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Faron was looking like she had tightened a noose around his neck. In a strained voice, he said, “Thank you.” It came out as a question, but I couldn’t blame him for that.
Bree intervened. “Faron, I’m going to take you up on your offer. I don’t know if Elphyra told you or not?—”
“She did, which is why I’m here. If you don’t mind,” he added, turning to me, “I’d like to have two of my officers come over to meet Bree. We can brief them without the fear of being watched, and they can escort her home.”
“I want to go with you and spend the night.” Although she was going to have security, Bree was still upset, and I wanted to be there for her.
“Then I’ll go as well. I’ll stand guard with my officers. They can keep watch for at least a week—if not more. We’ll figure it out. We’re not going to leave you alone,” Faron added.
I glanced over at Grams, surprised to see her nod appreciatively.
While Faron called the commune, I ducked into my bedroom to pack an overnight bag. Bree hadn’t bothered to protest, which told me how upset this whole mess had made her.
Grams insisted on packing up extra desserts for Faron’s security force, as well as for the three of us. “You’ll want a little extra for before bedtime. Bree, why don’t you go ask Fancypants if he’s staying here or going with you, so I can tuck in a bite for him as well.”
Bree vanished back into the living room.
Grams turned to me. “Are you sure it’s wise to get yourself mixed up in this? I understand she’s your best friend, but if you get this pervert angry at you, he might aim his sites onyou, as well.”
I worried my lip. “I know that’s a possibility. But Bree’s my buddy, Grams. She’s my heart. She has my back and I have hers.”
“Then, I want you to take this,” she said, reaching in the folds of her pocket. She brought out what looked like a pocketknife, but she held it to the side and pressed a button. A narrow, wicked looking blade popped out.
“You have aswitchblade? That’s illegal!”
“The cops won’t know if you don’t tell them,” she said, winking at me. “Take this and keep it on you, within easy reach. It’s easier to pay a fine than to want for a good blade.”
I stared at her, not sure what to think or say. Grams was a woman who could take care of herself—she carried that sturdy, highlands blood in her veins.Strict, stern, and sturdy, my mother called it. But I had thought my great-grandmother was more conscientious about rules and laws.
“What?” she asked as I continued to stare. “You think I made it to over a hundred years old without a little help in my purse?”
Again, I didn’t answer. But as I pocketed the knife, the doorbell rang. I went to answer it, but Faron had gotten there before me, and he ushered in a man and a woman, both muscled and somber.
“Meet Claudette and Lief. They’re sergeants in my Pack. They’ll be guarding your land and house during the night,” he said to Bree. “We’ll switch out come morning.”
Bree licked her lips. “I’m pleased to meet you. Thank you. I really hate imposing?—”
“Don’t worry, ma’am. Lord Faron has assured us this is a life-or-death situation. We won’t let anybody in. If you don’t mind me suggesting,” Claudette said, “when we get to your house, please allow us to secure the yard and the house before you get out of the car.”
She sounded all business, and by her stance, I could tell she was used to being respected.
Bree let out a long breath, relaxing. “Thank you. I’m so frazzled?—”
“Ma’am, we’ll be on the job. You can sleep easy tonight. Now, if you would introduce us to your dogs so that they understand we’re friends,” Lief said. He was kind of cute, I thought, with chin length curly red hair and bright blue eyes.
“Of course,” Bree said. She stepped forward and called Oscar and Atlas over, introducing them to the pair. She also introduced the dogs to Faron. “Boys, these people are going to protect us, so please treat them nicely.”
Oscar woofed. Atlas wagged his tail.
“Do you want me to translate?” Fancypants asked, landing on the floor next to the dogs.
I blinked. In fact, everybody did a doubletake. “Is that athing? You can speak to dogs?”
“And cats, and cows…dolphins. Owls. A few other species. Not in the waywetalk, but yes, I can communicate.” He preened a little and I tried not to laugh.
“I should have called you Dr. Doolittle,” I said.
He gave me a blank look. “Doctor who?”
