Gray Witch (Black Hat Bureau 5)

“You’re not wrong,” I agreed with Asa. “He built the compound to protect himself, and his vision.”

Few things had tempted him out of the manor when I was a child, and I doubted that had changed much over the years. Then I had blamed it on his being a workaholic. Now I wondered if he was afraid to leave my father without his direct oversight. Perhaps even wary of leaving me for long periods in case Dad had recovered enough of his magic to summon me to him. With Dad escaped, and seeking revenge for Mom, the safest place for the director was in the facility he had built himself. So why abandon his stronghold?

“He’s also prideful.” As if Clay had to remind me. “He slipped when he let you see him vulnerable. You’re a mirror that reflects your parents’ actions back at him. Paranoia others noticed that weakness might have gotten the best of him. He might have gone hunting your father before your father comes hunting him.”

As much as I hated to admit it, “That would explain why Parish is in the driver’s seat.”

The director rarely handed over the keys, even to his second-in-command.

“For now, we focus on the Boos.” Asa squeezed my fingers. “Can you get a warning to your father?”

“I’m not sure.” I chewed on my bottom lip. “I couldn’t decide what to write, so I left the bottle at home.”

“Would any bottle work?” Colby wondered. “Gas stations still sell those old-fashioned Cokes.”

“Good thinking.” Clay high-fived her. “We can pick up a few the next time we stop for snacks.”

“If all else fails,” I pitched in, “Aedan can write the note and drop it in the creek for me.”

Really, that might be the safest option. I was pretty sure, given Dad anticipated Aedan acting as mailman for me, the bottle would accept him sending it bon voyage without a hiccup.

“I booked us rooms in Raymond, Mississippi.” Colby flitted to my shoulder. “It’s a short walk from the Amherst Inn to the Waffle Iron fire. The other Boo scenes are concentrated within a ten-mile radius.”

“We have to start somewhere.” I kissed her forehead. “Good work, smarty fuzz butt.”

As the most recent crime scene, evidence would be the freshest at the Waffle Iron.

“What did we ever do without you?” Clay gathered her in his wide palms, then he placed her beside him on the seat in front of her computer. “Oh, wait. That’s right. I did the grunt work.”

“I was the junior agent,” I reminded Clay. “I did the grunt work.”

A smile flirted with Asa’s lips, but he wasn’t as quick to throw Clay under the bus.

We really had to work on that.

* * *

Our hotel reminded me of a baking show gingerbread house that had collapsed on its way to the judges’ table. The architectural details were stunning, or would have been, twenty years ago. Rot, time, and the owners’ neglect had taken its toll on what had once been a true beauty.

“This isn’t the picture they use on their website,” Colby protested. “This place is a dump.”

“This place is a bed-and-breakfast.” Clay stepped out for a better look. “Not a mere hotel.”

“All hotels serve breakfast.” Her brow furrowed. “What’s the difference?”

“There will be floral sheets, busy wallpaper, and a musty smell that lingers long after you’ve gone.”

“That sounds icky.” She kept her spot in the SUV, away from prying eyes. “I’ll cancel the reservation.”

A pang struck me for no good reason, and I found myself swaying on the precipice of doom.

“We’re not going anywhere,” Clay told her. “Rue caught feelings about this place.”

“There’s probably some little old lady at the check-in counter, praying she earns enough to buy groceries and her prescriptions this month.” I shut my eyes. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it’s just one night.”

“It’s very nice of you…” Asa leaned over to kiss my temple, “…to show kindness to strangers.” His warm lips slid to my jaw. “I’m sure the owner will appreciate your patronage.” His teeth scraped my chin. “The world ought to have more people like you in it.” His mouth claimed mine. “You’re a good person, Rue.”

“Don’t get too excited.” I withdrew to find Clay and Colby in see no smooches/hear no smooches poses. “I’m easily persuaded by a free homecooked breakfast. That’s all.” I crossed my arms. “I’m still evil.”