Page 58 of Power Play Pursuit

A sea of chuckles washes over the room while Grandma straightens herself, adjusting her long black gown.

“Everyone beware!” James bellows dramatically. “Here comes Lois, the wickedest witch in the West—who may or may not turn you into a toad if you don’t clap loud enough.”

She raises her arms like she’s about to cast a spell, and I join the whole room in cheering for her with a little added fervor.

Five more participants shuffle on stage in a parade of costumes, each more realistic than the last—especially that terrifying mummy costume. When the runway stands empty, James walks forward.

“This is it, the moment you’ve all been waiting for,” he announces gravely. “The results are in, everyone.” He walks to the judges’ table, and Carlos hands him a folded piece of paper, which I’m assuming holds the winner’s name.

“And the winner of the Golden Age Halloween Spectacular is . . . Madame Martha!”

Eager applause fills the room as Martha joins James on the runway, her shawls and scarves floating around her. “Congratulations,” James says before drawing a beaming Martha into a warm hug. “Anything you’d like to say to the crowd or the judges?”

He holds the microphone in front of her, and she says, “Thank you, but this is hardly a surprise.” She points to the crystal ball. “I saw it coming.”

Everyone, including James, burstinto laughter, and the two of them exit the runway under a roaring round of applause.

After we move the furniture back into place, we all dig into the sprawling buffet and chat with everyone.

“I’m with you, kid,” Grandma tells James in a secretive voice when it’s only the three of us. “Janice is definitely up to something. We should check her ID.”

“Grandma!” I scold. “You’re not going to rummage through Janice’s stuff. That’s insane.”

“I was only kidding, Lois,” James says, and I’m glad he’s on my side. “I’m sure they checked everything before she moved here.”

“Fine, I’ll just have to continue my investigation on my own,” she harrumphs, popping a baby carrot in her mouth.

“Hold on. I’ll be right back,” James says when he notices Martha beckoning him at the other end of the room.

“Even if he won’t be my partner in crime, I like this kid,” Grandma says, watching James as he jogs up to Martha. “A lot better than that moron you used to date.”

“Right, but James and I aren’t dating. I told you that.”

She frowns, her hand trembling slightly. “Well, why on earth not? I don’t understand it. If a handsome gentleman in his prime was looking at me the way he looks at you, I would be in his arms in a heartbeat.”

“Grandma!” Laughter bubbles out of me. “We’re just friends. Besides, he looks at me the way he looks at everyone else. It’s just the way he is.”

She pins me with a stare. “Darling, I’m old, but I’m not blind. I recognize a man in love when I see one.”

My heart skips a beat. Love? Does she really think he’s in love with me? Then again, how much can I trust my grandma when she’s dead set on the idea that Janice is an actual spy? I glance at James, and my cheeks burn when our eyes meet. He’s leaning against a wall talking to Martha and Bill, but his gaze is fixed on me, carrying the same intensity I saw earlier on the runway, and this afternoon when we were getting ready. It stirs something inside me, and a flock of butterflies take flight in my belly.

Darn it. This is going to be a problem.

26

"Your pores are definitely clogged."

James Adler

Miles called me first thing this morning, inviting me for a game of NHL Master with the guys at his place, and I jumped at the opportunity. They’ve been gone for a few days and are leaving again tomorrow—coming back just in time for the wedding—and Elizabeth is at work all day.

Hawthorne and Beaumont are already at Miles’ place when I get there, but shockingly, Wally sat this one out. I’m starting to miss our British grump.

“How are youholding up, man?” Hawthorne shoots me a concerned look as Miles brings out a bowl of popcorn and sets it on the coffee table.

“All good. Nose is healing up. It doesn’t hurt as much. Still a little bored, but I’m stoked to kick some butt today, at least virtually.” I glance over at Beaumont. “What about you, Frenchie Boy? You’ll be a married man in a few days.”

A smile spreads across his face. “Can’t wait.” He turns to Miles, who is taking a seat on the couch. “Honestly, Miles, I get why you just went for it like that.”

---