Page 66 of Pointy Ears and Purple Glitter
Malik stood in the doorway of his workshop, under the “Malik’s Motors & Tynan Investigations” sign. His heart warmed seeing the improvements in the neighborhood. New businesses were moving in. Existing shops had been painted, and there was now a crew that went around every morning, ensuring the pavements were swept clean of any ‘debris’ left overnight. There was a sense of community evident among the retailers, and it showed in the smiles people exchanged as they went about their business.
Grok had kept his word, maintaining the delicate balance of power while allowing legitimate businesses to flourish. Mrs. Cooper remained in Switzerland, her influence and fortune considerably diminished, by all accounts. Garrison hadn’t been heard from since his “relocation,” which suited Malik just fine.
Inside the workshop, the familiar sounds of tools and engines mingled with conversations and occasional laughter. Malik smiled as he heard Ian explaining something to a customer, his formerly broken arm now fully healed and stronger than ever. The young mechanic had blossomed in the months since the incident, taking on more responsibility in both the automotive side of the business and Tynan’s paranormal investigations.
Ian still didn’t know the full truth about them - that Malik was a rhino shifter and Tynan a fae - but he understood they were “different” and accepted that without question. He’d developed an impressive ability to explain away the occasional burst of purple glitter or some of Sparky’s less than discreet comments.
“Just Malik’s special tools,” he’d tell curious customers when something inexplicable happened in the workshop. Or, “Tynan’strained that bird better than most people train their dogs.” His easy acceptance and quick thinking had proven invaluable.
“That carburetor is running smoother than a baby’s bottom now,” Ian declared, closing the hood of a classic Chevelle with a satisfying thunk, causing Malik to turn around to see. “Mr. Roarke is going to be thrilled.”
“Good work,” Malik nodded. “Why don’t you stop for lunch? Tynan ordered something from that new place down the street.”
“The one with the amazing meatball subs? Count me in.” Ian wiped his hands on a shop rag, his grin widening. “By the way, Hayley’s coming by later. We’re going to that new movie at the Paramount.”
Malik raised an eyebrow. “Hayley, huh? Third date this week.”
Ian’s cheeks flushed beneath his freckles. “Just friends hanging out.”
“Right.” Malik smirked. “Friends who text constantly and make excuses to see each other every day.”
“It’s not…okay, maybe it’s something,” Ian admitted, his blush deepening. “She’s amazing, Boss. Smart and funny and brave, after everything she went through with her mom...”
The romance between Ian and Hayley had developed gradually over the past few months. After ensuring Mrs. Cooper was no longer a threat, Hayley had cautiously emerged from hiding, maintaining her new identity but slowly building a life that included occasional visits to the workshop. She and Ian had bonded over their shared experiences with the Cooper/Garrison situation, their friendship eventually blossoming into something more.
“I’m happy for you both,” Malik said sincerely. “You deserve some good things after everything that happened.”
“Speaking of good things,” Ian said, nodding toward the office, “how’s the new business venture going? Tynan seemed excited about the case that came in yesterday.”
“It’s going well. Turns out there’s a surprising demand for investigators who specialize in unusual situations.” That was their careful phrasing for paranormal cases - situations involving shifters, fae, vampires, and other beings who couldn’t seek help through conventional channels.
Word had spread quickly through the local paranormal community that Tynan and Malik could be trusted to handle sensitive matters discreetly. In the past month alone, they’d helped a family of deer shifters relocate after their forest home was scheduled for development, tracked down a missing vampire’s stolen blood supply, and negotiated a territory dispute between rival wolf shifter packs.
“Still can’t believe you guys have an actual waiting list now,” Ian said. “Remember when Tynan was worried about finding enough clients to stay afloat?”
Malik chuckled. “Things change.”
The office door opened, and Tynan emerged with Sparky perched on his shoulder. The fae’s silver hair was pulled back in a loose bun, and he carried a stack of folders under one arm.
“Are you talking about me?” Tynan asked, his green eyes twinkling. “My ears were burning.”
“Just telling Ian how business is booming,” Malik replied, resisting the urge to pull his mate into an embrace. They did their best to maintain a professional demeanor during business hours, though everyone knew they were inseparable.
“It’s been incredible,” Tynan agreed, setting the folders on a nearby workbench. “And speaking of business, lunch has arrived. I had it delivered to the break room.”
The “break room” was another recent addition - a converted storage space they’d furnished with a table, chairs, and a small refrigerator. It provided a private place for paranormal clients to discuss their cases without curious human customers overhearing.
As they headed toward the break room, Sparky suddenly took flight, soaring across the workshop to the open front door. A female raven had landed on the pavement outside, her glossy feathers catching the sunlight.
“Who’s that?” Ian asked, watching Sparky puff up his chest and strut around the female raven.
“Sparky’s girlfriend,” Tynan explained with a grin. “Her name’s Onyx. They met at the park last month, and he’s been showing off for her ever since.”
“She likes fruitcake too,” Malik added. “We’re going through twice as much now.”
“Girlfriend?” Ian’s eyes widened. “So we might have baby ravens eventually? Little talking birds flying around the shop?”
Tynan laughed. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Though Sparky did ask if we could install a bird bath on the roof.”
