Page 17 of Marked By Moonlight
Did he mean her, himself, or me?
When I took a bite, chocolate cream burst into my mouth, along with flakes of soft, airy dough.
“Oh my God. So good,” I moaned.
Clem shifted in his seat, and for once, I was glad no magical skills brushed over me just then to reveal his train of thought.
“Delicious.” He wiped a napkin over his lips, hiding his expression.
Bite by bite, that marvel of French baking disappeared.
“So good,” I sighed mournfully, scraping my plate.
He chuckled. “Next time, I’ll bring more.”
I froze at thenext timepart, then patted my belly. “One is my limit, thanks.” Then I pursed my lips and got back to business. “You never asked your question.”
His smile faded, and I braced myself forYou have the right to remain silent.
But he stalled, clearing his throat. “Some of the guys back at QG were talking…”
QG was short forquartier général, the regional police headquarters. God, was I way, way up shit creek.
“The Pelletier farm flooded, so the regional police championships need a different location,” he continued.
I frowned. If he was going to arrest me, could he at least have the decency to get to the point?
But that was it. He just looked at me.
“The regional police championships?” I squeaked, wondering if that was code forTake cover, because I have agents surrounding the building, and we’re about to launch our raid?
He nodded. “Just three events. Cross-country running, mountain biking, and table tennis.”
“Table tennis?” Now I was really confused. Was I busted or wasn’t I?
He shot me a wry smile. “Yes, table tennis. Whoever wins goes on to the national championships, then the European police championships in November. They’re in Thessaloniki this year.” He brightened at the prospect, then gestured around. “It occurred to me that you have a lot of space here…”
I gaped. That was it? No bust, no arrest?
“You want me to host the police table tennis championships here?” I sagged in relief.
“And cross-country and mountain biking. On the third weekend of October. Unfortunately, there’s no budget to pay for facilities, but you did say you wanted to raise the profile of Château Nocturne…”
I had, but busing in dozens of police officers wasn’t high on my list — not while my houseguests were around.
On the other hand, it never hurt to have the local police indebted to you.
I was ashamed to even think such a thought, but tempted too.
Besides, I had bills to pay and loans in the works for things like new roofing. The château had to start earning its keep, and free publicity wouldn’t hurt.
“You wouldn’t have to do much, because the organizing committee has everything set to go. They just need a site that can host those three events.”
My life was in turmoil, and it would take more than a few weeks for things to settle down — if they ever would. But I was still euphoric at not being arrested. (Yet.) Shouldn’t I grab the chance to build good karma while I could?
“They’ll need to visit once to measure the cross-country and mountain bike courses. They’ll set up the previous day and take everything away right after the awards ceremony. So, that’s only three days on-site. Not too much of an imposition?” Clem asked hopefully.
No, except for my houseguests. But, hell. Maybe I could get Gordon to send them to Naples. That was where crime gangs operated, right?
