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I shook a finger at him. “Don’t start quoting Star Wars. You’re already the perfect big brother.”
He blinked and lifted his hand over his heart. “Love you, Gail Holmes.”
“Right back at ya, Austin Holmes.”
He placed a silver key in my palm. “Here’s the key. I had two made. The only person who can come in without permission is me, and that’s only if it’s an emergency.”
“Thanks.”
He dipped his chin. “Goodnight, nightingale.”
“A new nickname?”
“I figured you needed one. It fits.”
“I like it.”
“Good.”
A WEEK LATER, WE STILLhadn’t found Talon.
I walked into the kitchen, desperate for a cup of hot tea, and spotted Lucky Lou. I waved, held up a finger to let him know I would be there soon, and used the Keurig to boil water. Once I had a bag steeping in the mug, I headed his way.
As he’d done every day for the last week, he placed a plate of baked goods and a covered breakfast tray for me on the table.
“You’re spoiling me, you know.”
“I gather you need a little more of that in your life.”
“How could you know that?” I asked, genuinely curious.
“Eh, an old fart like me sees things.”
I giggled. “You’re ornery.”
“The ladies have never complained.”
I laughed hard at that and uncovered my tray. Three strips of bacon, two scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese, a sausage patty, and two pieces of wheat toast lightly buttered.
“This is perfect. It smells amazing. Thanks.”
“Save room for the cinnamon rolls, cream cheese and strawberry Danish, and the blueberry muffins.”
“Lou. I can’t eat all that.”
He snickered. “I know. That’s why I’m sittin’ here.”
“I think you come here for the food.”
“Shhh. Don’t tell my secret.”
I ate most of the items on the tray as we talked about the weather and Lou’s plans for the upcoming week. When I picked up a cinnamon roll and picked at it, he placed his gnarled hand over my own.
“He’s comin’ back.”
“Talon?” I asked to clarify.
“Of course. He’s your man.”
