EXCERPT

 INLAID TO REST

A Charm Island Mystery - Book Three

CHAPTER ONE

As the speedboat bounced over waves along the rugged coastline, Alice flashed me an excited grin. I wrangled my red curls whipping in the sea breeze and returned the look, but I felt more terrified than anything. While our private boat ride to Charm Island’s new resort, Siren’s Call, hinted at the pampering and relaxation that awaited us, my weekend would be anything but restful, given my mission.

Since returning to my hometown a couple of months before, I’d spent a lot of time thinking about how to mend my fractured friendship with Max—I being the breaker of said friendship. I just wanted him to forgive me, for everything to go back to the way it was before I ran away from the island and, more importantly, him.

Alice giggled and gripped my arm. “This weekend is going to be amazing, isn’t it, Vi? It was so nice of Trent to invite us.”

Reminding myself this was still meant to be a fun weekend away with my friend, I nodded in agreement. Or at least I tried to, but my head just bobbled up and down as the boat skipped over choppy waters. “It was nice of him, but he didn’t invite me. I’m your plus-one, remember? You were the one he wanted here.” I waggled my eyebrows. “I wonder why.”

Trent Bass, the entrepreneur and driving force behind the resort, had gathered the island’s most influential residents for a sneak-peek weekend. And since Alice and I were as influential as a flea on a familiar, I suspected her invite was more personal than professional. But as the local saying went, I wasn’t going to look a gift whale in the blowhole.

Her windburned cheeks turned an even brighter shade of pink. “It’s professional courtesy because of my contract with Siren’s Call. That’s all.”

“Right.” I eyed her. “And what about all the time you’ve spent together recently?”

“He’s been taste-testing the baked goods I’ll be making for the resort,” she argued, though it was hard to tell if it was with me or herself. “We had to finalize the menu before the grand opening next weekend. It’s all totally professional.”

I threw her a teasing smile. “Of course it is.”

When the boat operator veered around the next rocky outcrop, the resort came into view, and I inhaled sharply. Since the last time I’d seen the place, it had transformed from a construction site to a five-story eco-friendly structure that blended into the shoreline. The perfect mix of nature and, thankfully, modern convenience. Hey, I loved the great outdoors as much as the next local, but indoor plumbing was nothing short of magical—certainly more useful than my ghost-related magic.

Alice whistled. “It’s stunning.”

“Definitely worth the wait,” I said, scanning the marina.

I was searching for the Crescent, Max’s blue-and-white sailboat, but vessels clogging every slip made it hard to pick out. Due to protests from local groups, the construction crew hadn’t completed the forestry road from Hope yet, so traveling by sea was the best way to get to the secluded resort—a quirk that had worked in my favor.

Since my late fiancé’s clingy ghost and his familiar, Zelda, hated water, I’d been able to leave them behind. Between that and taking a break from my witch studies, I had my fingers crossed for a paranormal-free weekend.

As we drew closer, I spied Max’s boat, and a knot of anxiety in my stomach loosened. I’d been worried his contractor gig might have ended by now, but it seemed he was still here.

Finally. This was my chance to apologize for ghosting him for five years and to admit… what? That when he’d confessed his love for me the night before I was supposed to wed Nolan—I’d felt the same? The knot cinched again as insecurities gnawed at my resolve. What good would telling him that do?

Ever since my return, Max’s behavior had made it clear that any feelings he’d had for me were in the past. As for mine? Well, it didn’t matter. Obviously, my late fiancé’s best friend was off limits. Especially since Nolan was still with us in spirit, and I was the lucky witch who could see him. Besides, this wasn’t just about me. It was about Nolan too.

His sister had recently revealed that Max had been the last person to work on my fiancé’s car. While I refused to believe he’d been responsible for sending Nolan and me off that cliff, I needed to find out what he knew. But if I wanted to build up to that conversation, I’d first have to repair our friendship, regain his trust, and fill the hole that had been residing in my chest for some time. Hopefully, this weekend would be the first step to doing that.

