34. Hannah

Chapter 34

Hannah

W e called Detective Carter—again—and he called the ambulance who took Sylvia to the hospital for evaluation. She wouldn’t answer any questions. She just stared at us blankly and periodically muttered. “Where is it?”

I assumed her family, if she had one, would be notified, but we didn’t know what might happen after that. It was clear she needed help, and I hoped someone would make sure she received it.

We couldn’t discover what she was looking for, though I’d started to wonder. Was she searching for something I’d purchased along with the estate?

Her blank stare and continuous muttering could be a ruse to make us think she was confused, something common enough with the elderly.

“Do you want to press charges for breaking and entering?” Detective Carter asked as the ambulance drove away. We stood on the front porch. Staff from Shriek & Nail had delivered the new glass and the construction company I’d hired to install it had arrived. Orc dudes bustled about, replacing my front windows. The owner of the business assured me they’d have this job finished within a few days. After that, I’d fix any dings in the trim and could move on to my next project.

“No, I don’t want to press charges,” I said. “I feel bad for Sylvia. She seemed horribly confused, though she told us how she got in.” Through the bulkhead that emptied into the wine cellar. She’d used a screwdriver to break the lock.

Was that why Max was suspicious? He could’ve heard her outside and wanted to find out what was going on.

“That’s kind of you,” the detective said. “If you change your mind, let me know.” His gaze traveled to two orcs carrying one of the windows carefully up the walkway. “I’m sorry you’ve been dealing with this, but I believe this is the end of it. Sylvia must’ve been entering your house to search it, which explains the odd sounds you kept hearing.”

“Why would she play with my lights and send water through my bedroom ceiling?” I asked.

He shrugged. “To make you believe the sounds were coming from a ghost. Wouldn’t be the first time someone staged paranormal activity to make someone behave in a certain manner.”

“I appreciate your help.” I squeezed Reylor’s hand. He’d grabbed the throw off the sofa and knotted it around his waist. We needed to talk about him moving in with me permanently and then he could keep all his clothing here. I suspected he’d say yes if I asked. He adored this building as much as I did, he was eager to help me start my new business. There was plenty of room in my suite for us both. No need for him to buy other property.

And we’d already shared that we wanted to be together as much as possible.

“Thank you,” I told Detective Carter, Reylor echoing my words.

We sat on the porch and watched as the detective slowly strode down the walkway and got into his car, driving toward town.

“It’s over, right?” I asked, stretching my hand out to take Reylor’s.

He linked our fingers and lifted our clasped hands, kissing my knuckles. “It’s over.”

“Do you have to return to the office?”

He shook his head. “I’m here for you, Hannah, twenty-four seven.”

“You know what I mean.”

“Tuvid can handle things until tomorrow. The day was nearly over.”

“Then I have an idea,” I said with a smile, feeling freer than I had for some time. “Let’s take the second pan of lasagna and some cookies I made this afternoon over to Bailey and Katar. I’m sure they’ll welcome a meal or two they don’t have to cook. I can’t wait to meet the baby.”

His head cocked. “Did you say cookies?”

“I made plenty.”

“Good, good. Wouldn’t want to miss out.” He stood and looked down at my couch throw covering his vital bits. “I suppose I should change.”

One of the orcs striding up the steps, holding a tool pouch, snorted. “No need to change on my behalf, dude.” He gave me a wink as he entered the house.

We exchanged eyebrow-lifted grins.

While he went to my bedroom to dress, I called to make sure it was okay to visit. Katar said sure, and I collected the food, putting it and the small gift I’d picked up for their new daughter in a tote bag. We got into his truck and drove to Bailey and Katar’s waterfront home.

Katar met us at the front door and gave us both quick hugs.

“Come on in,” he told us both with a smile. “Bailey will be happy to see you.” He frowned. “She’s a little sore still, so she’s staying on the sofa. I’m carrying her around everywhere.”

My breath caught. “Is she okay?”

“I’m perfectly fine,” Bailey called out as we crossed their kitchen and dining room and stepped into the enormous living room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sea. “Carrying me around is Katar’s thing, not mine. He doesn’t want me walking anywhere.”

He winced. “You’re uncomfortable.”

“Only a little.” She gave us both a smile. “Welcome. I’m glad you stopped by.” Her gaze fell to her swaddled daughter lying on her legs, and her smile widened. “Isn’t she beautiful? I keep staring at her, unable to believe she’s finally in my arms.”

Mozzie, Bailey’s fox terrier-toy poodle mix, lounged on the sofa beside her, his tail beating up a storm as he looked back and forth between us.

“Our daughter’s perfect, like you, Bailey.” Katar leaned over the back of the sofa to give his wife a kiss, and she stroked his cheek.

When he straightened, he waved to the furniture. “Have a seat and admire my smart, gorgeous, and utterly amazing daughter.”

“What did you name her?” I asked as I sat on the second sofa with Reylor. He put his arm around my shoulders.

Bailey’s gaze followed the movement, though she didn’t comment on our closeness. She’d met Katar during his investigation at her library. Tuvid, Monster, PI’s gargoyle, met Angie while helping her track down her stolen kegs of beer—she owned a microbrewery. And Elrik, an ice lord, had met and fallen for Melly while solving a case involving her grandmother. At this rate, Wolfram and Thain would be following in their footsteps, finding love while solving a crime.

“Her name is Alyanna Helga,” Katar purred. “For my mother and the woman who did so much for Bailey. Isn’t it an amazing name?” Tears glimmered in his eyes. His mother had died a long time ago, and Helga, an elderly librarian, had raised Bailey.

“Such a pretty name,” I said and Reylor murmured agreement. I lifted my tote bag. “I brought lasagna and cookies plus a little gift you can open later.”

“Wonderful,” Bailey said. “Thank you so much.”

“I made the lasagna yesterday. Throw it into the oven at three-fifty for half an hour or freeze it until you want to take it out for dinner. The cookies are my favorite recipe, a glazed almond.”

“Well, I know what I’ll be munching on tonight.” Katar settled in the chair next to Bailey. He leaned close to them and ran his fingertip across his daughter’s light green face. She was a mix of them both, with Bailey’s petite frame and his skin color. “I love cookies.” He kissed Bailey again. “And I love you and our beautiful youngling.”

“Would you like to hold her?” Bailey asked, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

I was overjoyed for them both. They were clearly in love, and they had a sweet daughter to raise.

“I’d love to,” I said, holding my hands out.

Katar scooped up Alyanna and brought her over, gently lowering her into my arms.

As I stared down at her, I couldn’t wait to someday have a child of my own.

Maybe one with Reylor?