Page 112 of Lunar Diamonds
Ollie appeared, opening his arms. “Bro!” Wow. This was the most animated I’d seen him.
Isaac drew a sharp breath in surprise.
“Hi ya, mate,” Jake said.
They bro hugged with lots of back slaps.
“How’s things?” Ollie asked.
“Good, cheers. You looking forward to your start date?”
“Counting down the days.” Ollie turned to his mum. “I’ll see Jake out.”
And with that, Agent Jake left.
“He seemed nice,” Isaac said, in total shock. “Ollie…” He didn’t finish.
Was he jealous he didn’t get to hug the handyman like that?
Erin sat down. “He is the best. Loyal to this house, believing in the importance of sacred witches. He is part of a network of supporters I hope you can meet. But we must be careful.”
I wanted to know the story of the eyepatch but didn’t ask.
“He is also in contact with someone who can help repair the solar diamond.”
“Very good news,” Isaac answered, perking up. “Do you know who it is?”
“Yes. A fae gentleman by the name of Dean Tseng. He currently lives in Singapore after moving from Coldharbour a year ago. He and Jake have a history, apparently.” She pressed her fingertips together. “A romantic one.”
“What happened?” Isaac probed.
“We won’t go into it.”
“What? Why not?”
“Because I said so.” That line was officially drawn in the sand with a soft yet forceful tone. “I just wanted you to meet him, to see that there are people on our side. That we can win.”
She liked to layer on the hope, and I was grateful she did.
She plucked a cookie from a plate on the coffee table. “He enjoyed these very much.”
“Really?” I beamed at her. “That’s made my morning.”
Rather than take a bite, she paused, her expression serious. “It’s a shame we’re shackled to the mansion. You’re both supposed to be out on the streets, investigating. Maybe soon, when the threats pour in.”
The happy spike in my mood shattered like a window in the trajectory of a boulder.
Damn.
“Anything on our uncle?” Isaac inquired.
“Nothing.”
After the cave incident, there’d been no further hints at Jonathon Aurora’s involvement. Not one sign. And the orb hadn’t shown up all week.
Hecate only knew what we should do next, but right now I knew I needed a cookie.
“I thoughtmy insides were about to fall out.”