Once our boat puttered into a free berth, the cheerful operator helped us onto the dock before wheeling our luggage to the main building. We followed at a slower pace, our footsteps thudding along the dock with soft wooden sounds. Halfway there, a mini yacht whipped into the marina, sending its wake toward us. The wave hit the side of the dock and splashed over my shoes, soaking them.

Scowling, I watched the craft park in a space labeled “Reserved for Siren’s Call Boats.” A niggling sixth sense told me it was none other than Mayor Quinton Abernathy. Or maybe that was my witchy intuition kicking in, detecting another member of the local magic club. Though if that were possible, then there’d be a chance he knew I had powers, too, and I definitely didn’t want that. My hunch was confirmed when His Honor disembarked and smoothed his dark hair back, accentuating his widow’s peak.

Alice followed my gaze and clicked her tongue. “Well, we knew he might come. It’s the downside to living on a small island. But look at the bright side.”

“What’s that?” I asked. “He can finally get my murder over with, and we can stop the will-he-won’t-he game?”

While I understood he was a father grieving the loss of his son, I wished it didn’t involve blaming me for Nolan’s death. I already had that covered. And then some. Even if I managed to solve my fiancé’s murder and help him move on, I wasn’t sure I’d ever forgive myself for what I’d felt when Max declared his love for me. Or for the fact that my visit to his boat had been the reason Nolan and I were on the winding cliffside road that night.

Alice shot me a flat look. “No. I mean the more the Abernathys see you around, the sooner they’ll accept my best friend is here to stay.” She hooked her arm through mine and tugged me toward the main building as if I might run off to Europe again and never return.

I squeezed her arm but wasn’t sure how to respond. Although I had a lot to accomplish on Charm Island, like learning more about my powers, reconciling with Max, and solving Nolan’s murder, I wasn’t sure what came after that.

At the end of the docks, we passed a two-story boathouse before continuing on to the main lodge. Automatic doors to the lobby hissed open at our approach. As we moved to enter, I caught sight of a man just as he disappeared around the corner of the building. My steps slowed. I’d have known that solid figure and saunter anywhere. Max.

Alice glanced back, already partway through the doors. “You coming?”

“I just saw Max. I should rip off the Band-Aid and say hi. Meet you inside?”

“Okay. I’ll get us checked in and sign us up for spa treatments. Good luck.” She gave me an encouraging thumbs-up that did nothing for my nerves. “Everything will turn out fine. You’ll see.”

Heart beating somewhere near my tonsils, I combed my fingers through my windblown curls and followed Max.

As I walked, my mind raced for what to say. Since my return to the island, our previous encounters had all been unavoidable run-ins, like when I’d asked him for an undeserved favor or accused him of murder. This was my first real attempt to reach out as a friend. Though “friend” felt painfully inadequate for someone who’d been central to my life since elementary school and would always hold a piece of my heart.

When I rounded the side of the building, a quiet parking lot spread out before me, sandwiched between the resort and the thick forest. I recognized Max’s truck by his business logo displayed on the door, One with Nature Carpentry. He, however, was nowhere to be seen.

A moment later, the deep timbre of his voice echoed across the space. I followed his clipped words to a rusty red pickup, where he spoke with a young man in grease-stained coveralls.

Max’s broad back tensed beneath his T-shirt as he tapped a clipboard against his thigh. “… and today of all days? Seriously, Levi? Are you trying to drive me out of business?”

The younger man’s gaze dropped to the ground. “Of course not. I’m sorry. I forgot.”

Max dragged a hand through his tousled black hair. “The inspector is going to be here soon. If we don’t get the deck approved for use today, it’ll be a month before we can get him back, and the grand opening is next week.”

“Sorry,” Levi mumbled. “I’ll get those signs up right away. I swear.”

