Starlight Web (Moonshadow Bay #1) - Yasmine Galenorn Page 0,78

of my jacket, grateful I was sitting right over a heating vent.

Asher was smooth, charming, and my guess—as ineffectual as he was gorgeous. I had met far too many like him before. They talked a good game, but seldom came through on promises.

I glanced at Millie. “We know what’s going on at the old Stellarview asylum. First, the rumors about Psy’s ghost? Not the problem. It’s actually far worse.”

I told them everything that had happened and what we had found out. “So you see, the best option would be to raze the building and barricade off the land.”

“Which would cost a fortune,” Millie said, groaning. “All right, I see why you felt that the mayor should know about this.” She turned to Asher. “Any thoughts?”

He stirred his spoon in his coffee three times before adding milk and sugar. Still, he said nothing. Finally, he shrugged. “I’d like to help, but the city simply can’t afford to do anything. I suppose we could condemn the building, but we can’t barricade off the land.”

I slumped back in my seat. “Tad figured that would be your answer. Do you have any other ideas?”

“Not really,” Millie said, frowning. “I can’t post warning signs since I don’t own the property, and I can’t force the owner to do so. We’re a small town, January. We just don’t have the resources to handle this. If we make an announcement about it, the owner could sue us for damaging their property values.”

“I know,” I mumbled. “Fine, I get it. I really do. But I’m not sure what—” I paused as my phone rang. “Will you excuse me?” I stepped outside into the wide hall. There were people hustling every which way. The library was booming with business, and so were the police station and the town hall. “Hello?”

It was Rowan. “I may have the answer to your problem,” she said. “Drop by tonight at 6:30. I have someone I want you to meet.” Before I could answer, she hung up.

I stared at the silent screen, then ducked back inside the coffee shop. “I got a phone call that may solve the problem, but I won’t know till tonight,” I told Millie and Asher.

“Let us know what happens,” Millie said, standing. She started to leave, but Asher hung back.

“Will you be at the carnival?” he asked me as Millie left the shop.

Surprised by the question, I stammered a “Yes” and then blurted out, “Why?”

“I thought we might meet up there. I can show you around. I know you used to live here in Moonshadow Bay, but it’s been a long time and—” He shrugged, smiling.

I stared at him. Had the mayor just asked me out? Feeling a little confused and not so much interested, I said, “Thanks for the offer, but I have a date.”

He held my gaze, his expression unreadable. “Well, can’t blame me for trying. I’ll see you around.” And then, his smile was back, but cooler than before. He abruptly left the shop.

I finished my cinnamon roll, watching him stride down the hall back to town hall. Asher struck me as a man who didn’t like to be crossed. And he also struck me as a man who expected to get whatever he wanted.

Trust me, you do not want to get involved with him, Esmara whispered in my ear, making me jump.

“Would you stop doing that? You almost made me take a bath in hot cocoa,” I whispered, hoping nobody would notice I was talking to the air.

You don’t have to whisper. I can hear you if you direct your thoughts toward me. And trust me, you do want me to talk to you—I can be a great help.

Is my mother with you? I wasn’t sure I wanted to know, in case the answer was no, but the question formed before I could stop it.

She is, but there’s an adjustment period. I’m stronger magically than your mother is. But you’ll be stronger than both of us put together in time. Now tend to your chores. And be cautious tonight. Rowan is a spitfire, and even though she may not look the part, she can lead you along some very dark paths. But she’s a good ally to have. Just mind your p’s and q’s.

Feeling duly chastised, I shouldered my purse and headed out of the coffee shop.

Chapter Seventeen

Back at the office, I ran over what Millie and Asher had said.

“I’ll be honest, I don’t care for the mayor. He makes me uncomfortable.” I didn’t tell