivia have martinis. Would you like one?”

“No….” Bel trailed off. If shewasgoingto survive sitting next to her hostile partner, she’d need something stronger. “Actually, yes, thank you.”

“Sure thing.” Rollo started toward the bar. “Sweet or strong?”

“Dirty,” Bel said.

“Coming right up.”

“Wait.” Bel dug for her wallet. “Let me give you my card.”

“Don’t even think about it. It’s on me.”

“Well, that’s a step in the right direction to impressing me.” Bel winked at Violet. “Do you think his desire to impress could result in a basket of fries or wings?”

“He’s one step ahead of you,” Violet said. “He already ordered appetizers for the table.”

“Even better.” Bel settled into her seat and smiled at her partner. “How are you?”

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