Page 109 of Fire Dancer

Except, ugh. He was my mother’s type — or had been when they’d had a fling many years ago. I’d met Edwards once under equally regrettable circumstances, when his ire had been aimed at Nash. Now, it was aimed at Ingo, who had defied direct orders to keep away from Jananovich.

“Bye,” Abby muttered on her way to the car with Claire.

I raised a hand, then dropped it. Thanking Abby for her help would have to wait. She and Claire were already late for school and work.

We moved inside, and Edwards took a seat at the dining room table. Ingo and I stood, and for a long minute, the only sound was the tap of Edwards’s fingers over the table.

I crossed my arms firmly. This was my house — sort of — and my property. Well, one-third my property. But still. He’d better not expect me to obey any commands.

Tap, tap, tap,went his fingers as he glared at Ingo.

I wondered what that spelled in Morse code. And, huh. Was Edwards old enough to know Morse code?

Tap, tap, tap.

What kind of supernatural was he? Dragon? Wolf? Warlock? All I got from his scent was Calvin Klein Eternity.

Tap, tap, tap.

I rolled my eyes. “How can we help you, Captain?”

His eyes strayed toward the kitchen. Had the tapping been Morse code forAren’t you going to offer me a coffee?

I kept my gaze level. No. I wasn’t.

He made a face, then spoke, studying us for our reactions. “I’m here about the fire.” When neither of us replied, he scowled and went on. “The fire at Victor Jananovich’s property.”

I lifted one shoulder. “Oh.Thatfire.”

Edwards snorted. “What were you doing there?”

The question was aimed at Ingo, who answered evenly. “I heard the call on local police frequency and followed it.”

“Despite the restraining order?”

“Yes, sir. I felt it important an agency member was present to pick up on what human law enforcement might overlook.”

Edwards didn’t look impressed. “What a coincidence.” Then he turned to me. “What about you?”

I flashed an innocent smile. “I was in the catering crew.”

“Catering,” Edwards echoed in the same disbelieving tone.“And what about the fire? Any idea what set it off?”

I opened my mouth, nearly blurting something like,Yes, I did, and it was awesome. I had to coax the fire over from all the way across the house.

Ingo coughed into his hand, and I reworked my answer. “I don’t know, but Jananovich did have a fire going in the fireplace and lots of candles. Maybe that started it.”

And, oh, the irony. I had finally controlled fire, but I couldn’t even take credit for it.

Edwards made a show of checking a notebook that probably didn’t hold anything more incriminating than pizza delivery numbers. “I understand your father is a pyromancer.”

I arched an eyebrow. “And my mother is a dragon. But you know that, don’t you?”

Ha. A hint of a blush showed on his cheeks. I just hoped that was chagrin and not a flush of longing.

“Ah. Your mother. I don’t suppose she’s in town?” His firm voice went wobbly for the first time.

God, I hoped n—