Stress seemed to roll off Max in waves. Clearly, it wasn’t the best time to catch up, so I decided to sneak away. Before I could, movement along the tree line caught my eye. While the thick canopy blocked out the late-morning rays, I swore something darted among the undergrowth.

I squinted against the sun. There it was again. A hint of gray and white fur, a flick of a bushy tail. Was that a wolf skulking toward us?

A strangled noise escaped me, and both men turned and stared in my direction. Wordlessly, I pointed at the forest. However, the predator was gone. Had it scurried off, or were my nerves playing tricks on me?

I blinked and scanned the woods again. “Sorry. I thought I saw…” I shook my head, feeling silly. “Never mind.”

If my appearance surprised Max, he hid it well. Amusement tugged at his lips. “Violet Woods, did five years abroad turn you into a nervous tourist? I might have to revoke your islander card.”

I rolled my eyes at myself. “Maybe the remote location is making me jumpy.” Still, I’d mention my possible sighting to the front desk in case I hadn’t imagined it. That way, they could take extra measures to protect their guests and staff.

He studied me a moment longer then focused on Levi again, his earlier irritation gone. “Get those signs up before the inspector arrives. I’m counting on you. No more mistakes today.”

“Sure thing, boss.” The young man jumped behind the wheel of the red pickup and leaned out the open window. “Don’t worry. You can count on me.”

Max struggled to maintain his composure, but an affectionate smirk slipped through. “Where have I heard that before?”

Levi turned the engine over and drove down a path to the rocky beach. When Max’s vivid blue eyes met mine, they were less welcoming than I’d hoped but not hostile, so at least there was that.

“What brings you here, Vi?”

“Trent invited Alice for the sneak peek, and she asked me to be her plus-one.” I tried to sound casual despite the piranhas churning in my stomach.

“And your dad? How’s his arm?”

“He’s much better, thanks,” I said. “The cast is off, and he’s back to full-time hours at the jewelry store. It’s the reason I felt comfortable taking this weekend off. I just hope he’s not overdoing it.”

“Knowing him, I’m sure he is.”

I laughed, certain he was right. “So, what’s new with you?”

He moved a little closer, and I did the same. I couldn’t help but think of two magnets drawn toward each other. However, when he opened his mouth to respond, the radio clipped to his belt squawked. Levi’s staticky voice came through, unintelligible to my ears.

Max pinched the bridge of his nose before keying the radio and answering him. “I’ll be right there.” He faced me again. “Sorry about that. Did you need something?”

His expression was one you’d expect from a DMV worker half an hour before closing, and it emphasized the rift between us. What courage I’d mustered to seek him out skittered into a dark corner.

“I came over to say hi, but it looks like I’m interrupting your work.” Eager to retreat and lick my wounded ego, I started to edge away. “I’ll let you get back to it. Maybe I’ll see you around this weekend.”

As I turned, he caught my hand, sending a jolt of electricity up my arm. When I met his gaze, the tenderness in his eyes glued my damp shoes to the ground.

“Let’s catch up at the party tonight,” he said. “It’s been too long.”

Some of my earlier hope fluttered in my stomach. “Sure. I’ll see you there.” I backed away. “Oh, and watch out for wolves in the area.”

He stiffened. “Wolves?”

“Yeah. I swore I saw one lurking out there.” I nodded to the tree line. When his look grew even darker, I grinned. “Now who’s acting like a scared tourist?”

After a beat, he remembered to chuckle. “Right. Thanks for the warning.”

His demeanor came off as forced, and I wanted to press him about it, but things were going well so far, and I didn’t want to ruin that. Perhaps he was just feeling as awkward about our interaction as I was—I had caught him off guard after all. So I waved goodbye and headed for the lobby.

Alice met me halfway down the path, grinning as she jingled a set of keys. “Trent upgraded us to a private cabin. Can you believe it? This is going to be a magical weekend.”

I held up a hand. “Don’t jinx me. I’m hoping to avoid all things magical. Let’s just have a relaxing weekend.”

