Chapter 10
CALISTA
How typical of men to leave the housework to women.
“Not a single dish has been washed since Sylvie Hoffmann died.” Clicking my tongue, I glance down at Ronan, “It’s been three years and not one of those men have been able to figure out how to turn on the sink. Terribly disappointing, don’t you think?”
My baby whines in agreement, his head bowed as the male species lets us down yet again.
Leaning back against the tree, I study the doll house that doubles as a cottage. It’s a shabby looking thing, all yellow hues and pathetic drawings some maid must have drawn out of sheer boredom or desperation.
God knows cleaning after seven men would have pushed me over the edge.
The rain had slowed to a drizzle by the time I made it back home, grabbed Ronan and offered him the piece of material I’d stolen from Christopher’s shirt.
The gash I’d left on his arm had made a nice little trail for my brilliant boy, and within thirty minutes, we found ourselves in front of the poorest household in Wolf Hollow.
And no Brit in sight.
“It could really use a new coat of paint.” Grimacing at the flowers taking over the roof, I slip an earbud under my hair, “And a whole new exterior for that matter.”
Pressing his body against my leg, Ronan waits patiently for me to plan out our next move. He’s such a loving creature, always offering physical touch and acts of service to remind me of his unwavering loyalty.
If only all men came with such qualities.
“Is there a reason you only call me at the most inconvenient time?”
A smile breaks free, “My dear Marlin. What could you possibly be doing that is more important than answering my call?”
“Convincing my mother to take a business trip. One that she is not too pleased to be taking.”
A muffled scream echoes down the line and a snicker falls from my mouth.
“I take it the eels have come out to play?”
“The eels are feeding her temper and her latest client seems to be feeding the eels.” A pause, another scream, “Or maybe this is a new one. They tend to look the same by the time they’re tossed in the fish tank.”
The Sea Witch is a particular woman, a unique asset my mother acquired years ago. She is undoubtedly the best interrogator in town, although her methods tend to be rather extreme.
To put it lightly.
“Tell her a bonus is on the horizon and if she plays her cards right, that horizon might not be too far out of sight.”
“Elusive answers do not fare well in this household.” He lets out an exasperated sigh, “Although you would think she would be used to them by now.”
“Just ensure she’s gone by the end of next week.” Tilting my head, I watch a shadow flicker past the filthy window, “Christopher has begun preparations. It’s about time we did the same.”
“What kind of preparations?”
“The kind that comes from the Hoffmann household.” Spying the familiar outline of floppy hats, I purse my lips, “Any ideas on what he plans to do next?”
“He would have to be desperate to recruit the Hoffmann brothers as part of his crew.”
“Because of their height?”
“Their short stature would be quite advantageous in that situation. I was referring to their personalities.” He makes a disgusted sound, “No strategy is safe from volatile mood swings. Best to avoid the confrontation altogether.”
“You would know.”
Marlin ignores my taunt.
“The Hoffmann Diamond was the only claim to fame the brothers had. Without it, there would only be access to the mine or some shrewd revenge scheme on the White family.”
“What would a thief want with a mine?”
“Undetected location, an easy spot to keep his stash until he’s ready to move out. The minecarts would provide decent enough transportation-
“It’s the railroad.”
The realization goes off like a spark, the rickety tracks in the distance providing the answer I was looking for, “He wants access to the underground railway system.”
“That would give him direct access to every house running along the main strip and those bordering the gated community.” Marlin pauses, “Including Drache Manor.”
The steady drip of adrenaline feeds into my veins until I’m buzzing, unable to stand still as the reality of our situation hits me.
The target. The questions. The answers.
So close to being snatched by a thief who stumbled into the wrong town.
Or the right one, depending which way you look at it.
A smile stains my lips as Christopher’s response lingers in my mind.
“And now we know what he’s going to use to trade.”
“The Hoffmann Diamond.”
“Precisely.”
Ronan lets out a low growl as a silhouette slips out the front door. A tattered shirt hangs loose over his body, the lines of corded muscle peeking their way through obscene layers of ink.
Even when no one’s around, Christopher walks like a man who can fuck. Confident in stride and casual in posture, he ambles through the forest as though no one can touch him.
As though no one has ever tried to touch him.
So far, anyways.
“Evelyn White was one of your conquests, wasn’t she?”
“Conquest is a rather strong word.” Amusement laces his voice, “We fucked once, and by the time I left, she was looking sad and grey.”
“Dyed her precious hair, did you?”
“I simply borrowed her mother’s ageing potion. I was curious to see what would happen when she looked in the mirror in the morning.”
“And?”
“Like I said. Sad and grey.”
A snicker falls from my mouth, “In that case, you are overdue for a reunion. Call her up and see that she throws a party this weekend. It’s about time our devil got acquainted with the characters of this town.”
“I have neither desire nor interest to see Evelyn again.”
“It’s a simple phone call, Marlin. Unless you need me to hold your hand?”
He’s not an easy man to bait, but oh, do I enjoy baiting the man.
“My little saint will not be pleased.”
“Don’t worry.” A purr threads through my voice, “I’ll make it up to her later.”
“Tread carefully, Calista, or you may find yourself swimming with the eels the next time I see you.”
He hangs up without saying goodbye.
Always so touchy.
“Men are so possessive, aren’t they, baby?” Cooing at the love of my life, I squat down and run a loving hand over Ronan’s dark fur, “Always trying to take, never asking if it should be taken.”
He butts his head against my hand, the scars from his previous owner marking the crown of his skull.
“Mommy took care of the man who did this to you.” Brushing the bumpy tissue softly, I bend down and press my lips to it, “Now I need you to hunt down a man for me, okay?”
His tail starts to thump the ground, the tone of my voice promising his favourite kind of adventure.
“That’s my good boy.”
Giving him one last kiss, I grab the silver charm from my bracelet and blow into it. The high pitch whistle shrieks through the sky, scattering a flock of birds nearby.
The scent of Christopher’s blood lingers on the t-shirt I placed on the ground, the sound of Ronan’s bark mingling with the wildlife screaming for help.
My favourite boy, chasing down my new toy.
Oh, dear.
I hope you run fast, Devil.