Page 9 (1/2)

"The zoo" hat most folks called the jail for olves and other preternatural types It had been a really high-tech, highly spelled installation out in the desert Had been, until it was taken over by delass and blasted earth

I didn’t knohat to say, so I changed the subject "So, how did you find this place?"

She blushed and I just knew there wasto tell Instead, she backed the SUV into the spot closest to the front ay "Wait till you see the inside Kevin’s been helping me renovate Some of the stuff he’s installed is just so cool"

"I don’t doubt it" Kevin’s background has given him access to all the best toys Besides which, he works in IT when he isn’t running around being a soldier of fortune He’s a serious geek with led the slab of glass froht Eainst a recessed reader When a button flashed green, she typed a five-digit code onto the keypad I heard the click of the locks opening

She pushed the door open, and we carried the mirror inside and set it down in the entryway I took another step, into Eeous The décor was the perfect n All but one of the stained-glass s had been replaced with frosted, so the open lass pane sent patterns of color across planked wood floors that were beautifully rustic It felt wonderful; peaceful, positive energy just seemed to emanate from the place

"Oh, Emma" The intonation of my words erly, practically hopping from foot to foot with excitement

All I could do was make an incredulous noise and nod I finally found my voice as my eyes danced over the detailed architecture around the top of the wall "Are you kidding? I love it Give er so seemed Everywhere she ed door frame had been replaced, I noticed a particular pattern to the placement of the nails Finally, I couldn’t contain er "Is Kevin the only person who’s been helping you with the renovation?"

She blushed and turned away It was a simple question and had she siht any more about it But her reactionconstruction help from Matteo DeLuca, one of Bruno’s brothers He’s a Catholic priest and uess was that he’d helped her find the church in the first place He’s performed both of my exorcisms, so he would understand why it was iround

He had also helped Bruno and ed the floor I’d noticed that he put in the nails in a slightly zigzag pattern that he swore he’d learned fro because the nails weren’t haht in a row so they never split the planks The pattern was very distinctive and easily recognizable

But it was her reaction that I found even ave her away and was the reason why she couldn’t answerher wouldn’t be a probleet married But the militant orders have always required vows of celibacy…

"You are kidding! You and Matty? O-M-G!"

Her red cheeks remained "We haven’t told anyone yet They can’t approve his transfer to regular duty until after he becomes Bishop Until then…"

"He has to remain celibate," I finished for her "Bummer"

"Actually, it’s okay" She suy It uy But oh Lord, Mama DeLuca would have a fit Ehter-in-law than I am, and Isabella DeLuca is a force to be reckoned with

I raisedmy concerns But she just continued to siven us the chance to get to know each other better, to not rush into anything Between him and Bruno, I’ve heard so nize everyone once we meet"

If she was happy, I was happy for her But it felt a little weird that everyone was so happy when I was so … well, miserable Why couldn’t I be happy hat I had?

All told, my visit with Emma was exactly what I needed after the stress of the day She was so content and the house gave off such good vibes that I felt completely relaxed and at peace with the world as we drove back to campus