Black Wings, Gray Skies (Black Hat Bureau 4)

11

“Do you want to stop by the suites and check on Colby first?”

The question drew my focus to Asa and away from the postcardworthy view of Rainbow Row.

“That would be great.” I sagged in my seat with relief as he cut the wheel. “Thanks.”

The guys idled at the curb in front of the defunct restaurant while I ran upstairs and let myself in.

The wards hummed as I exited onto our floor, telling me all was well within.

But, since I had trust issues, I didn’t let that stop me from calling for her from our entryway.

“Hover much?” Colby yelled from her room. “I feel a breeze from your helicopter parenting from here.”

Relief swamped me until I felt sick with it, and tears prickled the backs of my eyes for no good reason.

“You were supposed to text me.” I shook off my worries. “It’s your own fault I’m coming in for a landing.”

“How was I supposed to know?” She glided out to meet me halfway, sailing lower than usual. “I was asleep when you left.”

“I wrote you a note.” I pointed to her laptop on the bed. “I stuck it right there where you would see it when you woke from your nap.”

“Maybe it fell on the floor?” She scrunched up her face. “Sometimes I flutter in my sleep.”

The gentle breeze produced by her wings was more than enough to send a sticky note flying.

“Maybe.” I rounded the bed, but I didn’t see any yellow squares on the hardwood. “Nope.”

A thread of indignation wove through her voice. “I would have done it if I saw the note.”

“I’m not accusing you of lying.” I patted my shoulder for her to land. “I would never do that.”

A kid she might be, but she had never given me a reason not to trust her.

“Then what happened to the note?”

Good question.

Unfortunately, I had no answer.

Giving the wards side-eye, I confirmed no breaks, tears, or kinks in coverage.

We had ourselves a genuine locked-room mystery.

“I don’t know.” I kissed the top of her head. “Grab your stuff.”

One thing was for certain, I wasn’t leaving her alone while things were vanishing without a trace.

I was too afraid she might be next.

“I get to meet the boo-boo?”

“Boo hag, and it looks that way.” Unease crawled over my skin. “Chop-chop. We’re on a schedule.”

Happy for any activity that put her in mortal peril, she gathered her things and met me at the door.

“I’ll carry that.” I tapped my head. “Hair-bow mode, activate.”