I shrugged and peered past him into the hallway, trying to be as subtle as possible. It didn’t work.
“Don’t strain your neck looking. Our esteemed employer has left the manor. He won’t be back till later.” He stepped into the room and leaned against the workbench, crossing his arms and his ankles. “He does that too, you know? It’s kind of funny if you think about it. The two of you keep hoping each other are around the corner and then trying to hide your letdown when it’s only me or the housekeeper.”
I cleared my throat and frowned. “I don’t do that.”
Gavin chuckled. “Sure, you don’t.”
I heaved another sigh. At this rate, I’d blow out all the lanterns. I went back to work, tightening a clamp to the edge of the workbench. A full minute passed before I mumbled, “So where did he go?”
“Who, the gardener?”
“No.”
A smile toyed at Gavin’s lips. “The carriage driver?”
“Forget I asked.”
“Ah, you’re no fun.” He pushed away from the table, dodging a pen I tossed his way. The pen missed and skittered across the stone floor.
“Why are you here, Gavin?”
He made a face, returning to his spot by my bench. “I’m getting asked that a lot lately. Turns out, I just got word your magic supply is ready to be picked up.”
“Can’t it be delivered?”
Gavin scoffed. “Cora likes to hand off her merchandise in person.”
Irritation shot up my spine as visions of her flirting with Bowen filtered through my mind. “I bet she does.” An idea formed, taking root. It was the perfect excuse to search for my brother and keep my secret a little longer. With Gavin as my sleepwalking chaperon, he probably wouldn’t even notice when I took a brief detour. Plus, it would keep Bowen out of Cora’s clutches.
Win, win.
I dusted off my hands. “Well, she’ll have to deal with me instead. Let’s go.”
“What?” Gavin’s teasing grin faltered. “No way. I’m busy. I have things—”
“Then I’ll go myself.” I started for the door.
Gavin groaned at the ceiling. “She’s trying to kill me. Fine!” His boots echoed over the stone as he chased after me. “But don’t wander off, or Bowen will have my head.”
***
The blue flame crystal sparkled in the candlelight. I touched the pointed end with my fingertip and felt a little zip of ice magic.
“It’s perfect.”
Cora made a noise in the back of her throat and put the lid back on the box. “Did you bring payment?”
I gave Gavin a side-eyed glance and angled my head while I tucked the box containing the blue flame crystal into my satchel.
“What, me?” He scowled as he fished around in his pockets. A pouch of coins landed on the counter, and he mumbled under his breath, “Bowen had better pay me back.”
Cora gifted Gavin one of her devastating smiles and proceeded to slowly count the coins. He leaned forward, elbows resting on the counter, and returned a cocky grin.Ugh, men.This was going to be easier than I thought. I drifted toward the door, speaking over my shoulder.
“Can you finish up here, Gavin? I’m going to run into the shop at the end of the alley and pick up a new wood file.”
“Sure, sure. Pick me one up too.” He waved me away, whispering something to Cora that caused her to giggle.
Closing the door tightly behind me, I made my way back into the alley and braced myself against the chill. No one else was around, so I headed for the tavern. The streets were less crowded because of the early hour, but a slimy pull of unease still knotted my stomach. I pressed forward, looking into each face that passed before entering the pub.
