Page 25 of Dark Fire

They drove back to Lucy and Delaney’s house, and Tevryn helped get her inside and settled.

“I’m going to let you get some rest and head to Warrick and Dani’s. I also need to get a little work done, but I’ll be back in the morning. You both have my cell phone. Don’t even hesitate to call me if you need anything.”

After he’d left, Lucy turned to her. “I’m a little surprised he left.”

“Yes and no,” said Delaney. “He did come here to do an article. Unfortunately, I think his story may have shifted.”

“How so?”

“Originally, it was just a general article about how King County has become a major technology hub, but he and Whistler aren’t comfortable with each other. There’s a palpable tension between them. I think Tevryn is beginning to focus on an investigative piece on Whistler.”

“What do you think of him? Whistler, I mean,” asked Lucy.

“I think he’s odd in the way only the uber rich can be. But I don’t know that I think he’s doing anything illegal. At least I don’t feel strongly enough that I want to give up on this project. The Winds were incredible, and the project would be a real feather in my cap. It could lead us to being able to form our company and do amazing things.”

“I get that, but if you think there’s something suspicious about Whistler, you should pull out. Have you talked to Tevryn? Honestly, if he thinks the guy is shady, I’d be inclined to back out of the deal.”

Delaney nodded. “You may be right. I’ll talk to Tevryn in the morning.”

The following morning dawned bright and clear. It was one of those perfect blue-sky days that happen in the Pacific Northwest rarely amidst the rainy, gray days that were so prevalent. She got up and took a long, steamy shower, letting the hot water pelt against her skin and the steam open up her pores to let the toxins out. She washed and conditioned her hair. Once she was clean and refreshed, she pulled her hair up into a ponytail, pulled on pajama pants and a t-shirt, and trotted out into the kitchen.

“Wow, you look much better than I thought you would,” said Lucy with a big smile. “I can take the day off work if you’d rather not be alone.”

“No, I’ll be fine, and I suspect Tevryn will be by after a while.”

“Well, there’s oatmeal in the slow cooker. Take what you want, and I’ll put the rest up when I get home. There’s also freshly made chicken salad, bagels, cream cheese, and crackers. I picked up some salads and snacks from the farmer’s market, including that delicious chutney we like.”

The cranberry and apple chutney was one of Delaney’s go to snacks poured over cream cheese and eaten with crackers. “Yum.”

“Oatmeal first and something decent for lunch,” chided Lucy.

“Killjoy,” Delaney said, smiling at her sister. “Seriously, I feel fine. I just plan to take it easy. I might sketch some designs while I sit on the couch, but no drafting—just sketches.”

“Okay but don’t forget to talk to Tevryn. He might know things about Whistler that we don’t. I mean he is a freelance journalist, right?”

“That’s a good idea. I think he’s feeling like the relationship is new enough that he doesn’t really want to rock the boat, so to speak, or do something that might damage my career.”

“That sounds like Tevryn. It’s funny, but he’s an easy guy to be comfortable with.”

“He is.”

Lucy grabbed her lunch and her bag and headed out the kitchen door. Delaney waved to her as she pulled out of the driveway. She had just finished her oatmeal and was moving from the kitchen island to the big sofa in the front room when there was a knock on the door.

Delaney got up and spied Whistler’s SUV parked in her driveway with his driver standing beside the driver’s door. She glanced at her doorbell camera app and saw Whistler standing outside her door. She crossed to the door and opened it.

“Elron? I wasn’t expecting you. I’m taking a day off.”

“As you should. I don’t mean to intrude, but I don’t think this can wait. May I come in?”

Whistler looked nervous and seemed to be fidgety as she stepped out of the way to allow him to enter.

“Are you alone? I waited until your sister left.”

“Are you asking if Tevryn is here? I noticed the two of you seem wary of one another. And he isn’t here at the moment, although I expect him a little bit later.”

“First, I want you to know that I’ve picked up your entire hospital bill and will cover any additional expenses you may have, including loss of work.”

“Why would you do that?”

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