“And difficult to obtain, I’d imagine.”
“Very much so,” Ranger X said. “Liam’s specialty is less in the potions side of things, and more on the relationships. He knows more people than you’d ever care to meet, and he knows their strengths and weaknesses, their desires and fears. Liam isn’t dangerous in the traditional sense, but if you need something from someone, he’s the man to get it for you.”
A thought crossed my mind, something from earlier today. “Have previous Mixologists used his services?”
Ranger X’s forehead creased in interest. “Do you have a need for them?”
“I’m not sure,” I said slowly. “I’m missing one ingredient for Poppy’s Vamp Vites. She’s running low on her supply, and she’s starting to experience side effects.”
“Can I help?”
I smiled. “That’s kind of you to ask. But unless you know where I can find Dust of the Devil by the end of the week, I’m afraid I don’t think so.”
“Liam would know.” X gave a firm nod. “Ask him tomorrow. I’m sure he’ll be able to work out something for you.”
“I can’t figure out where the last Mixologist secured it from, and Gus doesn’t know either. It’s quite strange.”
“Maybe not as strange as you think. Liam is known for his utmost discretion. Most people don’t know what he does for a living. They assume he’s living off old money and traveling around living the high life, but that is as far from the truth as one can get. Liam built up everything himself, and that’s why his relationships are rock solid. He has never once betrayed my trust, or anyone else’s that I know of, and that’s why he’s successful. It’s also why we do not want him in prison, but on our side.”
“So it’s possible that the previous Mixologist went through Liam, and Gus wouldn’t have known about it?”
“It’s not only possible, I’d be surprised if it’s never happened. Liam makes a habit of knowing anyone important in the magical world, and you, my dear, are the most important thing since the invention of sliced Pepper Wheel.”
“I have no clue what Pepper Wheel means.”
“Let’s just say that word about your arrival on The Isle is spreading. Here on the island people found out quickly about you, but it takes longer for word to cross over to the mainland. I’m sure that the arrival of Liam is the tip of the iceberg. Before long, a flood of strangers, businessmen, and bystanders will arrive, all hoping to catch a glimpse of this long-awaited Mixologist.”
“That sounds terrible. I don’t like people coming by the bungalow just to stare.”
He laughed. “They’ll have to order something. It’ll be good for business!”
“I don’t care about the business, I need to study!” I said with a smile. “I don’t feel very important.”
“Hire some help if it gets too overwhelming,” Ranger X said. “That’s my only advice because sweetheart, you are important and there is absolutely no getting around that fact.”
The server arrived with our food, and the conversation slowed to a minimum. We murmured thank yous as she offered pepper and grated cheese. When she asked if either of us wanted a refill on wine, X leapt to answer before I could say no thanks.
“Sure,” he said with a wink in my direction. “I’m up for it, if the lady is.”
“This lady?” I pointed to myself, sensing a challenge. I gave him a wicked grin before nodding to the waitress. “Top off our glasses, please.”
After our wine glasses had been refilled and the server disappeared back behind the bar, I looked over at Ranger X.
“You know, this is starting to feel like a date,” I said quietly. “I just meant to say hi when I stopped in here, not start anything between us.”
“Do you want it to be a date?” His breath stalled in his chest as he waited for an answer. “Never mind, stupid question. We’ve already talked about this.”
To fight the warmth heating my cheeks, I raised my glass. “To complicated relationships.”
His eyes sparkled with the same mixture of happiness and sadness, and we clinked glasses.
“Eat, before it gets cold.” He pointed to my plate. “What do you think of it?”
“Delicious.” I took a few bites and then set down my fork. “Except I can’t shake one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“Have you ever been betrayed by someone close to you?”
X laid his fork down. “Are you asking because you want to know, or because you feel betrayed and want advice?”