Page 50 of Pointy Ears and Purple Glitter
“No, it doesn’t,” Tynan agreed. “And she specifically mentioned not wanting anyone connected to her mother. That fits with what we’ve learned about their relationship.”
“But why contact Ian instead of you directly?” Malik wondered. “She must know her mother hired you.”
“Maybe that’s exactly why,” Tynan said slowly, pieces clicking into place. “If she knows her mother hired me, she might assume I’m working for Mrs. Cooper’s interests, not hers.”
“And she saw Ian’s name on her post, recognized it from somewhere…”
“The workshop,” Tynan finished. “She might have been a previous customer, or perhaps she checked his profile and didn’t see any connection to her mother. Either way, she’s reaching out to someone she perceives as neutral.”
Malik nodded thoughtfully. “So what’s our play here?”
Tynan considered for a moment. “I think we should arrange a meeting, but not with Ian. He’s injured, and I don’t want to put him at risk again.”
“Agreed. But if we reply from your account, she might get spooked.”
“What if Ian replies, suggests meeting, but mentions he’ll send his boss’s partner who happens to be a PI?” Tynan suggested. “That way, she knows I’ll be there but understands I’m coming through Ian’s connection, not her mother’s.”
“It could work,” Malik said cautiously. “But I don’t like the idea of you going alone, either. Not with Garrison’s crew still out there.”
“I won’t be alone. I’ll have Sparky,” Tynan said, then smiled at Malik’s expression. “And I’ll make sure it’s somewhere public,well-lit, with plenty of witnesses. Maybe that coffee shop she frequented?”
“The Percolator on Ninth,” Malik recalled from their research. “It’s busy, well-lit, and has multiple exits.”
“Perfect.” Tynan reached for his phone to call Ian back.
The young mechanic answered immediately. “Tell me I can write back,” he said eagerly.
“You can,” Tynan confirmed, “but we need to be strategic. I’d like you to suggest meeting at The Percolator on Ninth Street this afternoon around three. Tell her you’re injured but would like to help, and that you’ll send your boss’s partner, who happens to be a private investigator - but not the one her mother hired.”
“A little white lie,” Ian noted. “I like it. Technical truth, just missing some details.”
“Exactly. Make it clear I’m connected to you, not her mother.”
“Got it. I’ll send it now and let you know when she responds.”
They didn’t have to wait long. Within ten minutes, Ian called back.
“She agreed! Three o’clock at The Percolator. Says she’ll be wearing a blue scarf.”
Tynan checked his watch. That gave them about four hours to prepare.
“Did she say anything else?” he asked.
“Just that she’d explain everything when you meet, and to please not tell her mother.”
After ending the call, Tynan turned to Malik. “This could be our chance to find out what’s really going on.”
“Or it could be a setup,” Malik cautioned. “Garrison, finding another way to get to you.”
“I’ve considered that,” Tynan admitted. “But the message read genuinely. And if it is Hayley, she might be in trouble.”
Malik sighed, his protective instincts clearly warring with his practical side. “I don’t like you going without me.”
“You can’t close the shop again,” Tynan reasoned. “There’s a stack of cleaning up still to do, and someone needs to be here in case Garrison’s men return.” He stepped closer, placing his hands on Malik’s chest. “I’ll be fine. My magic is working reliably now, and I’ll have Sparky keeping watch.”
“And I’ll be vigilant,” the raven promised from his perch. “Any sign of trouble and I’ll create a diversion worthy of Hollywood.”
Malik still looked unconvinced, but finally nodded. “Fine. But we set up a check-in system. Text me when you arrive, after thirty minutes, and when you’re leaving. If I don’t hear from you at any of those points, I’m coming after you.”
