Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 128061 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 640(@200wpm)___ 512(@250wpm)___ 427(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128061 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 640(@200wpm)___ 512(@250wpm)___ 427(@300wpm)
“I didn’t realize you’d been watching Dave.”
“I had someone ask him about a territory breach, and they reported a gathering. Curiosity got the better of me, and I started a rotation to watch—from outside of his territory, of course. I’m not crazy.”
“Niamh hasn’t mentioned anything. I’ve felt her head to the mountain a good few times in the last few weeks. I assumed she was going for the moonshine and good times.”
“She probably is. And it’s probably benefiting our cause. We just have to make sure they don’t get carried away.”
I’d wondered why Dave hadn’t been coming by the house for his flowers, or to check in. He used to do that all the time. I’d just assumed he was busy with his friend.
“So with more basajaunak and with a strong pack,” I surmised, “you’re less worried about making connections where the gargoyles might not want them?”
He squeezed my knee. “The basandere in the redwoods saw strength in your crew, as odd as they are. She saw strength in you. They never once disrespected us, and when they came close, they compromised and backed off. They welcomed us and treated us as family, and they had a very good reason for not making an alliance. I saw no fault in them. I’d welcome a connection with them, anytime. Which is why I’m so encouraged that Dave is fostering their interest. The gargoyles are nothing like them so far.”
“Again, we have some gargoyles who are.”
“Three out of all the many you’ve called in. I’ve met the best they have to offer, and I wanted to throttle each of them, save one.”
“Save one,” I repeated, since it was the second time he’d mentioned it. “Who’s the one?”
“The Gimerel lead enforcer. He’s someone I could lead without all the hassle the others have given us.”
“You have to remember, though, the shifters didn’t treat me very nicely at first. One of yours tried to challenge me with the intent of making a fool out of me. I think the mages will be worse. With the basajaunak, we had an in. Dave is the son of that clan’s leader. It’s not like we were starting from scratch. Just…” I watched the landscape outside start to slow as the limo took the off-ramp. “Just give them a chance, okay? Let’s see how I handle the big dogs. I plan on letting my gargoyle call the shots. I’ll put it in her hands. If I can’t make wine out of crushed grapes, then so be it.”
“A wine metaphor, huh? Thinking about your new tasting room?”
I laughed. “Yes, actually. I can’t wait to open it. I’ve gotten a crapload of questions about it. I just wish I had time!”
We pulled up to the restaurant and stopped, and the limo waited to drop us off before moving off to the side to park.
“I’ll think about Anthott’s production cairn,” Austin said. “I’ll get more information. He and his people were professional. I can’t fault them for Venavin’s reaction.”
“Whatever you think. But for what it’s worth, I don’t think it would hurt to have some artisans in the territory.”
“No it wouldn’t, especially since Ivy House would foot the bill for keeping them here.”
“Oh I see,” I said as my door opened. The driver stood beside it, waiting for me. Austin got out his side. “You’re just trying to save yourself a buck. It’s free, so why not, huh?”
His eyes twinkled but he didn’t allow himself a smile. “I’ve always loved a deal.”
I laughed as the limos behind us emptied, our people walking our way. The first wave of limos went to park and the rest pulled up, the doors opening without anyone waiting for the drivers.
“Okay, guys,” I said as Sebastian and Nessa stopped beside me. “No more Mrs. Nice Gargoyle. It’s time to play dirty. Tell me what I need to know for this dinner. You’ve been holding out on me about Mr. Cashmere.”
“Niamh!” Nessa screeched, turning to look behind. “Niamh! She wants to play hardball. Get up here!”
“Who needs a bullhorn when they have you?” Broken Sue murmured at Nessa as he passed by.
“Be nice or I’ll play dirty tricks on you,” she quipped.
“Your humor is already a dirty trick.”
At the front door, Niamh reached for it first. When it didn’t budge, she said, “What clown didn’t unlock the door?”
“That would be me.” Austin shot her a look as he threaded through us with the keys.
Her back straightened within his stare, and she swore under her breath. “I hate when he does that,” she muttered.
“The chef and line cooks use the back entrance.” Austin opened the door and peered inside. “They’re prepping. We’ve got a little less than an hour. Make it count.”
We followed, and I saw that not much had changed since our last visit. It was posh and well constructed, but I’d remembered it coming off as more of a fine-dining experience. Then again, it was hard to hold a candle to Austin’s newest restaurant.