Page 44 of The Hunter’s Affection

“Indeed.”

“I know I said it before, but what my grandson did . . . I am so very sorry. He was raised better than that.”

Toni poked him as he listened. “What are they saying?” she whispered.

Torr shook his head.

“You’re not responsible for your grandson’s actions.”

She delivered the words in a tone that said the exact opposite. Birdie knew, as they all did, that Annabel was the one who’d put Zach up to the deed in the first place. At least the would-be thief had apparently kept his chat with Torr from his grandmother. Torr was actually surprised. Even as a human he’d not have kept information from his family for any reason, and certainly not because he’d been threatened to do so.

But Zach was different, of course. He was weak. A follower. The exact kind of person who would break into another’s place of business without a clue as to what he was searching for, let alone why the item was so important.

“She’s apologizing for Zach,” he whispered.

Toni strained her neck as if to hear, although she’d never be able to do so. They were clear across the shop.

“I am surprised to see you out and about,” Birdie said, echoing his sentiments.

He was so attuned to the conversation, Torr could actually hear Annabel’s rapid, uneven breathing.

She was nervous.

“I’ve wanted to talk to you . . .”

“About?”

“Earlier this summer, you asked about the Cheld. Do you remember? Something to do with your niece’s friend Alessandra?”

Toni must have picked up on Torr’s expression. “What? What’s she saying?”

“I remember,” Birdie said. “She found what she was looking for.”

“Did she?” Annabel seemed surprised.

“Yes.”

According to Toni, Birdie and Annabel weren’t friends, not exactly, but their interest in all things supernatural had ensured their paths had crossed multiple times throughout the years. Any friendliness appeared to be gone—there was a chill in the air now between the two women.

“Annabel, what are you really—”

“Did she tell you what she learned?” the old woman pressed.

She knew.

Annabel Walsh knew of the Cheld. Which likely meant she knew of Torr’s kind as well.

“Annabel.” Birdie was getting angry now. And so was her niece. Toni tossed her hands up in the air as if to ask, again, what he’d heard, but she would have to wait. “You come into my shop asking questions, after your grandson—”

“My grandson was wrong,” Annabel repeated.

Birdie, don’t do it. Don’t show your hand.Torr could tell it was on the tip of Birdie’s tongue to call this woman’s bluff, but that wouldn’t help their cause. With Annabel in the dark about their knowledge of the journal, they still had an advantage—one they could easily lose.

Birdie cleared her throat as Torr held his breath. Should he intervene?

“No, you do not. But this is the first visit you’ve paid to Curiosities in over a year. How curious that you should make it an interrogation.”

Well done, Birdie. Torr smiled at Toni, who frowned in response. Then poked him.