The Vampire's Mail Order Bride(55)
“In that crowd, they may not. If nothing happens tomorrow, we’ll have to reevaluate.” He thought for a moment. “You two should go out to Howler’s tonight. Talk about going to the parade. It’ll be packed, and there’s a good chance our guys will be there.”
Hugh growled softly.
Sheriff Merrow nodded. “I get it, Ellingham. I wouldn’t want my woman to be in danger either, but we need Rastinelli to act first. Without provocation, we’ve got nothing. That’s why he’s not already in jail.”
“What about the video of him shooting that guy?” Delaney asked. “Why haven’t they acted on it?”
The sheriff frowned. “I have a feeling whoever Rastinelli owns in the police department made that disappear.”
“Well, that sucks.”
“It’s just more reason for you two to go tonight and set this plan in motion.”
She grabbed Hugh’s hand. “C’mon, it’ll be fun to go out and…have fun.”
“Fine.” Hugh laced his fingers with hers as he looked at the sheriff. “But if I have to rip someone’s heart out, I will.”
The sheriff sighed. “I’d rather not know about that. But I’ll still tell Bridget to expect you.”
Howler’s was Hugh’s idea of hell. Wall-to-wall human tourists, loud music, cheap alcohol and questionable bar food.
“This place is crazy,” Delaney exclaimed with a happy grin. “Ooo, I see dart boards in the back room. I love darts!” She hooked her arm through his. “You want to put our name on the list to play?”
Maybe Howler’s wasn’t that bad. Especially not with Delaney at his side. Somehow she made jeans and an off-the-shoulder T-shirt look as provocative as a lace teddy. Bloody hell, she turned him on. “You don’t want to play darts with me. My accuracy won’t make it much of a game, I’m afraid.”
She pretended to be upset with him, but her eyes sparkled. “We could shoot some pool.”
“Same thing.”
“Shuffle bowl?”
He frowned. “I don’t even know what that is.”
“It’s like bowling but on a table with a puck.” She leaned in and whispered in his ear. “Your Lordship needs to get out more.”
He snorted. “And you need to spend less time with Stanhill.” Although he couldn’t deny his honorific title coming from her lips sent a jolt of heat through him. He kissed her, laughing as he did. This woman made him happy beyond description. He wanted to shower her with gifts, to spoil her in a way he imagined she’d never experienced.
Howler’s wasn’t the place to do that, but if she was having a good time, he would too. All while keeping an eye out for anyone paying too much attention to her.
Bridget waved at them from behind the bar. “Hugh, Delaney, over here.” She pointed at two bar seats that were opening up.
He’d met Bridget a few times before, but he couldn’t say they were more than acquaintances.
Another couple made a beeline for the stools, but Bridget bared her teeth and barked at them. The couple scurried away.
“All righty then,” Delaney muttered.
“Exactly.” Hugh took her hand and pushed through the crowd to claim the seats.
“Hank told me you guys were coming.” Bridget smiled. She was a little wild looking with all that auburn hair and those big gold eyes, but attractive enough if you went for that type. Which he didn’t.
Bridget stuck her hand out to Delaney. “Bridget Merrow, nice to meet you.”
Delaney hopped into the seat and shook the woman’s hand. “Nice to meet you too. Anyone in here we ought to know about?”
“Not yet. But I’ll keep you posted. I’ve got my staff on the lookout for them too,” Bridget answered. She waggled her finger between them. “What’ll it be to drink?”
Hugh took the seat beside Delaney, letting her answer first.
“White wine.”
“Whiskey,” Hugh responded. “Best you have. For both orders.” Which still didn’t offer much hope.
Bridget’s brows shot up. “You want the best white I have, I’m going to have to open a bottle.”
“Fine,” Hugh answered. At least that way Delaney wouldn’t end up with something that had been open too long and gone vinegary, although he imagined this establishment went through alcohol pretty quickly.
As Bridget went to fill their order, Delaney twisted her chair toward him and wiggled into position so that one of her knees was between his. He didn’t really need a drink. Her grin was intoxicating enough. She leaned forward, clearly enjoying herself. “You hate this place, don’t you?”