Stand-in: Take 3 of the Kanyon and Daylen Series

by K. B. Draper

  Ralph scoffed.

  Theo picked up his bag. “I think I’ll go upstairs for a while.”

  “Good idea,” Daylen growled.

  When Theo was gone, Ruby refocused on Daylen. “Don’t be hard on the boy, I might’ve had a little,” she held up pinched fingers, “to do with that. I wanted to test my reflexes.”

  “You? What? Why? Wait. How?” Daylen asked in a rush.

  “God, I didn’t know this would start the Spanish Inquisition.” Ruby waved her off with a hand. “It’s not important.” She walked over to get a cup of coffee. “What’s important is there has been a slight change of events. The article is in danger.” She couldn’t believe she hadn’t foreseen this small consequence. Her little plan had some risks; there were always drawbacks when you used your gifts to interfere with fate. She’d ignored them, focusing on getting Kanyon and Daylen back on track. But now, two people had gone missing.

  “Danger?” Daylen asked. “How?”

  “I don’t know.” And Ruby knew that little situation wouldn’t change because that was the other fun downside to her little stunt. The headcheeses had figured out her little plan and she’d been put on Seeker probation. She’d felt her powers slowly being unplugged; the last switch being pulled after the Theo stunt. She was now officially a supernatural paperweight.

  “Okay. I’m supposed to meet back up with Kanyon in a couple hours. So …”

  “I think you should head that way sooner than later.” Ruby began to shoo Daylen toward the door.

  “There’s something you’re not telling me.”

  “Oh, sweetheart, there are a million things I’m not telling you, but this isn’t the time to talk about it.”

  “How’d you go all Matrix a minute ago?”

  “I was the all-state limbo champ in college.”

  “You know that’s not what I’m talking about.” Daylen planted her feet.

  Ruby gave Daylen a little push. When she was unable to move her niece, she sighed. “You’re such a difficult child. I’ll give you one question.”

  “Two.” Daylen crossed her arms. Ruby threw up her arms in exasperation. “How did you do … well, whatever just happened here?”

  Ruby mocked Daylen’s stubbornness with her own arms crossed. “You need to be more specific.”

  “How’d you dodge it? I felt … It was like … I don’t know.”

  “Time slowed?”

  “Yeah. And how the hell did I not know you could do that? Can I do that?”

  Ruby picked up Daylen’s bag from the kitchen table and shoved it at her. “Lessons later, Grasshopper. Case now.”

  “But what if I need that skill for this case?”

  “You won’t.” Ruby tried to push Daylen out the door again.

  Daylen slapped at Ruby’s hands. “I’ll go. I’ll go. Just give me two seconds. Geez. I mean, you can’t tell me you can control time then expect me to go ‘Oh, okay cool. Check ya later. I mean, seriously. And you didn’t answer my questions.”

  “Good lord child, you’re relentless. Fine. It wasn’t me,” Ruby muttered, then stepped back and took in a deep breath. She needed Daylen to get to the studio before things got any worse, but unless she wanted to push her all the way there, they weren’t going to get anywhere without Daylen getting her answers.

  Ralph came walking back into the room. Ruby ushered him in with a swoop of her arms. “Meet your all’s wepwawet.”

  Ralph bowed then walked over and pawed open the refrigerator.

  “Um, come again?”

  “A wepwawet. The good guy’s version of a hellhound.”

  Daylen looked at Ralph, whose head was stuck in a Tupperware dish of leftover ham. “A wepw …”

  “–wawet,” Ruby finished for her. “Basically, he’s another layer of protection.”

  “Protection.”

  “Yep.” Ruby started shooing again. “Speaking of which.” She waved at the back door. “Go get to protecting.”

  “But–”

  “But, nothing. You need to get to the studio.”

  “Is Kanyon okay?”

  “Fine. For now. Well, except for the small chance of a heat stroke caused by that leather suit she’s wearing. And I’m not talking about her, but everyone looking at her.” Ruby fanned herself with a hand. “Good lord, that’s enough to make this old lady stake a rainbow flag on Dinah’s shore,” Ruby added a suggestive eyebrow wiggle.

  Daylen cut her off with a raised hand. “Stop. Just please, oh my god, stop.”

  “What? There was a time, free love and all that.”

  Daylen ear muffed her hands over her ears. “I know what you’re doing and I’m going, but we’re not done with this conversation.”

  Ruby finger waved. “Bye, bye.”

  Daylen and Ralph found Kanyon in her trailer. “I thought you weren’t coming back until later?” She asked, then shot a look at Ralph. “What’d you do?” Ralph scoffed as he trotted past her and collapsed on the couch.

  “No, he was great.” Daylen wrung her hands together, wondering if now was a good time to drop the supernatural dog bomb on Kanyon. Then another thought hit her. “I’m sorry, is this a bad time? I can come back,” she replied quickly, her back foot already retreating.

  “No, it’s fine. Something going on?” Kanyon stepped back from the door.

  “Aunt Ruby said things have changed. She seems to think there’s a greater urgency about finding the article.”

  They both turned as the television clicked on. “Did he just …”

  “I have no idea how he does that.”

  Now is as good a time as any. “I might have a small idea. Maybe?” When Kanyon turned a curious brow to her, she continued, “Aunt Ruby said Ralph is actually a wepwawet.”

  “Excuse me?”

  Daylen shrugged. “A wepwawet.”

  “Like a wepwawet, a wepwawet, the lion sleeps tonight?”

  Daylen chuckled. “I don’t think that’s exactly how that song goes. According to Aunt Ruby, he’s like a hellhound but for the good side.”

  Kanyon looked back at Ralph, who was unceremoniously sprawled out on her couch watching Maury Povich. “Magical.” Ralph scoffed. Kanyon sighed. “Any other super fun surprises?”

  Daylen’s voice dropped to a whisper. “I got a feeling his presence means something.”

  “Ruby didn’t explain?”

  “No. Not really. Same song and dance of not giving up all the goods. She wasn’t shielded, which was odd, and I got a lot of concern and fear from her before she pushed me out the door.” Daylen shrugged. “So, anything new going on here?”

  “We still have some strange match-making going on between some of the crew. A stunt guy almost took out one of the techie geeks because his girlfriend had her hands all over him.”

  “What about the lighting guy and the makeup girl? Did they ever show back up?”

  “No, and it’s causing a few delays. Others are stepping in to cover, but it’s slowing things down a bit. Security was notified so they’ve been around, asking questions and searching the grounds. I was just getting ready to head to the director’s tent to catch the latest. Do you want to come with?”

  “Sure.”

  “Ralph. Stay,” Kanyon ordered.

  Ralph lifted his head, scoffed, and then dropped it back down on the pillow.

  “Good hellhound,” Kanyon complimented with an eye roll.

  Kanyon and Daylen stopped in the doorway of the director’s tent, hearing Steven on his cell phone. “Their cars are here but they’re just gone? You can’t find them anywhere?” Steven threw up an irritated hand. “Well, that’s just great. Let me know if you find out anything more.” He shoved his phone in his pocket. “Just perfect. Apparently, we have two love birds that decided to fly the coop in mid shoot.” He slammed a hand down on the table causing the three assistants standing nearby to jump. “We’re already short staffed. Call the pool and find a couple of replacements just in case they don’t find them or in case the
y do and I kill them.”

  Kanyon stepped forward into the tent. “Steven?”

  Steven whirled around, surprised to see Kanyon at his doorstep. He smiled quickly. “Sorry, I was … Well, those two kids have us thrown off schedule. But we’re good. It’ll be fine.”

  “I didn’t mean to overhear, but I happen to know a techie guy and a makeup artist. I could bring them with me tomorrow so there won’t be any delay on that end.”

  “That’d be great. Do that. Do that, so I don’t have to go through the hassle and red tape.”

  “I also brought someone that might be able to help expedite and facilitate the search, so,” she waved Daylen in, “you don’t have to deal with that either.”

  “Hello, Steven,” Daylen greeted as she stepped alongside Kanyon.

  Steven blinked, then grinned widely. “Daylen!” He moved in to give her a quick hug. “How are you?” Pulling back to look at her again. “I thought you left us all behind.” He gave her shoulders another affectionate squeeze.

  “I did. I actually joined the family business. It’s a better fit for me.” She smiled back at him. “And I’m hoping I can help with your problem.”

  Daylen gave Steven her “what she’s doing now spiel” leaving out the supernatural part of the services. He nodded enthusiastically. “Perfect. Do it. You’re hired. You can deal with security for me. I’ll pay you myself. Kanyon, you bring in your people. I’ll go update the producers, the assistants, and their assistants.” He gave Kanyon a quick pat on the shoulder. “Let’s see if we can make the impossible happen. I can’t believe two people can throw such a kink in things, but we were tight staffed before … Anyway,” He shook Daylen’s hand. “Thanks.” He looked back at Kanyon. “Both of you.” He headed out of the tent yelling, “Lights on at five a.m.! The show must go on!”

  “I’m guessing you’re talking about one particular techie geek, Theo, and one makeup artist, Blue?”

  “Yep. Might as well bring in reinforcements.”

  “Or entertainment,” Daylen muttered.

  “Or entertainment,” Kanyon repeated. “Plus, I kind of miss the geek.” Kanyon headed out of the tent.

  “You haven’t seen him?” Daylen asked.

  “Couple of times and we’ve sent a text or two while I was out on location, but it’s been awhile.”

  Daylen didn’t admit that she’d missed Blue. Blue had barely spoken to her over the last eight months, though she’d reached out several times.

  “I’ll order some food, if you want to get the Scooby gang together and tell them about their new gigs?”

  Daylen couldn’t help but smile. “That works for me.”

  Lexi stood with a shoulder leaned against the corner of a trailer, watching the intimate exchange between Daylen and Kanyon. The hatred that rose in her was visceral, as if she slid it on and wore it like a sweater, taking comfort in its cozy warmth. Her top lip snarled at the little interruption. She’d planned to go the vulnerable route this go around, luring Kanyon back in with apologies and tears. It would have been a good acting exercise, but with Daylen back in the picture she’d have to ramp up her efforts.

  A low growl emanated from Lexi’s throat when Kanyon smiled at something Daylen said. Her hands balled into fists as Kanyon lay a hand on Daylen’s arm before she turned to go.

  “Soon, I’ll be the only one you’re touching, Kanyon McKane.” Lexi threatened, knowing it was her ego that was in the driver’s seat. She’d never had a thing for women, but when the opportunity to get everything she’d ever wanted, no, deserved, came along and it involved getting close to one of the most powerful and beautiful women in Hollywood, she hadn’t worried about personal preferences. Once she’d worked herself into Kanyon’s life, she’d had to admit there was something about Kanyon that was intoxicating. For the months that she’d had Kanyon in her thrall, she’d observed firsthand the power Kanyon had over people. A particular power she’d wanted and now possessed. She smirked as she thumbed the pendant at her neck. But then last night Kanyon had been able to resist her. Which meant two things, blondie needed to go bye-bye and she had some renegotiating to do.

  Chapter 8

  Blue eyed Theo as he entered Kanyon’s kitchen along with Daylen. “Who invited Sir Geeksolot?”

  Daylen gave Blue a warning look. “Be nice.”

  “That was nice. I called him Sir, didn’t I?” Blue retorted then moved to the other side of the room, distancing herself from Daylen.

  Theo was oblivious to Blue’s and Daylen’s exchange as his attention was focused on Ralph who had sat up when Theo entered and began sniffing the air. Theo quickly dug into his backpack, coming out with a candy bar. “All I have is a 3 Musketeers,” Theo admitted, holding the bar out at arm’s length, his feet already retreating. Ralph stalked Theo, his attention locked on the tasty treat. Theo hit the wall, squeaked, and tossed the bar at Ralph. Ralph caught it mid-air, dropped to the floor, and with one slice of a paw the wrapper was removed and the bar was gone.

  Daylen looked at Ralph then Theo. “I’m not sure chocolate is good for dogs.”

  Theo, with his back still pressed against the wall, stepped sideways. “Maybe not, but I’m sure that him eating my arm isn’t good for me.”

  Kanyon took plates and glasses out of the cabinet and sat them on the kitchen island. “I’m pretty sure Ralph’s a garbage disposal with fur. He’ll be fine. Ralph, play nice with Theo. Tell him thank you.”

  Ralph stood, dutifully walked over, and jumped his front paws on each of Theo’s shoulders so he was looking Theo directly in the eyes. Theo swore the dog smirked at him before he licked one long slobbery tongue up his face from chin to forehead.

  Blue snorted as Ralph dropped back to all fours and walked casually over to drop at her feet. “Good dog. Very good dog,” she cooed, patting his head.

  Theo stood. The only thing moving on him was the drool sliding off the tip of his nose.

  Daylen gently pushed Theo toward the sink. “Why don’t you wash your face,” she suggested.

  “I– He … Okay,” Theo muttered, his eyes crossed trying to look at the slobber. He collided with the corner of the kitchen island before Daylen corrected his course and guided him the rest of the way to the faucet. He fumbled blindly around, eventually finding the handle for the water. He dislodged the nozzle and aimed it at his face. Significantly soaked, he grabbed the towel Kanyon slapped across his chest.

  “You good?” Kanyon asked when Theo finished drying himself off.

  Theo produced a wide smile, activating both of his dimples. “I think he likes me!”

  Kanyon grinned at Theo’s childlike excitement. “I’m sure he does.”

  When Theo stood with an awkward grin and his feet were doing some kind of happy back and forth jig, Kanyon glanced at Daylen. At Daylen’s “just let it happen” wave, Kanyon silenced a groan as she squeezed her eyes shut and slowly raised her arms. Theo’s feet went from a dance of excitement to a linebacker’s rush, hitting her full on, his arms wrapping around her. If Kanyon hadn’t been, well, Kanyon, and Theo had an additional hundred pounds of muscle added to his otherwise lean body, they would’ve landed in a pile on the floor. Kanyon patted him awkwardly. “I missed you too, big guy,” she admitted with a grin, only to drop it a few moments later when it appeared Theo might not be letting go anytime in the near future. She lifted pleading eyes to Daylen.

  Daylen was a split second too late wiping the wide smile from her face. “Okay, okay. Theo, why don’t you let go of Kanyon so you can show her the stuff you brought?”

  “Oh, yeah!” Theo released Kanyon as quickly as he’d grabbed her and darted across the room to grab his backpack.

  Kanyon gave Daylen a curious look. “Stuff?”

  Daylen’s grin returned.

  “Check all this out.” Theo dropped an arm full of comic books, weapons, and figurines between them on the counter. “Man, I’ve got so much stuff since the last time you came over.” He let his stash spill on to the cou
nter.

  Daylen raised an eyebrow.

  Kanyon shrugged. “Wow. And you brought it all with you. Super,” Kanyon said, catching a Thor figurine attempting to escape with a nosedive toward the floor. She sat the mini God of Thunder upright and picked up the two curious items next to him. “You have,” she held the items out, “throwing stars?”

  “Ohhh, yeah, aren’t they cool?” Theo gently plucked the weapons from Kanyon’s fingertips laying them back down on the counter. “But Daylen says I can’t play with them in the house anymore.”

  “Um, ‘cause, you played with them in the house before?” Kanyon asked, shooting a questioning look at Daylen, who mouthed “long story.”

  Daylen escaped the rest of Theo’s Show ‘n Tell to go speak to Blue, who had snuck out the backdoor with Ralph. “Mind if I join you?” Taking the shrug as approval, Daylen sat next to Blue on the porch as Ralph came trotting back from the flowerbed. “He’s something, isn’t he?” Daylen ran a hand down Ralph’s back as he passed.

  “Yeah,” Blue muttered.

  “I didn’t know you liked dogs.”

  “Hard to know things when you’re not around.”

  “Point taken,” Daylen admitted. “I’ve missed you.”

  “Yeah, well, that’s the kind of thing that happens when you cut and run.”

  “I didn’t cut and run from you, Blue. I called you several times.”

  Blue gave her another shrug. “I was busy.”

  “Blue, I’m sorry. I did what I had to do. You simply don’t underst–”

  “I understand that you hurt her. I understand that you made her go back to doing something she hates.”

  “She’s acting. She’s an actress,” Daylen snipped.

  Blue spun in her seat. “You’re an actress. I don’t see you out shooting some stupid movie.” When she got a blank stare from Daylen, she gave her another eye roll. “And you think I’m the one that doesn’t understand.”

  “What are you trying to say, Blue?” Daylen finally asked.

  Daylen thought Blue was going to ignore her as she waited in the long silence, but then Blue finally looked up, her eyes soft and thoughtful. “You’re right. I don’t understand everything. My mom hasn’t told me the full story, but she did tell me you and your aunt are … special and that you saved her life.”