Page 61 of Deadly Deception
“Of course.” Tabitha Clark’s tone implied it was a foolish question. “Why on earth wouldn’t he be able to visit?”
I wasn’t sure, but thought the question had been valid. “When are you leaving?”
There was a sigh. “I’m afraid I’ll need some help with transport. Given Navarre’s current condition, I’m not sure I’m comfortable navigating the road with him by myself. A plane ride is definitely out of the question. Backup should be here tomorrow afternoon. Mr. Tompkins has been gracious enough to allow me to stay in his home with Navarre. We should be fine until then.”
“I’ll let Boone know. I’m sure he’ll contact you later if he has questions.”
“Thank you. I will let you know if there are any further updates or breakthroughs.”
I stared at the darkening phone. Boone’s soft snuffles and gentle puffs of air lulled me back into slumber. Using the other chair, I propped my feet onto the cushion, laid my head back, and took a nap.
“Ican’t believe it’s after two p.m.” Boone was hunched in the passenger’s seat. He was still paler than I’d like, and couldn’t seem to get warm, even though I’d turned the heater on full blast. Sweat trickled down my spine but I didn’t care. I just wanted to get Boone warm. Despite the heat, he shivered. “Damn, I miss Mississippi.”
“Me too,” I answered honestly. Chicago and its surrounding areas would always feel like home, but I had a new place to lay my head and rest my soul, and that was in a state miles away with a necromancer cuddled up by my side.
“You think this is our last trip?”
“To the sheriff’s office?”
“Mm-hmm. It’s not a bad place, but still.”
I checked the rearview mirror along with the side mirrors before I answered, “I think it could be. I’m not sure what else we can do. You exonerated Navarre, and it looks like the Magical Usage Council is finally getting their shit together and stepping up, at least where Navarre’s concerned. You brought all the souls back from the bodies on hand. Henson’s got the interview evidence. I don’t know that we need to keep our boots on this particular piece of ground.” If Becks came up with something later, I could always relay this to Tompkins from the warmth of Mississippi.
“Would you like to stop by and see Ms. Violet again before we leave?”
I nodded. “I would. I can always go by myself if—”
“Don’t you dare. A woman like your nana would never let me live that down and as soon as Momma caught wind, she’d scold me just as badly. Besides, I like Ms. Violet.”
I’d yet to tell Boone about my sister’s outrageous demands. I didn’t plan on crossing that bridge until it was absolutely necessary. I’d need to speak with Nana before she saw Boone again to let her know I was keeping mum regarding Lynn’s idiocy. Nana wouldn’t say anything out of spite, but if our earlier conversation was anything to go by, she’d apologize half a dozen times for Lynn’s behavior. Boone didn’t need that.
“I would like to meet thisNana.”
I jumped and the SUV swerved. Boone simply hung his head and whispered, “Why, Gaia, why?”
My eyes connected with Aurelia’s Caribbean-blue ones via the review mirror. She was leaning against the back seat, making me concerned about her latestpet. “Aurelia, please tell me the kitten isn’t being squashed against the back seat.”
Boone immediately sat up, peering around the passenger’s seat as he eyed our latest djinn guest.
Arms crossed under her ample chest, Aurelia’s lips tilted into a frown. “Little Fang is not currently with me.”
I shared a quick glance with Boone and asked, “Little Fang? Is that what you named the kitten?”
“It seemed appropriate. Lucroy simply calls her Fang. I do not have an issue with shortening it, although her fangs are small, thus the descriptive addition.” Aurelia spoke matter of fact.
Boone coughed to hide his chuckle. “I think that’s an excellent name.”
“It is very wise,” Aurelia deadpanned, not a hint of humor in her tone.
“Yes… Well…” Boone struggled, and I decided to take mercy on him.
“That it is,” I answered, placing a lot of conviction into those three words.
“So, uh…where is Little Fang?”
“Peaches believes lessons are needed.”
“Lessons?” Boone asked, looking at me questioningly. I wasn’t sure why. I had zero idea. “What kind of lessons?”