Once I’d slipped my arm through hers, I peered back over my shoulder for one last look at Max. He appeared lost in thought as he studied the woods like he was searching for signs of the predator. But he didn’t look worried. In fact, his expression seemed to say the wolf should be.

CHAPTER 2

While Alice and I got ready for the sunset party, I marveled at our private cabin. From the outside, it looked rustic, with its rich brown log exterior and green roof camouflaging it into the landscape. However, the inside screamed five-star luxury, complete with a peaked ceiling, chandeliers, and chic yet comfortable furniture. The inviting ambience tempted me to skip the party and stay in with room service. Though that might have had more to do with my nerves over seeing Max again.

As Alice and I stepped out of the cabin and set out for the main lodge, the cool evening air formed goose bumps on my skin. My ballet flats didn’t exactly match my sleek black cocktail dress, but heels didn’t seem appropriate for the rugged surroundings either—especially after my earlier wolf sighting. It would be annoying to get eaten alive because my choice in footwear prevented a quick escape.

The second Alice and I entered the lobby, the low hum of pleasant conversation and distant music beckoned us up a suspended staircase. We followed a two-story waterfall feature to the top, where lively chatter accosted us. More than a hundred guests loitered in the open-concept space or took in the colorful sunset from the large wooden deck. My focus shifted from one well-dressed guest to another, but Max wasn’t among them.

Anxious to find him, I kept an eye out as Alice and I drifted through the room, taking in the splendor. My chest fluttered with anticipation, a conflicting mix of eagerness to finally hash things out with him and simmering dread over no longer being able to avoid it.

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and curiosity, but as we passed people sipping cocktails and nibbling hors d’oeuvres, I overheard a few scathing comments about our host and the accommodations.

“It’s too bright with all these windows,” one muttered. “I can’t see where I’m going.”

Another sniffed. “Would it have killed them to have more wine options?”

Considering the extravagance of the place and the huge seafood buffet—plus the fact it was all free—I was surprised at the guests’ prickly moods. It wasn’t the vibe I’d expected from people elbow-deep in lobster and luxury.

Alice clutched my arm. “Look, there’s Trent.”

I spotted the man wearing a tailor-made navy blue suit headed straight for us. He was laser-focused on Alice as though his VIP had arrived. While I’d only met him once before, he seemed like a stand-up guy. However, in my recent experience, even stand-up people were capable of murder. But how often could that happen on a small island, right?

He spread his arms out in welcome. “Alice, Violet. I’m so glad you made it.”

Alice beamed. “We wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

“Thank you for the invitation,” I said.

“Of course. I’m just happy to have two friendly faces in the crowd this weekend.” His eyes darted to a few of the less friendly ones I’d noted on our arrival, but his excitement hardly faltered. “Some locals are still opposed to the resort. I’ve invited the most vocal critics, hoping to mend fences and build new friendships, but I think I’ve got my work cut out for me this weekend.”

I guessed that explained the friction I’d detected in the room.

Alice bounced on the balls of her feet. “I know just the thing to help you. I’ll sneak into the kitchen tomorrow and bake something special for you, if you’ll allow it, of course. You’d be surprised at how a homemade cookie can work magic on stress.”

I suppressed a snort, knowing she meant magic in the literal sense. Alice had recently learned she was a kitchen witch and, since she was a quicker study than I was, had come a long way in controlling the emotions of her taste testers. It was terrifying when I really thought about it, but thankfully she used her powers for good and kept the effects mild.

As Trent licked his lips at the mention of her famous baking, a young woman in a blue A-line dress materialized at his elbow. She appeared to be a few years younger than my twenty-seven. But while she looked as if she belonged on a runway, she hugged her tablet like all she wanted to do was run away.

“Sorry to interrupt,” she squeaked.

“Penelope, there you are.” Trent stepped aside to allow her into our little circle. “Alice, Violet, this is Penelope, my assistant. Well, miracle worker is a more accurate job title.”

