Sucker Punch (First Fangs Club #3) - Kristen Painter Page 0,3
and a big cardigan. She added a pair of woolly slippers. Comfortable clothes for an uncomfortable day. And not just because of the task at hand. Dawn had just about arrived, and with it, more snow flurries.
She didn’t feel cold, and the penthouse was certainly at a pleasant temperature, but something about the gray, snowy day—and the terrible situation with Rico—made her want to bundle up. She pulled the cardigan around her and went to the kitchen to make some coffee.
Pierce showed up a few minutes later as her cup finished brewing. He’d probably hung up his tux instead of just throwing it on the bed like she had with her gown.
She added cream and sugar, then leaned against the counter to drink some while he made a cup for himself. “We really need Temo and Charlie at the table with us.”
He nodded. “I’m sure they can bring their laptops in here.”
With perfect timing, Charlie strode back in, still in her off-the-shoulder evening gown and borrowed diamond necklace. “Letter’s drafted.”
“That was fast. Thank you.” And of course she’d done it while still in her party clothes. “Why don’t you bring your laptop in here and work with us after you change? I’m sure Van Marten’s will want their jewels back too. Can we get that taken care of? That would be one less thing to worry about.”
“Absolutely. I’ll call them on my way to change and tell them they can send a messenger anytime. Back in a few.”
“Thanks, Charlie. And ask Temo to join us when he can as well. Tell him to change too. I’m sure he’d like to get out of that suit.”
Charlie nodded. “Will do.”
“Oh! Sorry, one more thing. I want to bring Jerabeth in on this. Rixaline said fae magic was involved at the stronghold, so I thought maybe Jerabeth could help with that. You have any objections to including her?”
“Not at all. But…” At the mention of the elemental witch who worked as the governor’s gardener, Charlie hesitated, but only to look at the time. “She won’t be in the greenhouse yet. Still pretty early for her. I could call her and see if she could come in sooner.”
“Do you think she’ll be useful? Because if you don’t, tell me now.”
“She knows about your…special abilities, and she’s definitely skilled. She could absolutely be an asset.”
“Any downside?”
Charlie thought for a second, then shook her head. “At worst, she might not be able to help. But I don’t believe that will be the case.”
“If you trust her, then that’s good enough for me. Bring her in.”
She pulled her phone out. “Sending her a text right now.”
“Thanks. See you when you get back.”
Charlie nodded as she walked out, thumbs flying over the screen.
Donna went back to her coffee. Pierce fixed his cup, then put the creamer back in the fridge. “You’re going to need to feed soon if you don’t sleep.”
She nodded, her mug cradled between her hands. “I know. But that can wait a little longer.”
He gave her a look that said he wasn’t going to let her forget. She smiled, despite everything else. As if there was any other way to respond to the dedication he showed in looking after her.
The door chimes rang.
She straightened and stared at him. “Who could that be? Security didn’t call up that anyone was coming.”
He put his cup down. “Then it has to be someone who’s on the vetted list. I’ll get it.”
“I’m coming with you. If they’re on the list, then they can’t be an enemy, right? At least I’d hope not.”
He glanced at her, frowned, but said nothing.
“You’re thinking about Fitzhugh, I can tell. Hey, maybe he’s come to apologize.”
“In the state he was in, I’m guessing he’s passed out somewhere.”
She didn’t argue as she followed him to the door. Fitzhugh had been pretty drunk. She stayed back a little as Pierce reached for the handle.
He opened the door, revealing two women who looked like they could be Italian or Hispanic. One was probably a decade older than Donna and had a definite chip-on-her-shoulder vibe. The other one was another decade or so beyond the first, more like Francine’s age. They were petite, well dressed, and looked like they could hold their own in a fight. Or start one.
Pierce greeted them with a smile. “Can I help you ladies?”
The younger one looked past him to nod at Donna. “You’re the governor? Belladonna Barrone?”
She took a few steps closer. “I am. How can I help you?”