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The answer was a definite no. I spun around and padded lightly back to the living room, collecting my things and taking a quick look around. There didn't seem to be anything odd or strange in the room, and nothing that snagged the interest of my instincts.
I blew out a breath and headed back to the bedroom. I needed a shower, but given the running water might wake the snorer, it was probably better to do a bedroom search beforehand.
I carefully closed the door, then tossed my things on the bed and began to quietly - and carefully - go through his drawers. One fact I discovered straightaway - Jin was a man who liked fine things. His boxer shorts were silk, for heaven's sake.
The only thing I found that snagged my interest was a stack of business cards in his neatly sorted sock drawer. They were black, with the name Hellion Club printed in red, and Jin's name underneath. I took one of the cards, then gathered my clothes and headed for the shower.
Thankfully, it didn't wake the snorer. I just wasn't up to dealing with a stranger right now. I needed to get home, send Jack my report, then grab some rest, because I was feeling shakier than a newborn pup.
The rain had cleared away during the night, and the morning was one of those crisp, sunshine-filled ones that Melbourne often got in winter. It was still cold enough to freeze the balls off a dog, but at least the sun was out.
I gently closed the door, then did up my coat as I padded barefoot down the steps. At the gate, I stopped long enough to put on my shoes, then headed for my car.
I'd barely gone two house blocks when a hand wrapped itself around my arm. I reacted instinctively, kicking backwards at the heated presence I could feel behind me.
Then realized who that presence was.
Quinn. ;Nice ring," I murmured after a momentary pause, then casually picked up the pen and wrote down my cell phone number.
"This old thing?" He wriggled his fingers under the lights, so that the fiery eyes of the dragon heads glittered and burned. "It's just a club ring. Not worth much, but it catches the attention of pretty girls."
If he was lying, I couldn't sense it. Not that that meant anything. He was human, after all. "So it's a conversation opener?"
"It always helps to have one." He picked up the paper and tucked it neatly into his shirt pocket. "What time would you like to meet?"
I picked up my coffee and sipped it again. "What time do you finish here?"
"Seven."
"Then would nine suit?"
"Perfectly. Shall we meet somewhere for coffee or just go out tor dinner?"
"Dinner." I paused. "There's an Italian place over on Rathdown Street. Small and intimate. Goes by the name of Riceni's."
He nodded. "Good choice."
"I always make good choices." My voice was a low purr, and heat rose in his eyes. I gave him a slow smile. "In the meantime, would you know if the restaurant upstairs is still open?"
"It never closes. If you head up the stairs now, I'll ring the chef and tell him to 'look after you."
"Thanks." I slid off the stool, picked up my coffee, and headed up the stairs - fully aware of Jin's hungry gaze following me and enjoying every minute of it.
The chef did indeed look after me, giving me a steak that sliced like butter and lashings of chips and vegetables. It was one full but happy wolf who headed out onto the street an hour later.
Once in the car, I retrieved my phone, pressed the vid-enable button, then dialed the Directorate. Jack, not the caramel cow.
"Hey, boss man, it's Riley."
"Good grief, she's reporting in. Miracles do happen."
I grinned. "I can be a good little wolf when I want to be."
"Which isn't often. What happened at Dunleavy's?"
I gave him a quick roundup of events, including my thoughts on Gautier, the details about the ring, and who the little girl's mom was.
"The thing I don't get is how Gautier is getting around after sunrise."
