Scarlet Nights (Edilean 3)

“It was your house when the tunnel was mentioned, and now it’s my house?” Luke was calm, and his voice was firm.

“I think we’ll be going,” Mike said as he held out his hand to Sara.

She scooted off the bed, took Mike’s hand, and after making their farewells, they left the house. When they were outside in the evening air, they looked at each other and started laughing.

Mike didn’t release Sara’s hand. “So who do you think will win?”

“I’ll put twenty on Joce calling me tomorrow and asking me to make her some outfit for fortune-telling.”

“I never take a bet I know I’ll lose. Doesn’t Tess have some big, round earrings?”

“I know which ones you mean. Small children could use them as swings.”

Smiling, Mike kissed the back of her hand.

“Hey!” Sara said as she jerked out of his grasp. “Married woman, remember?”

“You’re not even close to being married.” It was dark and cool outside and the crickets sounded good. “Want to take a walk?”

Sara was familiar with the big garden, so he followed her. There were no outdoor lights, but the moonlight was bright. “Are you looking forward to getting this case done and going home to Florida?”

“I just got here. You want to get rid of me already?”

“No, but when your case is solved, you’ll be free.”

Mike was glad the darkness covered his smile. Sara seemed to think Mitzi Vandlo would fall for the ruse of the fake tarot cards. Did Sara imagine policemen throwing back the tent flaps and putting handcuffs on the woman?

“You’re laughing at me, aren’t you?” she asked.

“Of course not.”

“Yes, you are. I can feel it.”

“Women’s intuition?”

“If you don’t stop making fun of me, I’ll—”

“You’ll what?” His voice lowered. When she turned to look at him, the moonlight on her face made him want to pull her into his arms. Most of the women he’d met in his adult life let him know they were willing, so why did Sara look at him like he was her … her friend?

“I’ll get you back by setting you up with a second date with Ariel.”

“You really hate her, don’t you?”

Sara started walking again. “I can assure you that it’s mutual. Want to hear what she did to me in the fourth grade?”

That was the last thing Mike wanted to hear about. “What’s that smell?”

“Probably my mom’s perfume. When’s your first date with Ariel?”

“Saturday. Is your mother here and hiding in the bushes and that’s why I smell her?”

“That’s not what I meant and you know it. I’m wearing her perfume.”

Reaching out, Mike caught her arm and looked at her in the silvery light. “Do you mind if I smell it at a closer range?”

Sara lifted her chin to give him access to her neck, but then she abruptly straightened. “Wait! You’re not a vampire, are you?”

“What in the world goes on in that head of yours?”