“You think they’ll talk around someone they don’t know?”
A grin slowly slid on my lips as I rolled up the house plans and stuffed them in the overnight bag. “You’d be surprised at what I can achieve when I set my mind to something.”
“Come, let me show you your room.”
I fluffed the pink frilly bow on the present. “I need to stop in Petunia’s room.”
“Of course.” Max gestured to lead the way. “I appreciate you taking our case.”
“I hate bullies, and Petunia is a sweet kid.”
“She is a great kid. I never asked, but do you have any of your own?”
“No, are you offering?”
Max’s mouth twisted into a sexy grin.
“Relax, Counselor. I don’t have time in my life for kids. My job as an FDG operative keeps me busy chasing bad guys,among other things.”
“What other things do you do for FDG?” he asked just as we reached the top of the stairs.
“Fairy Damn Godmother is unique. We handle all kinds of cases and requests. Two assignments ago, I protected a princeand dressed in fancy clothes. I wore diamonds that could buy a decent-sized island. Last week, I dressed as a bag lady. I’m adaptable, and so is the company.”
Max led the way to Petunia’s door and was about to open it when I stopped him.
“Always knock until we leave. Cassandra throws a mean right hook and has a tendency to ask questions later.”
“Noted.” He knocked.
“We’re coming in,” I called out before opening the door. Cassandra had the room set up with a sheet draped over furniture and chairs hanging to the floor like a tent. Beneath it lay a million pillows with snacks, children’s books, and coloring books inside.
“Are you sleeping here too?” Petunia asked.
“No, honey. I wanted to give you a special present.”
Petunia scrambled out from under the canopy. “What is it?”
I handed it to her and watched as it took five seconds flat to tear into the present. Slowly she opened the box. “This is so pretty. My mommy says I’m too young for jewelry and that I’ll lose it.”
“This one was made just for you.” I dropped to my knees and took the necklace and heart-shaped pendant out of the box. I turned it over to show her a little button on the back. “If you’re ever scared about anything or get lost, all you have to do is push this little button, and I’ll find you.”
“What if it’s an accident?” she asked.
“You push it again to stop it.”
“How will you find me?” Her eyes widened.
I pulled out my phone and pulled up the app. “Push the button, and I’ll show you.”
She pushed the button, and my phone buzzed in my hand, showing two blinking lights on the screen. I pointed to them. “This one is you, and this one is me. These other ones belong to everyone else who is looking out for you.”
“Status report.” Rose’s voice filled my earpiece. I pushed the button.
“Stand down. I’m showing Petunia what happens.”
Petunia’s eyes crinkled. “Why are you talking to yourself?”
I pulled out the piece in my ear. “I’m not. I can communicate with my friends through this. She was just making sureyou’re okay.”