A smile lit her angelic face, revealing perfect teeth, before she self-consciously covered them with a manicured hand. Her electric-blue nails were a striking contrast to the blush creeping across her flawless skin. “Miracle worker’s a bit of a stretch. I went to school for architecture,” she told us. “After graduation, I was lucky to get my foot in Trent’s door.”

“She’s being modest,” he said. “We wouldn’t be here without her. When I was first contemplating this project, she told me about Charm Island. And once I visited, I couldn’t pass up a gem like this.”

“Have you spent time here before?” Alice asked her.

“I’m originally from the island. I’ve always thought it was a shame more people don’t know about it. A place this beautiful should be shared with the world. It’s so… untouched, like Bigfoot might be hiding in your backyard. It’s magical.”

If only she knew. There was more than one paranormal being on the island, but it wasn’t Bigfoot. As far as I knew, anyway.

She turned back to Trent. “Speaking of magic, everyone seems to be here now, so you could work some of yours with a welcome speech whenever you’re ready.”

He checked his watch. “I guess it’s that time. Please, excuse me,” he told Alice and me. “I’ll catch up with you later.”

As he hurried off with Penelope in tow, we approached the beverage table, where artisanal cocktails formed the tail of a mermaid ice sculpture. I selected a drink that was more garnish than liquid, and Alice did the same. We’d barely taken our first sips when Trent’s voice rose above the din.

“Welcome, everyone!”

The crowd shuffled as one to where he stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows. We moved with the flow of bodies and found a spot near the buffet table. Backlit by the sunset, Trent’s dark-blond waves blushed pink. He was young for someone so successful, maybe early thirties, but in his excitement, his boyish grin made him seem younger.

He waited until the chatter and clicking heels hushed. “For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Trent Bass. I’m so grateful you all accepted my invitation. Many of you have helped see this project come to fruition, and I’m looking forward to showing you my appreciation this weekend. Of course, there are some of you who have been, shall we say, resistant to the resort.”

A wiry man to my left guffawed. “That’s an understatement.”

I eyed my disgruntled neighbor. He popped shrimp into his mouth like popcorn at a movie, and judging by the ironic twist to his lips, this was a dark comedy. I didn’t see what was so funny.

Hardly batting an eyelash, Trent carried on, touching on the resort’s eco-friendly features. He exuded an effortless charm as naturally as most people exuded sweat on a treadmill, and guests leaned in with interest. But he wasn’t charming everyone. A few mirrored my neighbor’s sour attitude, muttering sarcastic comments about the location or throwing scathing looks at their grandiose surroundings.

I couldn’t blame them, since I’d had my own reservations when I first visited the place. Though the resort would draw more tourists and boost the local economy, the trade-off was losing part of the island’s wild, untamed quality. It made me think of how Max, Nolan, and I used to explore hidden inlets on the Crescent, feeling as if we’d stepped into another world, one where only the three of us existed. The presence of a big resort would bring that daydream crashing back to Earth. But with my family’s business teetering on the edge of closure, I could sympathize with both sides of the argument. The situation was anything but black and white.

Amid the mixed reviews, Trent concluded his speech. “Please, don’t hesitate to approach me with any questions you might have, and I hope you enjoy yourselves this weekend.”

“Ha!” my neighbor barked. “Fat chance of that happening.”

Guests gave a smattering of applause before returning to their previous conversations. Some approached Trent to shake his hand, and one eager woman with golden hair pushed her way past them all.

“Mr. Bass, can I get a photo for my article?” Lucy Litton’s distinct voice pierced the air like shattering glass.

As though this were a red-carpet event, she’d worn a sequined dress and fake-fur shrug. At least, I hoped it was fake with all the nature and wildlife surrounding us. Then again, Lucy had never been good at reading the room.

While I wasn’t thrilled to see her there, I should have expected Hope’s hungriest reporter to score an invitation. At least she wasn’t hounding me. For once.

I nudged Alice’s arm. “I’m going to get another drink. Why don’t you go over and talk to Trent again?”

