“I admire a woman with spunk. Your courage reminds me of my sister, around the same age as you. She’s gotten herself into predicaments that have forced me to rescue her a few times.”
Deep inside she wished her brother had been more like Chester and stuck around to help her family. ‘What did you mean about me watching myself?”
“Darien’s too close to this situation concerning your sister. I’ve been there before. He needs an outsider. Someone who isn’t as easily influenced by family or long-time friendships.”
“Someone like you?”
“I’ve been a P.I. for a number of years. The cases I’ve worked I’m not emotionally involved in. That’s all I’m saying.”
“What do you know about this case?” Lelandi hoped he could give her something to go on.
“Nothing. Darien’s people watch me day and night. I’d need his permission to investigate.”
Lelandi folded her arms. “You’ve got my permission.”
Chester smiled. “You’re really cute, you know?” He shook his head. “Darien has to approve.”
“All right then. What do you suspect?”
“Plenty. But I need Darien’s approval. Right now, his brother tells me Darien’s too busy to speak with me.”
Lelandi frowned. “I’m investigating my sister’s death even if he doesn’t like it.”
Chester let out his breath. “Better let the grays handle this. They may not get to the bottom of this as quickly as I might, but you don’t need to get yourself shot up again.”
She hadn’t intended to. But then she realized she needed to find her gun. Where could Darien have secured it? His office? His bedroom? “How long are you staying?”
“I’d planned on being here for just a couple of days and report back to my mayor about Sliver Town. But when I saw you shot to hell, I decided to stick around longer. Maybe you’ll need me. And maybe you can change Darien’s mind in the meantime. In any event, you stay—”
Trevor stormed toward them, gave Chester the evil eye, then continued on past.
Chester raised his brows, his gaze following the deputy out of the tavern. He squeezed Lelandi’s hand. “Get me a beer, will you? I have a feeling I’ll be tossed out of here shortly for being an outsider talking to you. Although I imagine any of the guys in this place who attempt to speak with you would torque him off.”
Trusting her wolf instincts, she felt Chester McKinley might be able to solve the mystery of the killings. What was wrong with Darien to brush his offer of help aside? As soon as she saw Darien, she would try to convince him to capitulate.
Her spirits lifted as she imagined that they might discover the murderer sooner with Chester looking into it. She returned to the bar and got him a beer. Before she could take it to his table, Silva seized it.
“Don’t need any more ‘incident’s.’ As soon as Trevor tells Darien that Chester McKinley was molesting you, there’ll be hell to pay.” Silva gave Lelandi a broad smile.
“You sure know how to do it, sugar. I haven’t managed to do anything with Sam to make Trevor Jealous.”
“Maybe your heart isn’t in it?”
“No... no. Sam was totally agreeable. Said he’d do anything for a good cause, and I do want to give it a try. But...”
“You don’t want to make Trevor Jealous. You’re afraid it may backfire.”
“I guess you’re right. Trevor’s got a hot temper. I guess I’m afraid he might take it out on Sam.”
“I wouldn’t worry about it.” Lelandi brought out some more glasses. She figured Trevor wouldn’t react because he wouldn’t care what Silva did, truth be told.
Silva took the beer to Chester’s table and handed it to him. He smiled and thanked her. Returning to the bar, Silva grabbed another tray of drinks. “Chester seems a likable sort. Hope Darien’s not too hard on him.”
“He wasn’t molesting me, by the way.”
“As an outsider, he was getting way too friendly.” Silva took off with the tray of drinks.
“Another refill?” Carol asked Lelandi, lifting her empty wine glass. Her eyes glassy, she appeared as though she’d had enough, a drink or two ago.
Lelandi handed her a bottle of ice water. “Your head will thank me in the morning.” She hoisted another tray of drinks and headed for a table of humans when Ritka shoved Angelina’s shoulder.
That was all the cue Angelina needed, and she rose from her seat and rushed to get in Lelandi’s face this time.
“Getting all the guys hot and bothered now, eh? Not enough that you’ve got Darien panting for you? Even some damned outsider can’t keep his hands off you. You’re just like your sister.”
If she hadn’t been holding a tray, Leiandi would have slapped the bitch in the face, but the place got awfully quiet. Instantly, Lelandi saw the reason. Darien, flanked by his two brothers, was on the warpath. God, he was gorgeous. Dressed in a coat with long tails and a gold paisley brocade vest, he outshone everyone else in the tavern. But his brown eyes turned even darker when he saw her, his measuring gaze taking in every inch of her bodice—way too exposed.
Now, if nothing else would, the cut of her gown would force him to return her promptly to his secure lair. Fine. She’d search his house for clues concerning her sister’s murder while everyone was enjoying the fair. And locate her gun. She wanted to read her sister’s letter to him also. If she’d thought of it earlier, she could have stayed home and done so already.
Jake targeted Chester, who was promptly asked to leave. Darien motioned to Ritka and the other woman and mouthed the word. “Out.”
Tom yanked Angelina out the door before she could utter a word. Darien took the tray of drinks from Lelandi, delivered them to the wrong table, then led her behind the bar.
Carol rested her chin on her hands. “How romantic. Why can’t I find a hero like you to rescue me? All I need is a job as a nurse at the hospital.” She waved her arm toward the door and nearly fell off the barstool. “Maybe I could replace that nurse who rammed a chair into Lelandi when she was trying to serve drinks.”
His brow furrowed. Darien looked from Carol to Lelandi. “Did she hurt you?”
“Ritka? No.”
He didn’t look like he believed her. “What did Chester McKinley say to you?”
“He wants to aid in the investigation. I said he could.”
Darien’s dark expression lightened, and he even managed a small smile. “What did he say to that?”
“I’d have to talk you into agreeing.”
“Damn right. And it isn’t happening. From now until you want to return home, you’re staying behind the bar. Got it?”
She frowned back at him and towered her voice when she spoke so Carol wouldn’t hear. “If he can help us locate Larissa’s killer, then we should hire him. I know pack leaders don’t like interference from lupus garous from other packs, but if he can aid us...” She gave Darien a look like she meant for him to agree or else.
He rubbed his hand over her bare arm, as though he was contemplating something. Taking her home? She thought so. But then his expression turned devious, his eyes darkening even more, a slight smile curving his lips. He took hold of her arm and led her into the room off the bar and closed the door. “Silva has the devil in her when she dresses you to entice me, but she doesn’t need to make the effort.”
“What do you think you’re going to do?”
“This.” He kissed Lelandi’s ups, hungry, demanding, his hands on her bare shoulders, caressing, and just as needy. He broke the kiss, his breathing and hers labored. “I haven’t told my people officially yet that you’re mine.” He growled under his breath. “Until I have done so, more than half those yahoos out there think you’re still available.”
Although she craved having him, she gave him her meanest glower, wanting the situation with Chester resolved. “I doubt it. Darien. But I still want Chester on the case.”