Kindling Flames: Stolen Fire (The Ancient Fire Series Book 4) by Julie Wetzel

they only make right-hand turns, they avoid that whole find-a-hole-and-hurry issue. If they go around the block, they can just go straight through at the light. Much safer.”
    “True.” Vicky had not thought about that. She turned her attention back out the window to the passing world.
    Darien made a right-hand turn and pointed towards his window. “That’s Vieux Carré. Also known as the French Quarter.”
    Vicky craned her neck trying to see the famous area. It didn’t look very exciting from here.
    “How would you like some breakfast?”
    “Sure.” They had skipped out on breakfast when they left this morning.
    Darien drove them down the divided road to another major road. “This is Canal Street,” he explained as he stopped at the light.
    Vicky looked up and down the street. She could see a trolley running along the tracks between the lanes. This road was starting to look like what she expected New Orleans to look like. There were several large neon signs that would be brilliant in the evening. “Why is it called Canal Street?” Vicky didn’t see any canal splitting the median.
    “It was named for the canal that was going to be built here, but never was.”
    Why would they name a street after something that they never built? Vicky thought. Of course, these were the same people who deemed that left-hand turns were useless.
    Darien passed Canal Street and drove into a more city-like area. The little buildings and trees were replaced with the taller architecture of a city. Turning at the first road, he circled the block to get back onto Canal Street.
    Both Vicky and Zak twisted from one side to the other as they looked over the flashy signs that lined the street. There were a few people out, but not many. This place would be amazing after dark. Vicky could see strands of beads stuck on some of the signs. They swayed slightly in the morning breeze. “Are the beads left over from Mardi Gras?” Her eyes caught more hanging from other, out-of-reach places.
    “Yes.” Darien watched traffic as he came to the end of Canal Street and followed the road as it turned left alongside some railroad tracks. Pulling into a parking lot at the end of the road, he found a parking space.
    Vicky looked around but didn’t see any place to eat. “So, where are we going?” she asked as Darien got out of the car. Vicky stepped out and debated whether she needed her coat. The long-sleeved shirt and sweatshirt she wore felt pretty warm with the sun shining on it, so she grabbed up her bag and slipped it over her shoulder.
    “There’s no parking in the Quarter,” Darien explained. “We’ll have to walk a bit.” He held out his hand.
    Vicky took it. For some reason, he seemed older to her.
    Darien folded her hand around his arm and led her out to the street.
    Zak started to bounce along in front of them.
    Pausing, Darien looked at the fay. “Come here, Zak.” Kneeling down, he picked the little horror up so they were eye level. “I’m sorry about this, but we need to put you on a leash.”
    The fay growled at him.
    “I know, but it’s the law.”
    Zak sneezed his displeasure and whined at Darien.
    “We’ll get you something special,” Darien said, offering the fay a bribe.
    Zak finally gave him a sulking look and nodded his head.
    “Good.” Darien ruffled the hellhound as he set him down. Turning, he pointed to Vicky’s bag. “I need in that.”
    Vicky shifted it around so Darien could search in it without standing back up.
    After a few moments of digging, Darien pulled out a black collar with a dark green leash. He fastened it around Zak’s neck. “Here.” Handing the end to Vicky, Darien stood up. “I think it would be better if you held him.”
    Vicky looked down at the disgruntled fay. He had already gotten the leash in his mouth. “Zak.” She pulled him over so she could pet him. “I don’t like this any more than you do.” Wiggling her fingers into the fay’s thick fur, she scratched the sweet spot