“There are lines that cant be crossed, no matter what the prize.” But Brad looked up the stairs. “Theyre going to need to decide on lighting. And some of the trim needs to be replaced. Could use a new sink in the John up there.”
“Youre planning on seducingZoe with bathroom fixtures?” Flynn asked. “You devious bastard. Im proud to call you friend.”
“Seducing her could be a very satisfying side benefit— after all, the stepladder got me a chicken dinner.”
“Chicken dinner? You can get a chicken dinner at the Main Street Diner, Tuesday-night special.” Sorrowfully, Flynn shook his head. “My pride in you is waning.”
“Im just getting started. But the fact is, they could use a little help here. Theres some tile work, some carpentry, a little plumbing and electrical. Theyve got to upgrade some of the windows. We could pitch in with more than champagne and cookies.”
“Im in for that,” Jordan agreed.
“Sure. Already figured on it.” Flynn shrugged. “Hell, it looks like my house is going to be Remodel Central for a while anyway. Might as well spread the wealth. And driving a few nails should help keep us all from going crazy over the keys.”
“Now that you mention it.” Jordan glanced toward the windows as rain began to splat. “Id better fill you in on what happened last night.”
“Something happened to Dana?” Flynn pushed away from the wall. “Is she okay?”
“Nothing happened to her. Shes fine. Hell, I need a smoke. Lets go out on the porch.” They stood outside, the rain drumming on the overhang. He took them through it—the colors, the sounds, the movements, building the story much as hed done for them in tents pitched in a
backyard, or around a campfire in the woods.
But this time it hadnt come out of his imagination. However active and agile that imagination was, it couldnt rake slashes down his chest. They burned still. It was some consolation to hear Flynns sharply drawn breath and see Brads wince of sympathy when he tugged up his shut to show them.
“Christ, those look nasty.” Flynn studied the raw, red grooves. “Shouldnt they be bandaged or something?”
“Dana put something on them last night, but shes not exactly Nurse Betty. I smeared some more crap on them this morning. Point is, our guy was seriously pissed— enough to take a genuine shot at me. Where does that leave the women?”
Heat flashed into Flynns eyes. “He didnt touch Malory. Never physically touched her. It was bad enough, scary enough, the way he messed with her mind. But this… Weve got to take him down.”
“Im open to ideas.” Jorda
n spread his hands. “Problem is, as far as magic goes, I cant even pull a rabbit out of my hat.”
“Some of its just misdirection, tricking the eye,” Brad mused.
“Let me tell you, son, when that guys got his claws in you, its no trick of the eye.”
“No, I mean from our stand,” Brad told Jordan. “We direct him toward us, it gives the women more space. He had a reason for going after you. If we can figure that out, exploit it, it might take his attention away from Dana for the next couple of weeks. And fromZoe when her time comes around.”
“I havent got anything concrete. It just feels like I know something, but I cant reel it in.” Frustrated, Jordan jammed his hands into his pockets. “Something I know, or did, or have, thats the answer. Or one of them. Something from before, that plays into the now.”
“Something between you and Dana,” Brad prompted.
“Has to be connected, doesnt it? Otherwise it wouldnt follow the pattern. And if it isnt something important, why did he fuck with me?”
“Maybe its time for a meeting,” Brad began.
“For you suits, its always time for a meeting,” Flynn shot back.
“Im forced to point out that Im not wearing a suit.” “Inside you are. Its probably pin-striped. And I bet youre wearing a tie too. But I digress. Maybe the suits right,” he said to Jordan. “The six of us should put our heads together. Your place.” He patted Brad on the shoulder. “Youve got more furniture and better food.”
“That works for me. The sooner, the better.” Brad glanced at his watch. “Ha-ha, I have a meeting. Set it up with the women, let me know.”
He stepped back inside to snag his jacket, then jogged out into the rain toward his car.
Jordan stood watching as Brad drove away. “We get through this one and get to the last round, his heads going to be on the block.”
“You think he doesnt know that?”