Dead Wrong: A Supernatural Mystery Thriller (The Keri Chronicles Book 1) by A.C. Arquin

Author:A.C. Arquin [Arquin, A.C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Words on the Wind, LLC
Published: 2022-05-15T16:00:00+00:00

23

The place Jack took them wasn't exactly a dive bar. It wasn't exactly not a dive bar either. It was dingy and dark inside, with walls the same shade of black as the walls of the Alley Cat. It wasn't until they had walked all the way through the place and come out the back that Val understood why he had brought them there.

Behind the unassuming interior was a magical walled garden. Green and gold lights illuminated eucalyptus trees from within, and paper lanterns were strung over the cobblestoned walking paths. The tables were set back into the bushes and plants, each one hidden in its own living alcove. Above, the evening fog was rolling in, golden in the glow of sunset, billowing and grasping as it ate up the blue. The air was cool and moist and smelled of eucalyptus.

"This place is amazing." Wide-eyed, Val followed Jack to a table tucked away in the far corner.

His smile was dazzling. "I'm glad you like it. It's one of my favorite places in the city."

They took their seats at the table. Alain was silent, his dark eyes drinking in every detail. Val was careful to put her back to the wall. Jack was being charming again, but that didn't erase the fact that he'd been spying on her. Or that he was secretly a ... what? An angel? That would certainly explain why he was so pretty.

She shook her head at the ridiculous notion. Angels didn't exist. But whatever he was, she wasn't going to trust him any farther than she could throw him. Not until he gave her some answers.

"So. Why were you following me?" Val said.

Jack laughed and flashed her a smile.

"Right to business, eh? I suggest we order drinks and appetizers first. And don't worry about the cost. It's my treat."

Val pressed her lips together at that. Jack was trying to charm her and buy their good will. Even if his smile still made her heart race a little, it wasn't going to work. She wouldn't let it. She glanced at Alain, who was staring around the garden in wonder. Well. It wasn't going to work on her, anyway.

Jack ordered them a bruschetta appetizer and the waiter brought them their drinks. Jack got a White Russian, as always. Alain took a glass of red wine. Val settled for ginger ale.

Jack raised an eyebrow at her. "Ginger ale?"

"I don't drink," she said stiffly.

He kept his blue eyes on her, a small smile on his lips.

"Former alcoholic," she snapped. "Are you happy now?"

He raised his hands in mock surrender. "I didn't say anything."

"No, but you were thinking it."

"You wound me, my lady. All I was thinking was that you must have Herculean self-control to work as a bartender."

"It's not that hard. Watching people get drunk and make fools of themselves on a regular basis doesn't make me want to join them."

"So you're the judgmental type then? Better than the rest of us?"

"Don't do that."

"Do what?" He arched his eyebrows, all innocence.

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