Chapter 8: No Name
- VANESSA -
If someone was going to come into Theo's Bar and recognize me, never in a million years would I have thought it was going to be a cop. But of course everyone in law enforcement knows our family, especially local law enforcement. It's not really that surprising.
Detectives are especially tuned into the details in their environment. That's how they succeed at their job. That's how they put clues together and solve crimes. It's no wonder this one recognizes me.
The strange anomaly of not being able to see this guy's secrets also makes a little more sense now. If he has to blend in, camouflage with his environment, then maybe that has something to do with it. He would have to suppress who he is.
I still don't understand how he would be capable of accomplishing it, though. But I don't have to worry about what I can't see if he's a cop. That means he's not a bad guy. Or if he is a bad guy, he's at least not going to bother messing with me. Not when he knows who my father is. All the big names with lots of influence are on Dad's payroll. Maybe this guy is, too.
While I contemplate all of this, the detective in question continues watching me like he's not sure whether he can trust that I'm going to listen about not returning to work. It's amusing, because no one ever looks at me like that. My family always trusts that I'm going to listen and do the right thing. I kind of like the expectation that I might be some kind of rebel instead.
"Can I give you a ride home?" He asks, the frustration and anger from a minute ago softening in his eyes. He doesn't look down at my scandalously short skirt. He doesn't check me out in any way. The apparent concern for my well-being is at least not motivated by how I look or what I'm wearing, which is a relief.
"No. I have a car. I'm going to finish my shift," I tell him, embracing this rebel-like persona that I might just have. "They need me here tonight. I can't just leave."
"It isn't safe for you here," he insists, this time with much less patience.
"But you said you would take care of Jimmy tonight. If that's the case, then it should be fine. Right?"
A muscle works in that square jaw of his as he leans with his forearms against the bar top. When I find my gaze descending to his neck and the muscles that angle severely under the collar of his shirt, an unexpected twang of desire is plucked internally, and I glance away before it can travel south.
Now that mystery guy isn't dangerous, he's way too attractive. That in itself is a different kind of danger. It's almost tempting to take the ride he has offered, as ridiculous as that would be. How would I even get my car back? How would I explain that to my parents?
"Alright," he sighs, pushing himself off the bar. I have to look up at him now that he's at his full height. "As long as you promise me this will be your last night working."
"Sure," I nod agreeably. "And thanks for the warning. I appreciate it."
So much for the rebel. The sweet little princess has resurfaced, and she's eager to please.
His gaze lingers for several moments. But he must be convinced this time, because he turns to walk away.
"Wait," I call, internally rolling my eyes at myself. Why am I prolonging this interaction?
He listens and waits, the tips of his fingers still touching the wood while one eyebrow angles in silent question.
"What's your name?" My cheeks probably flush the instant I say it, but thankfully it's too dark in here for anyone to notice. Hopefully.
A crooked smile curves wickedly on his face, making him look just as devious as I initially suspected he was. And for the first time his gaze descends just the smallest amount until it lands on my lips.
"Goodnight, Vanessa," he says instead of answering the question.
The low golden light from behind the bar glitters in his eyes when he says my name, and it makes me want to lean in… to hear the texture of his voice. To appreciate the sliver of flirtation that he's offered. But I won't get the chance, because then he winks and walks away.
Ugh. Attractive men. Why do they have to be arrogant assholes?
When he approaches Jimmy in the corner a few moments later, I try not to watch, but it's hard. How is Jimmy going to react? He looks like he'll spontaneously combust if someone so much as touches him. Everything surrounding him is even darker than usual tonight, and his eyes are still fixed on me.
Maybe Mr. Arrogant No Name detective is right. Maybe I am Jimmy's next victim.
The detective says something that makes Jimmy's glare finally pull away from me. It must be some brilliant string of words, too, because the scary old man nods once and leaves his place at the table without a reply.
Jimmy walks ahead of the detective, but right before he reaches the door, he looks my way again. For some reason, this last glare makes me shudder. All of those horrible secrets connected to his being are thrown at me like a weapon straight from that black hatred of his eyes.
What in the world did I do tonight to make him so furious? It can't possibly just be that I greeted him in a slightly different way than before.
The no name detective shoves him, and Jimmy finally walks out the door, saving me from being the recipient of all that evil. Then I'm given one last parting glance from the man I'll never know the name of. The sly smile returns, and I roll my eyes in response. Like I need one more powerful man thinking he knows better how to keep me safe.
"Looks like someone is better at handling the old crab than you are," Taryn says, arriving at my side. "Didn't you say he gave you the creeps?"
"Yeah," I smirk at the door where they both disappeared. "Still does."
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone