“That was awesome!” Nellie never tires of beheadings.
“Why did you do that?” Kade was ready to explode. “I could have helped you.”
“I knew Dolph and Nellie would be waiting,” I replied, remaining calm despite his anger. “It was more efficient this way. We’ve done it before.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because vampires have really good hearing,” Nellie answered. “It would have heard and then the only way we would’ve gotten it out is by killing it in there and … as you can see … that’s messy.”
Nellie wasn’t lying. The vampire’s black blood seeped into the ground in front of my trailer, pooling in a few places. I was definitely glad our time in Des Moines was almost done.
“Are you okay?” Kade asked, taking a step toward me.
I didn’t get a chance to answer because Luke – dressed in his brightest ringmaster garb – picked that moment to arrive. He looked at the vampire, scanned the assembled faces, and then pulled me in for a tight hug.
“You’re okay, right?”
I hugged him back. “I’m fine. I think that vampire touched my stuff, though. You know how I hate that.”
“You are weird about people touching your stuff,” Luke agreed, slinging an arm over my shoulders. “Okay, who is going to get rid of the vampire? I’m telling everyone right now it’s not going to be me. You know how they smell when we burn them. I won’t be able to eat for a week.”
“That’s the real horror in what just happened,” I teased.
“I’ll do it,” Nellie said. “I enjoyed chopping his head off. I’ll enjoy burning him almost as much. I don’t mind the smell. I’m a man. Things like that don’t bug me.”
“You only shower once a week,” Luke countered. “Of course you don’t mind bad smells.”
“Knock it off, boys,” I warned, glancing up at Kade to see whether he was enjoying the discussion. Instead, I saw a dark look on his face as he regarded Luke. I realized what was behind it, Max’s words about telling the truth about our relationship briefly flitting through my head. I opened my mouth to say something – although I had no idea how to tackle the topic with so many others around to hear.
“I need to get going,” Kade said, hopping down the stairs and brushing past me. “The big show will be letting out in about ten minutes and I need to make sure the grounds are clear before you guys burn a body.”
“I … .”
Kade didn’t bother glancing back at me. “I will see everyone tomorrow morning for the big move.”
I watched him go, deflating a little with every step he took in the opposite direction. At this rate, I’d never find out how good that second kiss would be.
“What’s the matter with him?” Luke asked.
“He thinks you and I are together – or at least he’s confused enough to let it bother him.”
“We are together.”
“You know what I mean.” I pinched Luke’s side. “I’m going to have to tell him the truth.”
“I don’t care,” Luke replied, annoyance flashing. “If I were in your position, I would’ve told him the truth that first day. You’re the one who didn’t think it was a good idea.”
“Well, maybe I’ve changed my mind,” I sniffed, crossing my arms over my chest.
“You’d better change your mind,” Luke said. “If you don’t tell him the truth he’s going to go out of his way not to touch your stuff, and then you’re really going to cry.”
“You’re a magical wordsmith,” I grumbled.
“I do my best,” Luke replied, nonplussed. “Okay, let’s wrap up the vampire – make sure we don’t leave his head behind because that’s going to traumatize any kids who come to this field to play soccer after we get on the road. The faster we put Des Moines in our rearview mirror the better. This place has been nothing but bad luck.”
He was right – mostly – but I couldn’t help but think Kade agreeing to stay fell into the “good luck” column. Crap. How did I turn into such a girl?
Twenty
Everyone was up early the next morning, a new location beckoning. Luke wasn’t wrong about Des Moines being bad luck. George’s body remained undiscovered in the lake, we’d burned two paranormals to destroy evidence and my heart felt as if it was constantly threatening to break free from my chest.
Mystic Caravan was in tumult – and so was I.
After securing everything in my trailer and checking on Luke, who grappled with loading our bistro set into his trailer without marring his new coffee table, I directed myself toward Kade’s trailer. I had every intention of offering to ride with him so we could talk. Luke wouldn’t like it, but I would tackle that problem after seeing Kade.
I’d slept fitfully. It wasn’t angst over the vampire’s death but discomfort about Kade’s reaction to Luke that plagued me. He was uncomfortable with our relationship and part of me was reticent to tell him the truth. It would clear a path. Did I want that path? Apparently I did if I was so eager to get to Kade’s trailer before I had more than one cup of coffee.
I hopped up the stairs, my hand poised to knock, but the door opened before I could make contact. Instead of Kade greeting me with a flirty smile, though, Raven’s bright eyes met mine.
“Oh, Poet, what are you doing here?” Raven asked, her face full of faux innocence. She knew why I was there. She was merely playing two games: one with me and one with Kade. “Did you have business with Kade?”
I forced a smile for Raven’s benefit, determined she wouldn’t get to me. “Actually, yes. What are you doing here so early this morning?”
“I just stopped by to make sure Kade was okay after last night’s … event,” Raven said, smiling. “I was worried he was traumatized. Imagine my surprise when I found him none the worse for wear, though.”
“Hmm.”
“He looks good in the morning, too,” Raven carried on. “His body is … wow! I can’t wait to get a gander at the rest of it. I saw quite a bit, mind you, but I’m betting the whole package is spectacular.”
“I guess I’ll have to take your word for it,” I said, my tone chilly.
“I guess you will,” Raven agreed. “I plan to cross that finish line soon – especially now that he’s staying. He needs someone to welcome him with open arms – instead of attitude and mistrust.”
“I’m surprised you have time for all of that plotting when we’re supposed to be moving out in an hour.”
“I’m a multitasker.”
“So I’ve heard,” I said. “If you’ll excuse me …?”
“What’s your hurry?” Raven pressed. “What circus business could possibly be so pressing that you need to bother poor Kade before dawn even has a chance to turn into morning?”
“I’m sure he’ll fill you in on the dirty details if he wants to.”
“I’m sure he will, too,” Raven said, not missing a beat. “I’m going to ride to Omaha with him.”
My heart stuttered. “What?”
“Well, he wants to learn about what we do and you haven’t been very forthcoming,” Raven replied. “He needs someone who will fill him in on … everything.”
“I see.” I wanted to rip her hair out. No, I wanted to set it on fire and then rip it out. I was going to need tongs if I did that.
“What’s going on out here?” Kade appeared in the doorway behind Raven, his eyes widening as they landed on me. “Poet.”
“Kade,” I said grimly.
“Poet has some important circus business to talk to you about,” Raven supplied. “She won’t tell me what it is. I figure you can fill me in during the ride. I’ll run back to my trailer and make sure it’s locked up and then I’ll be back for you. I can’t wait. We’re going to have so much fun together.”
“I … .” Kade glanced at me, his expression unreadable.
“I’m so glad you asked me to ride with you,” Raven enthused. “I’m looking forward to it. You should be, too. I think we’ll find we have a lot in com
mon.”
“I’m sure it will be a nice drive,” Kade said finally. “Poet, did you need to speak to me about something?”
Did I? It seemed something had shifted. “It can wait,” I said, turning on my heel and stalking back down the stairs.
“But … Raven said you wanted to speak with me,” Kade said.
“It really doesn’t matter,” I shot back, refusing to turn around as I strode toward my trailer. “Don’t worry about it. We can talk later.”
“But … .”
“Don’t worry about her,” Raven said. I could practically see her rubbing her hands all over him in my imagination. “She’s crabby and tempestuous. She probably wanted to ride with you. She’s kind of needy that way.”
“Why don’t you go and get your trailer packed up, Raven?” Kade suggested.
“Will you be waiting?”
“I guess so.”
I was fixated on my anger so I didn’t feel Kade approaching until he was almost upon me. He grabbed my arm and spun me to face him.
“Good. Morning. Poet,” Kade said, enunciating clearly. “Did you have something you wanted to speak to me about?”
I didn’t like his attitude. “It doesn’t matter,” I said. “I thought we could talk on the drive, but it’s not important now.”
“Why do you say that?”
“You have plans with Raven.”
“We’re driving in the same vehicle,” Kade said. “That doesn’t mean we’re betrothed … unlike you and Luke, who spend almost every waking hour together. Well, I guess it’s more like you spend every waking hour together other than the ones when you’re flirting with me. How do you think he likes that?”
“I don’t think he cares.”
Kade made a face. “You don’t think your boyfriend cares that you’ve been flirting with me?”
I wanted to tell him the truth. I knew I should. Instead, pettiness got the better of me. “I have told you repeatedly that Luke is my friend,” I said. “I don’t care whether you believe me. Not now. I’m used to Raven going after every new guy here. It doesn’t usually bother me, because I have a hard and fast rule.”
“And what is that?”
“Once Raven has slept with a guy he’s pretty much tainted in my book.”
Kade stilled. “Is that your way of warning me that if I sleep with Raven I’ll never have a shot with you?”
“I don’t care how you take it.” I started moving away from him.
“Don’t you think you’re being a little juvenile?” Kade called to my back.
No. I knew I was being completely juvenile. I couldn’t help myself, though. “You should take it exactly as you said it,” I snapped.
“YOU are extra crabby today,” Luke said, raising his eyebrows as he reached for the radio’s volume control knob. “I know it’s not that time of the month for two weeks, so what else could it be? I’m at a total loss.”
I slapped his hand. “I don’t want to listen to more country twang.”
“Come on,” Luke argued. “It’s got personality.”
“It gives me heartburn.”
“I think Kade is the thing giving you heartburn,” Luke muttered. “Lord have mercy, I love you, but you are a pill right now.”
“Lord have mercy?” He was really starting to bug me.
“We’re in God’s country, little missy,” Luke teased, poking me in the ribs while keeping his other hand on the wheel. “You should learn the lingo.”
“I don’t want to learn the lingo.”
“The only thing you want to do is pout,” Luke countered. “I haven’t seen you like this since … huh … I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this. What is it about this guy? Can you read something special about him?”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know.” Luke considered the question. “Maybe he has a magic wand in his pants and you’re drawn to it by powers beyond your control. That would actually explain a lot.”
“Stop. Talking. Luke.” I was in no mood for his antics. Unfortunately, when that happens, Luke merely ups his game.
“I know you want Kade to bend you over a barrel and show you the fifty states – man, I love country humor, I’ve got to tell you – but he’s not going to do any bonestorming with you until you tell him the truth. Did you like that one? Bonestorming instead of brainstorming. I have a gift.”
“If you don’t stop it with the … weird sex talk … I’m going to beat you to within an inch of your life,” I warned.
“Nebraska is sparse country, honey,” Luke said, ignoring the threat. “You two are going to have a lot of time to circle each other and contemplate churning butter over the next week.”
“I think Raven is going to be the one churning his butter.”
Luke snorted. “Kade isn’t interested in Raven,” he said. “He’s interested in you. I think he wanted to be the one to swoop in and hug you last night. I probably should have let him, but I didn’t know what was happening until it was already too late. I’ll do better next time.”
“I’m done worrying about Kade. He’s not my concern.” Apparently he was Raven’s concern. I was starting to rethink saving her from the Wendigo. That doesn’t make me sound petty, does it? I am petty, don’t get me wrong. I just don’t want to sound as if I am.
“I don’t know what this guy is packing, but I can’t help but wonder if he’s got some magical whammy he doesn’t know about that is only unleashed around the female persuasion,” Luke mused. “I have never seen you lose it over a guy like this before.”
“I’m not losing it.” No, I’ve already lost it.
“You don’t think he’s better looking than I am, do you?”
“You’re the handsomest man in the world, Luke. I’ve told you that plenty of times.” I often told him that so he would shut up. I hoped it worked now.
“I’ve been thinking about that,” Luke said. “I think that saying I’m the ‘handsomest man in the world’ limits my potential. I want to be the handsomest man in the universe.”
“What about the other planes of existence?”
“I don’t want to be greedy,” Luke replied. “I’ll take this universe and let everyone else fight over whatever is left.”
“No one could ever argue with your altruistic endeavors.”
“I am something to behold,” Luke agreed. “So, back to you and Kade … I still can’t decide whether I like that name, by the way. It’s weird, but in one of those hip ways. He doesn’t really need a last name as long as that is his first name.
“You have Madonna, Cher, Oprah, Sting … and Kade,” he continued. “That might be kind of fun if we launch a one-named superstar.”
“What will his talent be?” I asked.
“Apparently it’s driving grouchy women insane with his machismo,” Luke answered. “Men everywhere will line up to see that. Catty women, too.”
I couldn’t take much more of this. “How long until we get there?”
“Two hours.”
“I’m going to take a nap.” I leaned back in my seat and pressed my eyes shut, hoping Luke would take that as a hint I didn’t want to be bothered.
“Sweet dreams,” he said.
“Thank you.”
“Try not to moan when you’re parallel parking in your dreams,” he added.
“I’m going to kill you. I swear.”
Twenty-One
Woods surrounded the fairgrounds outside of Omaha on three sides while a busy highway stretched across the fourth, giving our new temporary home a closed-in feeling. Everyone took five minutes to stretch their legs and then got busy. We all had tasks to do and no one needed prodding to do them.
After anchoring our trailers and setting up the patio area, Luke took off to help erect the big tent. That pun was intended. Luke loves to make jokes about the big tent. I’m sure the workers have heard them all before, but he’s still a popular figure when it comes time to do the heavy lifting. Luke isn’t afraid to do that either – most
ly because it means he can take off his shirt and flex his muscles without me around to ridicule him.
After my personal home was in order, I helped Naida and Nixie set up the communal kitchen. Nixie enjoys sparking a good fire, and tonight was no exception. She built a tower of charcoal briquettes in the huge grill and used her fingertips to light them before turning her attention to the fire pit
Seth and Rodrigo unpacked the tables and chairs and set them up while Max unwrapped the steaks he purchased on his way to the fairgrounds. I realized this was the first time I had seen him in more than twenty-four hours.
“How are you doing?” I asked, approaching him carefully. He appeared lost in thought. It was unusual for him to join us for community dinners. Something was up.
“I’m unwrapping steaks.”
I waited for him to expand on that. He didn’t. “I see that. Why did you stop to buy steaks? You usually leave us to fend for ourselves Monday nights and go out to dinner by yourself in town.”
“I bought sides, too.”
Max was clearly lost in his own little world. I covered his hand with mine, stilling him as he moved to unwrap another steak, and forced his eyes to mine. “What’s going on?”
“Have you talked to Kade at all?”
I wrinkled my nose. Why does everyone insist on bringing up Kade? I’m not his keeper. I don’t care what he does. I certainly don’t care that Raven is by his trailer and giggling like a middle-school girl at a One Direction concert. “Not since this morning.”
“I understand he’s staying,” Max said. “That’s what Luke told me, anyway.”
“When did you talk to Luke?”
“This morning,” Max replied. “He was whining about you abandoning him with only four slices of bacon.”
“That’s all we had,” I protested. “There was no sense in buying more when we were leaving.”
“He was still upset.”
“Luke finds the dumbest things to get upset about,” I grumbled.
“He said the same thing about you.”
Max’s statement was pointed. I narrowed my eyes. “What did he tell you?”
mystic caravan mystery 01 - freaky days Page 17
