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The flight to the Morning Grind went way too quickly despite taking a few extra loops through the ocean-misted air. Dark storm clouds loomed on the ocean’s horizon but brewed far enough away to not cause any problems for flying. Just a few exhilarating gusts that sent us soaring.
When I couldn’t stall any longer for fear of missing Joe, I led Lena down to my usual alley a block away from the store, and we shifted back to human form.
Tucked between a restaurant and a clothing store, the narrow coffee shop’s front boasted a large window that provided customers excellent views for people watching. The red brick covering the rest of the front had seen better days, but it went well with the overall rustic industrial vibe.
Lena scrutinized the outside of the building as we approached. “You used to work here?”
“Don’t judge.” I nudged her with my arm. “It was just a cover.”
She scoffed. “Oh please. I’ve seen how much coffee you drink.”
I shrugged and opened the door for her. “You haven’t tried the good stuff yet.”
The morning crush of caffeinated addicts had already come and gone, but the Morning Grind was still bustling, as it would be for most of the day. Along with a handful of four-top tables spread out in the main dining area, a few two-tops stood by the front window, and three metal stools were tucked under the bar top. Most seats were occupied.
I didn’t recognize any of the faces behind the counter working, which wasn’t a huge surprise considering the high turnover of high school and college kids. Except on this side of the counter, one familiar head perched at his usual stool caught my eye.
“Miss me?” I asked, leaning close to the fae man’s ear.
Joe spun around with wide, dark brown eyes and barked out a surprised laugh. His dyed black hair was slicked back, and he wore a light blue shirt under an expensive grey suit. As usual, shiny black Amadeo Testoni loafers adorned his feet.
He was Italian from head to foot—on the outside.
“Ciao bella!” He kissed both my cheeks. “What a surprise. I was starting to think I’d never see you again.”
I smiled. He wasn’t the only one. I introduced him to Lena, whose hand he kissed like she was royalty.
He grinned at me. “I’ve heard you received a big promotion in your life, sí?”
“The title comes in handy, but I’m looking to rid myself of it soon.” I shook my head. “I’m glad I found you here. We’ve got a situation to deal with involving your people.”
His people meaning the fae. Joe might have been born and raised in Italy, but that didn’t take away his fae genetics.
He scrunched his eyebrows together. “What’s happened?”
I held up a finger. “First, coffee.”
Stepping over to the register, I ordered two black coffees. The young barista rang me up and filled two ceramic mugs before handing them to me.
Coffee in hand, I motioned him and Lena to an empty table that was far enough away from curious ears. The grinders, steamers, and overall loudness of the shop would aid in masking our conversation.
Briefly, I went over the details with Joe, sipping the heavenly brew and leaving out as many supernatural words as possible just in case some human heard us over the din.
Lena wrapped her hands around her mug, cradling the warm coffee like a precious diamond. I swore she purred in contentment the first time she took a sip. Kofe in Mirfeniksa had nothing on the Morning Grind brew; not even the fancy beans I kept at home could compete.
The shop had been just a cover job, but it was as comforting as a second home. And they brewed damn good coffee.
When I finished telling him everything, Joe blew out a breath and leaned back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other. “I did not know it’d gotten so bad, but I’ll be happy to help in whatever way I can.”
“Do you think Fiadh knows about it?” I blew on my coffee, earth-scented steam swirling up and away. “Would she work with Colin on this?”
“I would be shocked if she was.” He shook his head. “She and Colin had a falling out years ago. Decades.”
A creeping sensation crawled up my back and neck, and I exchanged a look with Lena. “Thirty years ago or so?”
He tilted his hand from side to side as he considered. “Thirty or forty. Years pass so quickly for us.”
If their falling out started this whole thing, then maybe she wasn’t involved. At least not willingly.
