Shadow Play

30

Dear Lord she was perceptive. Realizing I wasn’t going to get off the phone without a full disclosure, I told her about the attack in the alley, or at least the same version I told the police. “Why didn't you tell us? We’ll be there next week, honey.” “Mom, please don't. There's no reason to hurry out here.” I chastised myself for giving in and telling her about the attack. My stomach sank at the thought of my parents walking around Ireland with dangerous creatures on the loose. “We had already discussed visiting then, I’ve pulled up flight information and everything so don’t try to talk me out of it. Plus, your dad got an advance for his next book, so it really isn't a problem.” Heaven knew once my mom got hold of an idea, like a dog with a bone, there was no way she was going to let up. Not that I could blame her. I was 100 percent her daughter in that regard. With a small resigned sigh, I acquiesced. “Okay Mom, there’s just a lot on my plate now, I’m not sure how much time I can spend with you guys and my place is tiny.” “Don’t you worry, I’ve got big plans for sights I want to visit while we’re there and we'll find a cute bed and breakfast or a house to rent. Ashley is leaving soon, right? I think it would be a good time to come out there so you aren’t all on your own yet.” Her assurance that their travel schedule would keep them out of Belfast bolstered my mood, but I still felt guilty that they would be endangering themselves to be near me. “Hey Mom, so what do you remember about the incense?” “I don’t know for sure, I know it used Frankincense and Myrrh, but I’m not sure what other ingredients were used.” “Like the gifts the wise men brought when Jesus was born?” I asked, surprised. “Yes, they have protective qualities to ward off evil. I'm not sure of the proper proportions and I can't recall what else she used in the mixture. I’m still in touch with the friend who used to make it for me, so I’ll see if I can get some made before we come.” “That would be awesome, thank you Momma.” “Love you, baby girl. I’m so sorry to hear that dream is back and about the mugging. You be careful over there.” “Love you too. I swear I’ll be careful, and I’m excited to see y’all.” “Same here baby, try to sleep well tonight.” “Will do.” We said our goodbyes and I headed upstairs to find Ashley already out cold, snoring softly. OceanofPDF.com 12 After a good night’s rest, I started my Tuesday with a bit more energy and optimism than I had the day before. I tend to wear my feelings—dark colors on rough days and bright colors when I'm feeling cheerful. Confidence and optimism meant a red sheathe dress that hugged my frame perfectly and black patent peep-toe heels. It was one of the few dresses that fit my figure and was professional enough to wear to work. The bold outfit bolstered my psyche even further and I felt ready to deal with whatever came my way. A couple hours into my work day, I got a call from Cat informing me that I had a visitor waiting for me in the lobby. From the warning tone in her voice, I took an educated guess that it was one of the men from the Huntsman—no one else agitated her like they did. The next time we talked I was going to have to insist she tell me what exactly she knew about them that made her dislike them so much. Exiting the elevator, I saw that I had guessed correctly and Ronan was waiting for me just a few feet away. “Rebecca, you look amazing.” He flashed his boyish dimples and charming smile that had me patting myself on the back for the choice of outfit. He was looking particularly sharp as well—his long wool coat hung open to reveal an sharp light grey suit with a white dress shirt. His wavy hair was plastered back in an attempt to tame the curl but, he lost the battle with a wayward strand or two. His stiff gelled hair was not my favorite hairstyle and I wondered how it would lighten his appearance if he let his hair flow more naturally. “Hey Ronan, what can I do for you?” He may have been easy on the eyes, but now that I knew he wasn’t human, I was going to try to maintain some boundaries. His face grew more serious as he came to stand directly in front of me and reached out to take hold of my hands. “We need to talk. I know you have a lot of questions and Lochlan thinks it’s better to keep you in the dark but I think you deserve more information. I was hoping we could meet after you're done with work this evening, have some coffee and talk. Perhaps it would also give you a chance to learn more about me … maybe even learn to trust me.” Meeting my eyes, his expression was hopeful but I wasn’t going to forget he was Fae anytime soon and that kept me feeling wary. On the other hand, my mother had always taught me not to judge someone based on stereotypes, appearances, or any other superficial criterion. She insisted that actions spoke louder than words and condemning Ronan, or any of the Fae, merely for being Fae was contrary to everything I had been taught. Not only that, but talking to someone who was willing to give me information was one of the only ways I was going to learn anything. The pros to agreeing to meet with him seemed to outweigh the cons and I couldn't refuse the opportunity. “Yeah, I can do that.” “Thank you, Rebecca. There's a coffee shop down the road called Common Grounds, meet me there after work and we can talk.” I knew the place he suggested and was glad that I had thrown some sneakers in my bag for the walk to and from work because it was several blocks down the road and the heels I was wearing were not remotely comfortable. That was another important life lesson that I had picked up back in New York—while fashion footwear may be important, sneakers for the commute were essential.