Page 34 of Waste
“The photographer?” Charlie asked.
Marie nodded. “You’ve heard of me,” she said, smiling.
“Yes. I have a couple of your prints. You’re incredibly talented.”
“Thank you, Charlie! Comments like yours mean a lot. How long are you here for?” Marie asked, her eyes landing on Drew.
He sighed. This was a case of his sister being nosy.
“A few weeks. My sister…” Charlie broke off and glanced at Drew.
“A madman is targeting Shelley. Someone tried to harm her, so I brought her here. Security is pretty damn tight around here,” Drew explained. “Marie is a good friend, Charlie. She’s safe.” He spoke in an aside to Charlie, who relaxed his tense shoulders.
“How awful. There are lunatics out there who hunt innocents down if they catch their unwanted attention,” Marie replied.
With great effort, Drew managed to control himself. Marie was telling him that the danger of Shelley being exposed to the Hunters was still present. Shelley was continuing to research him.
“Yes, Shelley seems to have attracted two in a matter of months,” Charlie stated. “My sister loves peace and quiet, and this drama is so unusual around her. It’s frightening.”
“I can only imagine. It’s like when someone keeps ringing your phone and you don’t want them to. It’s borderline stalking,” Marie said, and Charlie nodded.
Drew heard the meaning. Shelley was calling for Mary in the mirrors. Damn! Shelley was more determined and stubborn than he’d given her credit for.
“Yeah, you’re not wrong,” Charlie agreed, ignorant of Marie’s subliminal message. He straightened and smiled. “Join us for lunch?”
“I’d love to!” Marie accepted.
Drew sent her a sour look. Marie’s intentions were obvious. She linked her arm with Charlie and began chatting brightly. Drew stomped along behind them, feeling out of sorts. He was uncertain regarding Shelley. If she continued to persist with her research, he could ask one of the magic users, Lilith or Baba Yaga, for help. However, he was loath to do so.
Drew’s problems compounded when they approached his chalet, and he spotted Mirry Moor outside hers. Mirry wore a pout and was staring straight at them.
“Hello!” she called, her gaze focused on Drew. He weakly offered a wave and stared at the back of Marie’s head. He didn’t want to encourage Mirry.
“Drew!” Mirry cried, and Drew stiffened. Damn it. Did he go rude or polite?
“Hello?” he replied, choosing to be civil for now. He didn’t want drama around Shelley and upsetting her recovery.
“So nice to meet you! Fancy us being here at the same time,” Mirry announced as she began picking her way through the snow. Drew threw a panicked look at Marie and Charlie. Charlie was grinning widely while Marie noted his panic and moved closer.
“Do I know you?” Drew asked pointedly, and Marie chuckled.
“Well, we’ve never met, but I’m sure you’re aware of who I am,” Mirry tittered confidently.
“No.” Drew shook his head, and Mirry glowered briefly.
“I suppose I’m different in a ski suit. It’s okay,” she responded, and Charlie made a choking noise.
“I don’t know you,” Drew replied.
“I’m Mirry Moor!” Mirry snapped, her amiable demeanour disappearing momentarily.
Drew glanced at Marie quizzically, and Marie shrugged. They both looked at Charlie, who was barely hiding a grin.
“Mirry is a reality TV star,” Charlie explained.
Drew’s expression of distaste matched Marie’s; he was certain of it.
“Oh, I see,” Drew replied. Mirry seemed dumbfounded at their response. Clearly, she was accustomed to people fawning over her and had expected them to do so. Drew didn’t care which.
