Page 39 of Lure

“Well, first thing’s first, we’re going to finish our walk.” I offered her an arm. “And I’m going to let you interrogate me.” That didn’t come out quite how I intended it, but it fit. “You want to know something, ask. I can’t promise to answer everything, but I will tell you what I can.”

She eyed me then my arm. She trusted me enough that night to let me help her forget everything. Could she trust me now? Not reading into her hesitation, I waited her out. Finally, she slipped her hand onto the crook of my elbow.

“You still good for more walking?” Probably shouldn’t push it.

“I thought I got to ask the questions.” The tart response made me grin. “But yes, I think I’m fine to keep walking. I really don’t want to go back inside yet. If I was at home, I’d go to the gym and just work out. A run on the treadmill or a stairmaster—something.”

Right. I could definitely help her with that. “As much as I would like to ask what else you like to do, I would like you to take note that I am not asking you any more questions. You have the lead, Firecracker.”

Goblin gave up his lolling to lope alongside us and then he darted ahead. There was another spot up the slope where she could get a good feel for the mountains themselves. It was a hell of a view.

She didn’t ask me anything at first, just moved with me. Her gaze was distant and her mouth turned down. She was grieving. Maybe trying to distract her wasn’t the best plan.

“What is your name?” Damn near missed the question, she asked it so quietly. “I know you go by Voodoo, but what is your—government name, I guess is the right question.”

Not answering it before had been about keeping distance. It wasn’t classified, but there were few who called me by that name. Bones was one, but generally only when we were alone or he needed actual help.

“My name is Bryant,” I said. “Bryant Wagner.”

Surprise flickered over her face. I kind of liked being able to surprise her.

“So where did Voodoo come from?”

Chuckling, I shook my head. “That’s a longer story.”

“I have time,” she pointed out. “So do you at the moment.”

At the moment…

“True, but that’s definitely a story for another day.”

“Hmm…” She really was cute when she was disgruntled.

“I did say, I didn’t promise to answer everything.”

“That’s true… Bryant.”

I liked how that sounded on her lips.

“Bryant Wagner.” She frowned. “You really don’t look like a Bryant.”

“No?” I laughed.

“No,” she said.

“Do I look like a Voodoo?” Yes, she was the one who got to ask the questions, but I wanted to know.

Grace glanced up at me from under her lashes. “That’s definitely an answer for another day.”

“Touché, Firecracker. Touché.”

“I liked it.” She was quite pleased with herself. “So, besides rescuing women from trafficking rings and blowing up drug labs, what else do you do?” I must have hesitated too long because she sighed. “Let me amend it to what else do youliketo do, if you can’t talk about your work.”

The retort made me want to kiss her. She wasn’t asking this time, so I refrained. “I like a lot of things, Firecracker, but if you want to know if I have hobbies…I do. I like to do magic tricks.”

Interest flared in her eyes. “Magic tricks?”

“Sleight of hand is really useful in my line of work.” I raised my hand to her ear and “pulled” a coin from her hair. It was a good, solid coin. Great for working my fingers. When I held it up, I said, “Silver dollar for your thoughts?”

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