Flashback (Kendra Michaels #11)

11

Kendra jumped into the passenger seat of Lynch’s car and immediately looked at her phone. “Sorry, I may be on a call for a while.”

“Problem?” Lynch asked.

“Olivia tried to phone me three times while we were at that crime scene. She finally texted me. She wants to know if I’m okay. I think that the word is out about the Bayside Strangler’s return. I texted her back, but she wants to talk to me. She insists we stop at her condo as soon as we get back.”

“Uh-oh.” Lynch chuckled. “It sounds like she’s in a demanding mood.”

“Yep. She’s the most loyal friend you could ever ask for, and you’ve already seen how protective she can be. When Paula Chase was killed, you’ll remember she encouraged an eighty-eight-year-old retired police sketch artist to grab his gun and leap into action.”

Lynch nodded. “I had a few problems with her choice of a bodyguard at the time.”

“Well, if she knows the Bayside Strangler is back, she might be calling in the National Guard. I grew up with her, and you have no idea how hardheaded and determined she can be when the notion strikes her.”

“Yes, I do. I got a taste of it when she was reading me the riot act telling me that I wasn’t doing everything she expected of me. I fully expect to have a similar experience when I see her tonight.” He sighed. “But I’m willing to suffer through it.”

“Well, I’m not,” Kendra said flatly. “For the most part you’ve been very helpful today. You don’t deserve that kind of flak.”

“Really?” He smiled. “And it only took the emergence of a genuine monster to make you see me this clearly?”

“It’s a question of comparison. Don’t let it go to your head.”

“Too late. I’m filled with confidence now. I might even be able to handle our Olivia.”

“Don’t count on it.”

“I have to count on it.” Lynch shot her a glance. “Because I have to prove I’m worthy of your trust. You’ve officially already declared me to be worthy of battling with monsters. I think that’s something like being a knight in armor. Now I only have to go and face the dreaded magician Olivia. That will be another battle, but I’ll find a way to win her to my side.”

Kendra was shaking her head. “Lynch, you’re a complete idiot.” She had to stop laughing.

He nodded gravely. “But one in whom you have total confidence?”

She nodded. “You might say that. I’ll let you know after I see how Olivia handles you.”

“That will go well,” he assured her. “Because I already know a few of her magician’s secrets. Now lean back and relax and I’ll whisk you to Olivia’s stronghold. Don’t worry about anything before we get there.”

“Whatever you say.” She obediently leaned back on the headrest. “But I have to warn you, Olivia often manages to concoct new and more powerful magic at a moment’s notice.”

“Then you might have to help me. I’ll look forward to it.” He smiled down at her. “It’s always more fun if we do it together.” He covered her hand with his own. “Isn’t it, Kendra?”

She was quiet for a long moment. “In most cases.” She forced a smile. “As long as it has nothing to do with monsters or things that go bump in the night. I’m afraid I’d draw the line at either of those. No magician’s castles or knights in armor. The minute you start going after the monsters is when I bid you goodbye and take over the job myself. Because that’s the way it should be from the beginning. I don’t believe I could bear the thought of causing you or anyone else to become a victim for my sake. It would hurt too much.” She blinked hard. She was not going to cry, dammit. “So make up your mind about all that nonsense. I couldn’t stand it.”

“Then we’ll have to make certain it doesn’t happen.”

He reached out and gently wiped the tears from her cheek. “No big deal. Heaven forbid I inconvenience you. We’ll just go forward as we intend to go on. Okay?”

“Sounds good to me.” She adjusted herself in the seat and looked straight ahead. “Now get me to Olivia’s condo so we can find out if the FBI has found out anything more since we left the park.”

The minute Kendra left the elevator as they reached Olivia’s floor she knew what Olivia probably had in mind when she asked her to come here. And by the time they had reached the door of her condo she knew definitely. She grabbed Lynch’s arm. “Hold on to your hat. The magician is starting to work her magic.”

Lynch gazed at her inquiringly but a minute later he heard the howl and he understood. Another howl and he flinched as Olivia threw open the front door. Olivia’s huge sandy-colored dog with his big ears and one brown eye and one blue was immediately on Lynch in an ecstasy of greeting, with his paws on Lynch’s shoulders and licking his ears. “Hello, Harley.” Lynch fought him off and gave him a pat as he gazed at Kendra. “I was wondering why Harley didn’t show up last night when Olivia came to your condo.”

“He’s been in the country at the trainer’s,” Olivia said as she pulled Harley down and gave him a pat. “But he always loved you, Lynch, and you were excellent with the training. I thought you might as well be useful at something since you’re obviously being fairly inept when it comes to keeping an eye on Kendra.”

“Now, that hurts,” Lynch said.

“Then find a way to get rid of that damn strangler,” Olivia said. “And keep Harley with you all the time. He’s probably smarter than you are. His trainer says he’s very intelligent.”