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“Fair point, but I stand by what I said.”
“Well, thanks for the fruit. Iama big fan.”
“The apples are from a local orchard.”
“Good to know.”
“While I’m here, why don’t you tell me about your visit to the house? You were supposed to call me next time you went.”
“Aha! I knew you had an ulterior motive.”
“Yes, but you thought it was romance. If there’s one thing you need to know about me, Miss Clay, the safety of this town is my highest priority.”
“Bruce is still dead, and his ghost is still refusing to cooperate. What else do you need to know?”
“Why didn’t you call me like I asked?”
“I got caught up in the moment and forgot.”
“Did you see anything you hadn’t noticed during your first visit?”
Arguably, I could tell her about Solomon and omit the part of him being a djinn, except I already told the chief that Bruce was dead, and Solomon’s story would contradict me. I also didn’t want anyone else directly involved with the house until I uncovered its secret. The last thing I needed was Chief Garcia entering the house and getting herself killed.
“Nothing new,” I said.
“What if he refuses to leave? Do you perform some sort of exorcism?”
“Let’s cross that bridge to the afterlife if we get to it. I appreciate the basket.”
“Next time, call me.” The chief turned and walked away.
Ray’s laughter interrupted my thoughts. “I can’t believe you asked if she was hitting on you. That was brazen.”
“What? She brought me a gift basket for no reason. How was I supposed to interpret it?”
“Lorelei has a point,” Nana Pratt interrupted. “Back in my day, a gift basket would certainly be considered a romantic gesture.”
“It was a ruse to stop by and ask me about the house,” I said. Then again, she was the chief of police; she didn’t need a ruse.
“You’re attractive enough,” Nana Pratt said. “Why isn’t she interested in you? Maybe it’s your hair. You should comb it more.”
Ray chuckled.
“And that’s your cue to stay outside.” I pushed the door closed with my foot and carried the heavy basket to the kitchen, more than ready to set it down. My shoulders were sore enough.
My favorite discovery in the gift basket was the bag of caramel-coated popcorn. Rotten for my teeth but oh-so-delicious. I tucked a few snack items in the pantry, telling myself they were for a rainy day when I knew deep down they were in anticipation of Alicia’s inevitable next visit.
The world was starting to remind me a lot ofThe Godfather—just when I thought I was out, it pulls me back in.
CHAPTER8
As much as I hated to admit it, there was one supernatural in town who might have insight into Solomon and his magical tattoo.
The Devil’s Playground bouncer rolled his eyes as I stepped forward and presented my driver’s license.
“You don’t need to show me that. I know who you are.”
“But I don’t know who you are. We have this special connection whenever we see each other. It seems only right that I should know your name.”
