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I had just crossed the side street near Magpie’s when I heard my name being called. I turned and saw Javier jogging my way from the parking lot behind our shops.
“Have you perchance seen Alistair?” he asked as he neared, breathless. “The blighter has once again escaped.”
I blinked in surprise. He wasn’t dressed in his usual fancy clothes. He had on a pair of gray, slim, sleek athletic pants, stretchy yet breathable, along with a black polo shirt in a similar fabric. And he was wearing tennis shoes. Tennis shoes!
“Sorry, no, but I’ll call you if I see him. Can we talk about you for a second, though? I’m loving the outfit.”
Glancing down at himself, he smiled. “I decided that if I’m going to be running all over town, I might as well dress for it.”
“Well, you look great.”
“I do, don’t I?” He laughed. “I feel better, too. It’s also why I haven’t been into Magpie’s as often this past week. It’s time I cut back some on the things that aren’t so good for me, health-wise. It’s sickening, really.”
“What is? Cinnamon rolls?” I hoped Sienna didn’t hear him saying so.
“No, cinnamon rolls are God’s gift to humans. It’s sickening that Redmond was right that I’d feel better if I ate better and exercised more. I hate that. Him being right.”
I smiled. “He cares, is all.”
“Hmph. He doesn’t need to be an overbearing stick-in-the-mud about it.”
I tucked a loose curl. “I have the feeling he’s going to be more flexible going forward.”
As he scanned the sky, he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and patted his forehead with it. “Really? What makes you think so?”
“A small, veiled meddlesome bird suggested it.”
His gaze slid to Stitchery, which was closed. “You don’t say.”
“I also heard Alistair went to Red’s the last time he escaped. Did you check there already?”
He nodded. “First thing, but he wasn’t to be seen. I’ll check again. He does end up at the gym more often than not.”
“While you’re there, it might be a good time to talk to Redmond about… things.”
“Things. Yes.” His gaze went upward again. When it came back down, he caught sight of my bandaged arm. “What in the world has happened to you, my dear? Did that fluffy terror of your father’s get ahold of you?” He let out a low whistle. “She’s drawn my blood on more than one occasion. I don’t know how your father lives with her.”
“No, no, it wasn’t Molly. This time. It’s just a little burn. Hazard of the job.” At the mention of my father, I sighed. I knew I should just let the situation be, but I couldn’t leave it alone. “Speaking of Dad, do you know when his ring will be ready for pickup?”
“His ring?” he asked, confusion shining in his dark eyes.
“Dad’s wedding band.”
A gust of surprisingly cold wind shook oak branches. I glanced around and saw Estrelle standing in front of her shop, looking our way, caution and sympathy shining in her eyes.
Javier shook his head. “I’m confused. Why would I have his wedding band?”
“He brought it to you to be resized. Didn’t he?” My heart hung on the words.
Before he could answer, a flash of gray and yellow flew past, caught in the breeze, and Javier whistled sharply. “Alistair, perch!” When the bird didn’t obey, Javier said, “Sorry, Maggie, I have to go.”
“But Dad’s ring…”
“I don’t have it, darling. Desmond hasn’t been in the shop for a few months now.”
CHAPTER 17AVA
It was strange and weirdly wonderful to look out the window and see nothing but endless darkness while hearing the movement of the water, the gentle lapping.
