second email.”
“Thanks, I’ll install it in the car.”
Charlie frowned. “Everything all right?”
“No.” Donna smiled. “But then, what’s new?”
Chapter Six
The ride to the bus station took them into an older neighborhood that could have used a couple million for a rehab. But then, maybe neighborhood wasn’t the right word. Calling it a commercial district might have been closer, since quite a few of the buildings looked like they’d been used for industrial purposes. Those industries were gone now, leaving behind empty warehouses with broken-out windows and brick walls darkened by age and grime.
At least the graffiti added a pop of color.
Temo slowed as they approached the bus station, one of the only brightly lit buildings in the area, along with a bodega, a small neighborhood convenience store, and a liquor store across the street. Proof that there was some residential life here. He did a U-turn at the light and parked near the bodega.
“Is the car going to be okay if we leave it?” She didn’t want to risk losing their way out, should things turn bad.
“Should be.” Temo unhooked his seat belt. “I’m going to give Alvaro a couple bills to keep an eye on it. He owns the bodega.”
“So you’ve been here before?”
“The bus station is where we usually meet.”
“Good. That makes me feel better.” She took her seat belt off as well.
He smiled. “Don’t worry, boss. I do my homework.”
“I know you do. I’m not worried about that.”
“Nervous to meet the fae up close?”
She nodded as she took a breath. “Very. Despite everything I’ve been through in my life, the fae freak me out. I’ll be okay, though.”
He held out his fist. “I know you will be. You’re Belladonna Barrone. And I’ve got your back.”
She laughed softly and bumped her fist against his. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”
“Plus, there are two sentries inside the station, according to LV.”
“Right. I wonder if we’ll be able to tell who they are.”
“I guess we’ll know when we get in there.”
“You lead. I’m ready.”
“Then let’s do this.” They got out. He locked the car, then ran into the bodega to quickly speak to the owner. He came out nodding, indicating that the deal to watch the car had been handled. Together, they headed across the street.
She couldn’t shake her nerves. “You think this is going to go all right?”
“I do now, boss. After speaking to my contact, I mean. He seemed eager. And that’s not a reaction I’ve gotten from him before. For some reason, this whole situation is very interesting to him.”
“I’m sure he has his motivations.”
“I’m sure he does. No idea what they are, but I’d guess they go beyond just what he stands to make by doing this. Maybe we’ll find out. Or not. Fae aren’t known for being overly chatty about personal things.”
“Fine with me.” The trash cans outside the bus station were overflowing, and people stood around smoking. “I’m not looking to get chummy with this guy.”
“I hear that.” Temo pulled the door open for her.
Inside, the bus station retained all the trappings of the year it had been built, which was probably in the late ’70s based on the abundance of avocado green. The yellow-tinged lighting didn’t help, highlighting the years of wear evident on the hard plastic seats and dingy linoleum floor.
Didn’t seem to be keeping anyone away, however. More people filled the station than she’d expected, but then, last time she’d traveled by bus, she’d been in college and trying to get home for the weekend.
Some people sat, while others stood looking at the arrival and departure boards. A few browsed the selections at the newsstand. Most had a weary air about them. As if they’d rather be anywhere but here. She understood that. She studied the ones who appeared to be paired off, trying to discern any wolfy traits in them.
But they all seemed human to her. Maybe that was her inexperience showing. Or maybe werewolves were really good at blending in when they needed to. She wondered if, in a less-crowded situation, she’d be able to pick them up by their scent. Right now, all she smelled was cleaning fluid, body odor, and smoke.
“This way,” Temo said.
She kept up with him as he threaded through the small crowd and took them to the far side of the station, where banks of lockers stood in little alcoves. An overhead grate diffused the light. He went a little farther until they were in another section of lockers marked with a sign that said Long-Term. One