Page 40 of Wonder
He seemed intrigued. “Like onThe Rockford FilesandMoonlighting?”
“Exactly like that.” But hopefully without the villain of the week pointing a gun at us.
I texted the Hunters that we were going out on an errand for Reno’s PI business, and Dominic said they’d follow us but wouldn’t interfere unless Marcas and Roibeart appeared.
Nicky didn’t have enough magic yet to cast a glamour, so Reno lent him a baseball cap to put over his ears and help hide his eyes. Shane had had some of Nicky’s new clothes delivered same-day yesterday, and while the joggers and hoodie he was wearing were still a little baggy, they didn’t look like they’d fall off if he moved too fast.
Nicky had tried to get us to let Jackson wear his Castiel-style trench coat, “so he’ll be like Peter Falk inColumbo,” but Reno said it would draw too much attention in June.
The apartment complex Emiliano Duran lived in had four buildings of twenty units each, and Emiliano’s was in the building closest to the street. Tenants had assigned parking in the row next to the building, and the rest of the lot was for visitors.
“He drives a 2017 Dodge Ram pickup. It’s got front and rear seats, and it’s dark gray.” Reno parked and we all scanned the lot. Emiliano wasn’t home. From here we could see his apartment windows, but all of the blinds were closed.
We got out of Reno’s SUV, and he helped Nicky get situated on my back. Nicky didn’t weigh much, and his legs were awfully thin beneath my hands. Even though he was small for an Elf, he was too large to pass for a human child. Jackson would make sure no one saw us.
The stairs and hallways were open to the air, and there weren’t any security cameras. When we got to the apartment door, Reno handed us some nitrile gloves. Once we were ready, I held his camera as he produced a set of lockpicks and got to work.
“Oooh, there was an episode in season five ofCastlewith lockpicks exactly like that!” At least Nicky kept his voice to a loud whisper. “Will you teach me how to use them?” The way Jackson was staring at the lockpicks, I wondered if they wanted to learn as well. Might be a good way to work on their fine motor skills.
“Sure, Nicky.” Reno was sexy as fuck, leaning over and focused on his task. Would he look like that during sex? I wouldn’t mind having all that concentration turned my way. Shit, not the time. I shifted Nicky’s weight and turned to keep watch down the hallway.
After only a minute or two, Reno had the door open, and we hurried inside.
“Wait here.” Reno unholstered his gun and did a quick sweep of the apartment. Damn, him in cop mode was sexy too.
The place was a one-bedroom furnished with inexpensive pieces typical of a twenty-something male, with a huge TV and elaborate gaming system setup. No art on the walls but lots of framed photos on the bookshelves.
“Clear.” Reno had holstered his gun when he got back to us. “I didn’t see the costume, but I could’ve missed it in the closet.”
We all followed him into the bedroom. The closet door was open, and the space was about four feet deep. There was no gargoyle costume, just jeans, casual shirts, one suit, and a couple of winter coats. Shoes were on the floor, and on the shelf above the clothes were board games and a couple of blankets.
“Well, shit.” Reno put his hands on his hips, which drew his shirt tight against his muscles. I put the camera down on top of the bureau and started going through the drawers so I wouldn’t ogle him.
Nicky patted me on the shoulder. “Why don’t you put me down? I won’t be much help like this, and I’ve got to be getting heavy.”
I stifled my response that I wished he were heavier. His arms might be getting tired from gripping my shoulders. “Okay.” I gazed around, but in here the only place to put him was the unmade bed, and one glance told me the sheets hadn’t been changed in way too long.
Reno went to the doorway of the bedroom and looked into the living room before waving us forward. “Nicky, why don’t you sit in that chair by the window? You can keep an eye out for Emiliano’s car.”
Reno had the best ideas. I took Nicky into the living room and over to the chair, making sure he could see out through the blinds and had a decent view of the tenant parking area. Jackson was going through the kitchen cabinets, so I returned to the bedroom. Reno was on his back under the bed with his phone’s flashlight on.
“Do you need help? I can lift the bed.”
“Nah, I don’t see anything under here.” He slid out, and when he stood up I helped him brush the dust bunnies off his back andreturn them to their home beneath the bed. I didnottouch any part of him below his waist, even though I was dying to. “You can help me lift the mattress off the box spring if you like.”
“Sure.” Emiliano didn’t keep any secrets under his bed. His nightstand had a few sex toys and some lube, but that was it. The bureau revealed t-shirts, underwear, a few pajama bottoms, some cufflinks, a watch, and socks.
“Hey, guys? I think he’s home.”
Reno and I rushed into the living room to look out the window. A dark grey Dodge Ram pickup was parked in one of the tenant spots closest to this building, and a man was walking around the front of the truck on his way to the stairwell.
“Fuck.” Reno turned to Jackson. “Can we get out the door before he gets up the stairs?”
Jackson shook his head. “No. I can’t prevent him from seeing us if he’s already there.”
I bent down so Nicky could climb on my back. “I could mesmerize him.” I didn’t love doing it, but we couldn’t get caught.
“No.” Jackson pointed at the bedroom. “The closet is the best option.”
