Page 30 of Throne of Secrets

Ethan leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his knees as he stared across the yard. “I’m not going to lie. These guys are bad news. They’ve got connections to some pretty unsavory people.” He shifted his gaze toward her. “I don’t think they realized you recorded their conversation.”

Star shook her head, still trying to wrap her mind around the revelation. “How did you even figure out who they were?”

He chuckled softly. “Star, this is what I do.”

“Yeah, but … still. That wasfast. Should I be paying you for this? I mean, I’m taking time away from your job.”

He shook his head. “This took maybe ten minutes. Tops. It’s fine.”

“So, what should we do?”

Ethan rubbed his palms together. “Common sense says we should drop the whole thing. If we don’t act suspicious, they’ll have no reason to think they were overheard.”

Star dropped her head into her hands, fingers raking through her scalp. “But I can’t do that,”she mumbled.

Ethan sat up straighter. “I can’t either,” he admitted.

She lifted her head. Their eyes met. “So, what are we gonna do?”

Pointing back and forth between them, he said, “Wearen’t going to do anything. I'm going to use my contacts and resources to figure out what these guys are planning, then foil those plans.”

Star frowned and narrowed her eyes. “Whosays that?”

Ethan blinked. “Who says what?”

“'Foil their plans.’” She snorted. “Who says that?What are you, some mid-century villain hunter?‘Ah-ha! On guard, ye swashbuckling cad!’”

She extended an imaginary rapier and flicked her wrist in a mock duel.

Ethan's laughter filled the backyard as he slung an arm around her shoulders. She instinctively leaned into him. His skin was warm, smelling of sawdust, sunshine, and something that was just …Ethan.

“Well,” he said, matching her sword-flick with his free arm, “this ‘swashbuckling cad’ says it. So, there.”

She laughed and nudged him with her shoulder. “So, what happens next?”

“I’ll keep digging into the situation. I’d like you to stick close to home for a few days while I figure out exactly what’s happening.”

Star winced. “I have to go into Manhattan tomorrow. Semi-annual meeting with the private practice I transcribe for. I’m taking the Q train.”

He frowned. “It can’t be rescheduled?”

“It’s only twice a year, Ethan.” She shrugged. “Besides, I like the subway. The chaos. The people-watching. Well, except for that one time when a guy’s body odor was so bad I started crying involuntarily. But usually, it’s fun.”

“No displays to knock over?”He smirked.

Her jaw dropped. “Ididn’t actually knock over that display. It was more of an assist.”

Ethan turned his head slowly and arched a brow. “Star … I had access to the hardware store’s security cameras.”

Her mouth opened. Closed. Opened again. “I’m not going to ask if that’s legal.”

“Smart.” He laughed. “You're lucky you didn’t end up in the hospital. Those cans were heavy. It’s honestly bizarre that not one hit you.”

She shrugged. “Things break around me. Always have. But I’m usually fine. I go months without an incident sometimes. But when it does happen? Boom. Total mayhem.”

Ethan tilted his head. “What’s the longest you’ve gone without an incident?”

She didn’t even have to think about it. “Four years. Right after my parents died. I was so depressed I barely left the house. Worked with a therapist. Sold the family home. I didn’t go out or socialize. No people meant no disasters.” Her laugh was hollow. “Maybe I should just lock myself away for everyone’s safety.”

---