Eight in the morning came much too soon for Jack's liking. It was early and cold. Had he been smarter, he would have gotten Kieran to pick him up, but he figured the walk would do him some good. The walk had been fine, but getting up early enough to make it to Candace's storefront in time had been an ordeal full of constantly checking his pockets and surroundings.

He yawned and watched as Kieran's car pulled up in front of him, right on time. He had an idea of just how miserable he looked when Kieran got out and gave him a onceover. Fond and apologetic was not something he was used to seeing directed at himself.

He liked it.

"Good morning, my sweet," Kieran greeted. He placed a soft kiss on Jack's cheek.

Jack did his best to not shy away. "Yeah, yeah. No bright-eyed, bushy-tailed rabbits this morning." He frowned at a vague memory of a woman blowing raspberries onto every inch of exposed skin she could find as she claimed to be searching for her little rabbit. He pulled out his phone, holding up a finger just as Kieran was about to reply. He made his note and looked up with a nod. "Done. Sorry."

"You needn't feel sorry, my sweet siren."

"Yeah. Sorry. For being sorry. I mean, y'know." Jack huffed and shifted his weight. He should be happy that people were understanding about his new note-taking habit. "Let's just get this over with, so I can hole up somewhere and forget about it." He turned to face the storefront and stopped short as the door opened.

The man leaving Candace's shop froze when he caught sight of Kieran. He stepped away from the door and let it close shut behind him.

There was something familiar about the man and his bland suit. Jack's breath caught as he matched the face with the name of Doctor Delgado from the Natural History Museum. He looked between Delgado and Kieran. Both were warily eyeing each other, neither making a move. He should say something.

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"Part of the antiquing fanclub?" That was the wrong something. He should have kept his mouth shut and ridden out the awkward silence.

Delgado laughed nervously and pointed up the road. "So it's true. I fear I must be on my way," he said, his eyes briefly flicking to Jack. His lips tightened into a flat line, and his brows went up in worry. He gave the pair a wide berth as he left.

Jack watched as Delgado walked away. He leaned in close to whisper to Kieran. "Snake Guy's a vampire? Okay, that makes sense. But really? Or is he something else?" How many more vampires did he unwittingly know? "He never hit on me when I went to the museum with Candy. Candace. Not literal candy."

Was Delgado trying to use Candace to get to him? He frowned as he recalled the first time he had met Creepy Snake Guy. "She introduced us, but he was more into scheduling a reading. I thought he was sneering at me, but maybe it was him feeling sorry for me? Same kinda look he just gave me."

Kieran sighed and shook his head. "I couldn't say. I've only met him in passing a handful of times. Never enough to learn his current name," he replied. "It was mostly back when Lorenzo was interested in showing me off. He…" He swallowed and looked to the ground. "I received a similar response."

At least Jack wasn't the only one to barrel right into the red flags. This time, however, he was in good company. He hoped it was good company. "I'm sure it's not a you thing. Mostly. Anyway! Let's get this bullshit over and done with. I have a latte with my name on it waiting for me," he said, gesturing to the flashing neon palm in the window.

Kieran nodded and held the door open for Jack.

The inside of the shop was warm and welcoming, despite the dim lighting. Jack tugged off his coat and ran his eyes over the shelves, taking in any changes. A pair of porcelain fairies sat on the cluttered shelves, and he felt a pang of regret for missing Candace's birthday. He had a pretty decent excuse for ditching. People could hardly be mad at you for getting kidnapped. It didn't stop him from feeling guilty.

"Please enter," a soothing voice called from behind a heavy curtain.

"I'd rather not," Jack mumbled. He glanced up in time to catch the tight nod Kieran gave. He pulled aside the curtain and waved for Kieran to go first. He followed and glared at the sight of two chairs sitting opposite from Candace.

She looked much too pleased with herself.

image [https://i.imgur.com/eZY0YUq.png]