Chapter 7
“Idon’t understand how wearing a bright purple wig and all these beads is supposed to help.” Fleur looked down at herself, then frowned up at Rowan. “We look like we’re about to go bar hopping on Bourbon, then maybe get drunk and punch a police horse.”
Adalyn wanted to punch Rowan a little. Or a lot. Mainly because her own costume was even more ridiculous than her sister’s and she knew he must have bought all this stuff himself. She’d grabbed the short green and purple skirt so her sister wouldn’t have to wear it. Her T-shirt was too tight as well so she had to tuck her weapon into her bag instead of hiding it on her person. “It’ll help us blend in because who would expect someone trying to go into hiding to look like this?” She motioned to herself and Fleur. “And Rowan always looks dumb, so…” She shrugged. “He’ll blend in anywhere.”
“Hey,” he grumbled. “This shirt is awesome.”
“I agree. The shirt is awesome.” Adalyn patted the top of her wig, made sure the platinum bob was in place. “Now are we ready to get out of here? I’m getting itchy just standing around like this.” They were packed, changed and ready to go, and they needed to do just that. Like yesterday.
“I’ve already called a car,” Rowan said. “Figured we shouldn’t use the driver you used before just in case anyone was watching this place and sees the connection.”
Yeah, that was smart, though Adalyn was a little disappointed because she’d liked Fabian. “Where’s it picking us up?” She went to grab her duffel but Rowan beat her to it, hoisting it onto his annoyingly impressive shoulder, along with her sister’s bag. Because fine, the man was built like a giant god and could probably carry a few more bags. And a rucksack on his back. Or maybe a small house too. The plethora of colorful tattoos on his arms moved when his muscles flexed, the sight far too appealing for her to deal with.
“Three blocks away. Figure with the normal afternoon traffic and the upcoming Mardi Gras parade we’ll be able to blend well enough.” He sent the location to her phone as he spoke.
Clearly he’d thought things through. He’d also put on a huge green and purple hat and glowing green glasses so he would look similar to them.
“You and Fleur head out first, then I’ll follow a few minutes later, see if you’ve got a tail,” Adalyn said.
“Wait, no, I don’t want to be separated.” Fleur shook her head, her purple wig swishing slightly against her shoulders. She was wearing a simple white T-shirt with the state of Louisiana on it, likely something picked up at a tourists’ shop on the way here.
“I know, but this is the best way.”
“Why don’t you and I leave together, then?” Fleur asked.
“Because if someone is watching the place, they’ll be looking for you and maybe me. Two women. When you two leave, looking like a couple and carrying a dog, you’re only going to get a once-over by anyone doing recon.”
“Well I don’t like it.”
“It’ll be fine. Your sister’s a badass,” Rowan said, likely thinking he was helping.
“I know that,” Fleur said, giving him a look Adalyn wasn’t sure about. “It’s why I want her with me.”
Okay now Adalyn bit back a smile because Fleur might be sweet under most circumstances but she was fiercely loyal. So if Adalyn didn’t like Rowan, Fleur wasn’t going to either. “Rowan is trained well,” she added, trying to keep the grudging note of respect out of her voice. Because it was true. The man was skilled with weapons and moved fast when he wanted to. And he was just plain charming, but not in that skeezy way. He had a way of making people trust him, put their faith in him. And he backed it all up by being authentic. “And he’s huge, so if someone takes a shot at you, they’re more likely to hit him than you.”
“Oh, that’s true. Okay.” Fleur smiled brightly now. “I’m ready, then.”
Rowan looked between the two of them. “I know you’re joking—or I hope you are—but you two are mean.”
“The Bonnevie sisters stick together.” Fleur scooped up the mutt, who was currently sitting by Adalyn’s feet, her little tail swishing back and forth. She let out a little yip when they started to leave and began squirming in Fleur’s arms so that she had to let her down.
And she came right back to sit next to Adalyn. “I’ll take her,” she said, sighing as she scooped up the stinky mutt. Only to have her promptly lick her face. “I’ll be two minutes behind you. Keep my sister safe,” she added because she couldn’t help it. She wanted to be the one protecting Fleur but it made way more sense to do it this way and she had to do things professionally. Had to rely on her training.
She leaned back slightly, pretending to hate the dog kisses until they left the apartment. Then she leaned into it. “You’re going to need a name if you’re coming with us. I can’t keep calling you mutt,” she murmured as she nuzzled her, winced only a little at her smell.
The dog barked once as if she agreed.
“You’re sure she’s not microchipped?” Adalyn asked the vet again. She was in one of the back rooms of the veterinary clinic Rowan had directed their driver to instead of the safe house.
“Definitely sure. But you did a good thing bringing her in here, especially during Mardi Gras season. This is no time for a dog to be roaming around.”
“She has to belong to someone.” Was that desperation in her voice?
The woman gave her a sympathetic look. “I can recommend a couple local shelters but I do know they’re mostly full right now.”
“I…I mean, I can take her just for right now.”
“Well she’s healthy, and now thanks to you she’s up to date on all her shots and vaccinations. And no heartworm, which is a big thing down here so she’s a lucky one.” The vet gave her a little scratch behind the ears and the dog’s tail started wagging wildly, thumping on the floor in a steady beat. “I’m also going to give you a fifty percent discount on anything you might need for food or other stuff from our shop out front. You don’t even need to stop anywhere else except home after this.”
“Oh, you’re good,” she murmured to the vet. Because if Adalyn bought food, a dog bed and toys here, she was never giving up this sweet girl who was staring up at her as if she hung the moon.
“I really am.” Dr. Pichai grinned. “And it seems pretty clear to me that she’s chosen you. I could even microchip her for free.”
“Okay. Let’s do it.” Because now, when an unknown person wanted to kill her and her sister, was clearly the time to get a new dog. Clearly.
“Now you just need to name her.”
She snorted softly. “Yeah, and give her a bath.”