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Theo glanced at Connor. “It was his idea.”
“Was it?” I asked.
“I thought we could use some allies,” Connor said. “I just didn’t think they’d come in... that.”
“Recreational vehicle,” Lulu said.
My heart sighed at his sentiment. “Thank you,” I said, and Connor smiled back. “But is it safe for them to be here? All things considered.”
“No safer than for us.” Connor smiled, lifted a shoulder. “But no less safe, either. We’re a team on this one. And we could use some investigators.”
“That would be me,” Theo said, raising a hand. “Although I did fill in Lulu and Eleanor of Aquitaine on the basics during the trip.”
“Which you should have done,” Lulu said, punching me lightly on the arm. “Lot of drama.”
“That’s why I didn’t tell you,” I said. “And since you don’t like drama, why are you here?”
“It’s a recreational vehicle,” Lulu said again. “I’m here to recreate. Or recreationally work, anyway. I brought my supplies, and I’m going to do some plein air painting. I want no part of your magical drama. But I am available for cheese curds and hot dish.”
I was glad to see her but worried, too. “You have to be careful. Most of the county is pissed at us.”
“I take it seriously,” she said, shifted her gaze to Connor. “And I take him seriously. He’s not going to let anything happen to you.”
“No,” Connor said as if she’d been asking him the question. “I’m not.”
I pushed down irritation, because I knew she meant well. “I don’t need protecting.”
“Two Sups are better than one,” she said, then shifted her gaze to Alexei. “Usually.”
She stared at him. He stared back at her, silently.
I just watched them, fascinated.
Beside me, Connor said, “Alexei.”
“Yes?”
“Have you met Lulu?”
“Sure.”
Another moment of silence passed.
“Classy,” Lulu said.
“Moving on,” I said, looking at Theo, “do you have anything to report?”
“Wait,” Lulu said, and held up a hand. “That’s my cue to not be here.” She pointed east. “Lake that way?”
“It is,” Connor said. “And that’s our cabin if you need anything. Keep your eyes and ears open.”
“I will.”
But as she walked past Alexei, he took her arm. “You shouldn’t go out there alone.”
She looked down at his arm, then slowly shifted her gaze to his face. “I go where I want. And I suggest you take your hand off me.”
Alexei watched her for a long, smoldering moment before raising his hands, holding them both up as if showing his innocence. “My apologies,” he said, and we all exhaled.