She hugged herself. “He seems busy. I don’t want to interrupt.”

“Since he’s busy with Lucy, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind. Besides, you don’t want to waste a dress like that.” I gestured to her off-the-shoulder number.

She gnawed on her bottom lip. “I think I will. You know, to thank him for upgrading our room.”

“I know. I know. Professional courtesy and all that.” I shooed her away. “You two will have a very professional wedding.”

She flashed me a wry look before crossing the room.

As I watched her go, a business card appeared in front of my face. I flinched and stared at the person holding it. The man who’d heckled Trent.

“Don’t be shy.” He waved the card at me.

I took it and read the name to myself. “Leonard Crab: owner and operator of The Shipwreck Shelter.”

It took me a moment to place the business name. Then the rundown motel near Hope’s cannery came to mind—the one with a faded sign missing a couple of letters, like it had given up trying to attract customers. The only reason it was still in business was because, aside from a few B and B’s, the island had little in the way of competition. Until now.

He puffed up his chest. “If you ever want to stay at a real hotel and not this stuffy place, call me. There’s a discount on the back of the card.”

I flipped it over. Sure enough, it doubled as a coupon for ten percent off my next stay. Which would be… never. Given a choice between staying at his infamous roach motel and an actual shipwreck, I would have chosen the latter.

Eyeing the seafood spread behind me, he grabbed a new plate. “If you’ll excuse me. They just brought out fresh prawns, and I don’t want to miss them. Have you had any yet? I mean, they’re all right,” he said in a take-it-or-leave-it kind of way while emptying the serving dish onto his plate. “Nothing beats my wife’s cooking, but free food is free food.”

“Er, no. I haven’t had the chance to try them.” And at the rate he was going, I didn’t think anyone else would either.

“Gotta take advantage while I can.” He sampled a California roll then balanced several of them on his loaded plate. “After all, this place won’t be around for long.”

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

“No one’s going to stay all the way out here.” He indicated the resort with a wave of a crab leg. “Tourists don’t want to be this far away from all the action.”

I wasn’t sure what “action” Hope had, but the boats bobbing in the marina suggested guest transport wouldn’t be an issue. “I think they’re trying to attract clientele who want to get away from it all.”

“They’ll want to get away, all right. Get away from this dump, that is. And I’ll be happy to take their reservations.” Clearly pleased with his marketing efforts, he continued to survey the buffet table.

Before he ran out of room on his plate and tried to rope me back into the conversation, I subtly tossed his card into a nearby garbage can and headed to the bar for a drink. My steps faltered when I spotted Quinton Abernathy sipping a scotch. His discerning gaze swept over the grand room as though searching for flaws—a scuff on the hardwood floor, perhaps, or a burned-out light bulb in the chandeliers. Finally, his focus landed on me, and his lip curled into a sneer. Apparently, I hadn’t passed the inspection.

To avoid him, I veered toward the opposite end of the bar. Leaning against the live-edge wood slab, I tried to catch the nearest bartender’s attention. When she turned, sweeping her long braids away from her pretty face, I lost my desire for a drink. It was Roxy, Max’s, er… friend.

I’d forgotten the resort had hired her as bar manager. In fact, if I’d remembered, I might have reconsidered coming on the trip at all. I hadn’t exactly made the best impression on her when I first returned to the island, and our last conversation had been more than a little awkward, with me accusing her of murder and all.

As she approached, a ruby pendant sparkled against her dark skin, matching the shock of red braided into her hair. The necklace Max had given her. When I’d questioned him about it—because it was a key piece of evidence and totally not because I was jealous—he’d told me it was a gesture of friendship. But perhaps things had changed between them since they’d been working closely together at the resort.

Pushing the thought aside, I wiggled my fingers as she approached. “Hi, Roxy.”

When she recognized me, her dark eyes cooled before she plastered on a polite expression. “Violet. What can I get you?”

“Vodka soda with a lime, please.”

