Page 42 of Pointy Ears and Purple Glitter
“Good,” Malik nodded. “But we work together on this. No solo investigating.”
The workshop phone rang, cutting through the tension. Malik answered, half expecting more trouble.
“Malik’s Motors.”
“Is this Malik?” A familiar female’s voice asked.
“Speaking.”
“This is Joanne from the bakery, again. You were just in here with that red-headed young man.”
Malik tensed. “Yes?”
“Those men who were watching him - they came back after you left. Asked questions about you and your friend with the silver hair.” Her voice lowered. “I didn’t tell them anything, but thought you should know. They seemed dangerous.”
“Thank you, Joanne. I appreciate the warning.”
“Be careful,” she added before hanging up.
Malik set the phone down, feeling the weight of responsibility settle more firmly on his shoulders. The threat was escalating, becoming more direct. And now it wasn’t just him and Tynan at risk - it was Ian, and possibly others in their orbit.
“We need a plan,” he said, looking at Tynan. “A real one. Because this is only going to get worse before it gets better.”
/~/~/~/~/
Malik closed and locked the workshop doors after a tense day. The normalcy of working on engines had helped calm his inner rhino, but his protective instincts remained on high alert. The shop had stayed busy enough that they hadn’t had time to formulate a proper plan, though they’d agreed that Ian would go home earlier, and Malik would personally drive him there.
“All set?” Tynan asked, emerging from the office with Sparky perched on his shoulder. He’d spent most of the day researching ways to trace the Instagram post’s location.
“Just about.” Malik nodded, wiping his hands on a shop rag. “I’ll take Ian home first, then we can figure out our next steps.”
After dropping Ian off - and having a brief, reassuring conversation with his concerned mam - Malik drove back to the workshop in thoughtful silence. Tynan sat beside him, silver hair catching the fading light.
“I’m worried about him,” Tynan finally said. “Ian shouldn’t be involved in this.”
“I know.” Malik’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. “But he is, whether we like it or not.”
When they returned to their apartment, Malik triple-checked all the locks and security systems before going to look for his mate. He found Tynan at the kitchen counter, surrounded by notes and his laptop.
“I think we need to talk about combining our resources,” Malik said, setting two mugs of tea on the table.
Tynan looked up, brow furrowed. “What do you mean? I thought we were.”
“This situation isn’t going away. If we’re being watched, if Garrison’s people are targeting us, we need to consolidate.” Malik sat across from him. “Your office is vulnerable. You’re vulnerable when you’re there alone.”
“I’ve only been back there once since we met, and I dread to think what state my apartment might be, as I haven’t been there at all. Are you suggesting what I think you are?” Tynan’s green eyes searched Malik’s face.
“Move in. Properly.” Malik reached across the table, taking Tynan’s hand. “Bring everything from your apartment here. Close down your office and work out of the workshop.”
Tynan’s expression softened. “Are you sure? I know we’re fated, but that sounds like a big step.”
“We’re already mated,” Malik reminded him with a gentle squeeze of his hand. “I wouldn’t be happy if we were apart. And this isn’t just about us. It’s practical. Safer.”
“You’re right.” Tynan nodded slowly. “It’s not like I’m missing my apartment, and as for the office…” He glanced down at his notes. “After yesterday’s confrontation with Mrs. Cooper, I doubt I’ll have many clients seeking me out there. She’s probably blacklisted me and my business all around town.”
“You could work right out of the workshop office. Ian’s already helping you with research. I’m sure our clients wouldn’t mind seeing a handsome PI when they come to pick up their cars.” Malik’s thumb traced patterns on Tynan’s palm. “We’d be together. Safer. Stronger.”
“My lease on both places runs through the end of the month,” Tynan mused, thinking aloud. “I could pack up this weekend, be out by Monday.”
