Betrayals (Cainsville 4)

"I would expect no less. Which is why I remained out of range."

"So I couldn't get you back for the first night you slept at my apartment. When I made the mistake of waking you and got clocked."

"We both have excellent reflexes."

"Or it's a sign that we're both paranoid and need to lead much less dangerous lives."

He shook his head and handed me my coffee.

"You have time to drink that and dress," he said. "Before Ricky picks you up for breakfast."

I grabbed my phone. "Did I miss--?"

"No, I contacted him this morning and told him to come."

"You told him to take me to breakfast?"

"We have a full day, and I know you'll want to see each other. I have a few things to do at the office, but I'd like you there by eleven so we can leave for Cainsville."

"Cainsville?"

"You'll want to see how Melanie and Pepper's first night went. Also, you wanted to speak to Patrick about Cwn Annwn deals. And we should go talk to Pamela, but I would suggest we have more data before we take that step."

He walked into the kitchen and returned with a bottle of aspirin. "If you require it. I did wake with a slight headache from the alcohol."

I smiled and took the bottle.

--

Ricky had club duties that afternoon, so he dropped me at the office. After lunch, Gabriel and I headed to Cainsville. We visited the lamiae first, making sure that they were settled in.

Gabriel took us the long way to Patrick's because he allegedly wanted to show me a hidden gargoyle. Instead, he only led me near one and then told me to find it. When I couldn't, he said, "It's the wrong time of year," and I slugged him for that.

"So it can only be seen during a certain season?" I asked.

"One night, actually. Winter solstice."

"How the hell did you find it?"

His brows shot up. "Who says I did?"

"You found them all. Veronica told me." I paused, and then pushed on. "That means there's one more than when you found them. Your gargoyle."

I waited for him to tense, but his eyes stayed that same soft and mellow blue as the corners of his mouth twitched. "Perhaps."

"So where is it?"

"Do you really think I'd tell you?"

"Do I get a prize if I find it?"

"Perhaps." He pointed up at the town hall bell tower. "As for this one, that's where you'll see it on solstice night."

"In the bell tower? Like the Hunchback of Notre Dame?"

"Exactly what I said."

"And you just randomly found it?"