As she grabbed a glass, it occurred to me the only times we’d ever talked was when I ordered a drink or questioned her about a murder. I searched for a safer topic.

“So, how do you like the new job?”

She plucked a bottle of vodka from the shelf behind her. “So far, it’s been slow. This weekend is my first real test.”

“Do you enjoy working this far out of town?”

“It’s a different world from Killer Ale but a nice change. I’m still trying to figure out where I belong on the island. I want to find a pack to run with, you know?”

Given her history, I didn’t blame her. She’d come to Charm Island for one tourist season and ended up staying for a manipulative man who’d turned out to be a thief—a profession that led to his untimely death.

She plopped a straw and a slice of lime into my drink before sliding the glass in front of me. “Anyway. Enjoy the party.”

It wasn’t clear if her brusque dismissal was because she needed to serve the next customer or if she wanted to be rid of me. Either way, I wasn’t about to complain. I’d made nice and wasn’t eager to hang around her or Abernathy, who seemed intent on sampling the entire top shelf.

Feeling out of place, I wandered over to the wall of windows to take in the sinking sun. Half submerged beneath the ocean, it set the sky ablaze. As I appreciated the breathtaking view, I spied a large figure approach at the edge of my vision. Hoping for Max, my heart leaped, but it turned out to be a man I’d never seen before.

While his sturdy figure bore a resemblance to my friend, as did the way he carried himself, he was older, mid-forties. And where Max was all hard lines and chiseled angles, this stranger’s muscles nestled deeper, as though they’d made themselves at home for longer. Dressed in jeans and a button-up plaid shirt that stretched over his broad shoulders, he stuck out among the crowd. Apparently, he’d missed the memo about the semiformal dress code.

His friendly smile flashed beneath a trimmed beard. “Beautiful view, isn’t it?”

“It is,” I agreed. “The best sunset I’ve ever seen on the island.” And that was saying something.

“Seems a shame to ruin it with this monstrosity.” He gestured at our surroundings with a half-empty glass.

“I take it you’re not a fan.”

“Not exactly.” He held out a calloused hand. “I’m Garrett Swift.”

“Violet Woods.” As I shook his hand, my attention—or my powers—homed in on his silver ring. The inlaid black stone bore an intricate symbol I longed to study, but whether it was my professional curiosity or the lingering spirits of its past owners calling to my magic, it wasn’t the time or place. “If you’re not a fan of Siren’s Call, what brings you here this weekend? The complimentary pedicures?”

His mouth twitched in amusement. “I’m here because Trent is trying to win me over. You see, I’m the leader of a village called Truce.”

I nearly sloshed my drink onto my dress. “The same Truce that’s been behind all the protests?” I guessed that explained his outfit. It was like he was mocking the chic affair, protesting until the bitter end.

He chuckled at my surprise, a warm and inviting sound. “Let’s just say I’ve come with a few concerns about the resort’s impact on our village.”

“Lucy has written some articles about your protests, but she usually embellishes. I’m curious to hear your side of things.”

Facing the window, Garrett pointed north, to the farthest tip of the inlet where Sleeping Beauty Mountain fanned out like tendrils of hair cascading from a woman lying on her side. “Truce is located beyond that first ridge. We rely on hunting and fishing for food. Introducing a horde of tourists and boat activity to the area would disturb the wildlife.”

I nodded. “That makes sense.”

“Not to mention, we don’t want any stray hikers stumbling into our village. We’re a private bunch, so we like to keep to ourselves.”

Someone scoffed behind us, and we spun to find Max sauntering our way. While his well-fitted suit said he’d come prepared for a good time, the scowl he aimed at the other man told a different story.

“It’s true,” he told me. “Garrett doesn’t get out much, but that’s to everyone’s advantage.”

He planted himself between me and my new acquaintance, almost protectively. The sun’s last blazing stand against the night made him appear as if he were on fire, and when the Truce leader squared off with him, it seemed things were about to heat up.