“G?” Tynan straightened. “The note that lured me to the workshop was signed ‘G.’”
“Grok told me it was him who gave you that note,” Malik reminded him. “I doubt he’s the mystery man.”
Tynan nodded. “That’s right. From what you’ve told me, Grok doesn’t sound like the type to romance a young woman with talk of magical antiques and mysterious journeys.”
“True,” Malik agreed. “Grok’s more direct in his approaches. He wouldn’t know a true antique if it came up and bit him.”
“Is there anyone else you know whose name starts with G?” Tynan asked.
Malik thought for a moment. “No one who fits this profile. Face it, this G could be anyone.”
Sparky, who had gone back to quietly demolishing his fruitcake, suddenly spoke up. “Magical antiques, mysterious journeys, not from around here...sounds like a fae to me.”
Ian laughed. “A fairy? Like with wings and magic wands?”
Tynan managed a weak smile. “Sparky watches too many fantasy movies.” He shot the raven a warning look.
“But it’s worth considering,” Malik said carefully. “There are... people...who might use that kind of talk to impress a young woman.”
Ian looked between them, clearly sensing he was missing something but too polite to push. “Well, whoever this G bloke is, Hayley was proper excited about him. Look at this lastpost again - ‘adventures ahead’ and all that. Doesn’t sound like someone planning to disappear, does it? More like someone going on a trip.”
“Or being lured away,” Tynan murmured.
“Can you check her other accounts?” Malik asked. “Twitter, Facebook, anything else?”
Ian nodded and began searching. “Same pattern on all of them. Mysterious new guy, exciting future, then nothing for six weeks. No location tags on any of the posts with him, either.”
Tynan sat back, mind racing. If Hayley had indeed met a fae - or some other paranormal being - who had taken her away, that would explain her sudden disappearance. But why didn’t she call her mother or just leave her a note before she left?
“I think we need to find out who this G is,” Tynan said finally. “He’s the key to all of this.”
“And how do we do that?” Malik asked.
Tynan looked at the computer screen, where Hayley’s smiling face stared back at him. “I’m not sure yet. But at least now we have a lead.”
“Ian can help you this afternoon if you like.” Malik pecked a quick kiss on Tynan’s cheek as he stood up. “I’m in hearing distance if you need me.”
Chapter Thirteen
Malik paused in his work, leaned against the fender of the ‘67 Mustang he was restoring to watch through the office window. Tynan sat perched on the edge of the desk, silver hair tucked behind his glamored ears, gesturing animatedly as he told Ian some story. Ian’s face was alight with interest, nodding along and occasionally interjecting with questions.
It was good to see Tynan relaxing. A far cry from the nervous fae who’d come to find him the day before. Now, just a day into their bond, Tynan seemed to be settling into himself, his shoulders looser, his smiles coming more easily.
My mate, Malik thought, a possessive satisfaction rumbling through him. His inner rhino huffed in agreement.
Sparky sat on Ian’s shoulder, occasionally adding commentary that made both men laugh. Malik couldn’t hear the words, but he could see the easy camaraderie developing between them. It was exactly what he’d hoped for - his mate and his friend getting along.
The buzzer across the door sounded, pulling Malik from his thoughts. He turned to see Walter Parkins stroll in, a set of keys dangling from his fingers.
“Afternoon, Malik,” Walter called, his voice carrying through the workshop. “Just dropping by to see how my baby’s coming along.”
Malik gestured toward the gleaming green Jaguar E-Type in the far bay. “Right on schedule, Walter. New gaskets are in, and I’ve sorted that electrical issue in the dash.”
Walter beamed as he walked over, running a hand lovingly over the car’s hood. “She’s a beauty, isn’t she? They don’t make them like this anymore.”
“That they don’t,” Malik agreed. He genuinely liked Walter, a retired banker who treated his cars with the reverence they deserved and never questioned Malik’s prices.
The office door opened, and Tynan stepped out, followed by Ian and Sparky. Walter’s eyes immediately locked onto Tynan, his expression shifting from casual interest to intense focus.
