Page 46 of Dream Weaver

Of course. Couldn’t he?

He studied the two of us a moment longer, then continued his interrogation. “Really exactly?”

Abby made a chopping motion while I filled in the words. “Exactlyexactly. I’d put money on those marks having been made by a Pulaski.”

“But how…” He trailed off into a lightbulb moment, then leaned in. “You think it was the ax stolen from the fire station?”

We both nodded.

“The lucky ax?” Ingo made air quotes aroundlucky.

We nodded again.

“The lucky ax you made?” He stared at Abby.

She gulped, then nodded slowly.

“The lucky ax someone stole,” I added, just to be clear.

Ingo stared at Abby. So hard, I could see her squirm.

“Sorry, Abby, but I have to ask. What magic did you weave into that ax?” He sounded a little fearful of the truth.

Like me.

“Nothing!” Abby blurted, then hung her head. “Nothing intentional. I swear!”

I’d never seen a person more torn, though I was torn myself.

As a kid, I’d been taught to avoid magic at all costs. But I’d also been taught to stand up for what was right. To fight for the truth, even when it hurt. To help, to protect, and to think for myself.

And just like that, my mental scales tipped.

I found myself growling at Ingo.Hear her out.

His eyebrows jumped up, but he nodded slowly.

We both waited, giving Abby time and space.

The whole time, my bear growled to me, reminding me,Whatever she says, you hear her out too.

Chapter Twelve

ABBY

I squirmed in my seat, wishing I hadn’t been so defensive. But there was a good reason for that. I was guilty as hell, albeit unintentionally.

I hung my head in the blazing spotlight of Ingo’s inquiring eyes. “Nothing I was aware of. I swear!”

“It’s not an accusation, Abby.” His voice was soft, even apologetic. “I’m just trying to understand what’s going on.”

That made two of us. Or three, given the way Cooper sat on the edge of his seat.

I studied my hands for a long time, half hoping Ingo would abandon the topic. But he was right to ask, and I knew it. Claire was right too, about talking being better than pretending.

I glanced at Cooper. If he could talk through the hard stuff, maybe I could too.

I took a deep breath, then started very, very quietly.

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