Lure of Obsession (The Muse Chronicles Book 1) by Lisa Kessler Page B

leaned on the counter beside her. “The security company finished installing the cameras at the theater. They’ll be monitoring them, but they’re e-mailing me a link so we can spy remotely, too.”
    Mel chuckled. “Other than pigeons getting busy, I’m not sure what there will be to spy on. Whoever planted the explosives isn’t going to come back. Not now that the police are looking for them.”
    “You don’t know that. They could be desperate.”
    Mel smirked. “You’re the psychologist here. If these wackos are part of a Kronos cult or something, they’re probably intelligent, right? Kronos isn’t exactly well-known anymore. They’d need to research. And if they think attacking the theater and us will punish Zeus, then they’re misguided, but not stupid. It makes sense on paper. But no way would they risk coming back and getting put in jail. They’ll try another tactic.”
    Callie raised her eyebrows and nodded slowly. “Look who’s becoming a profiler. I’m impressed.”
    Mel buffed her nails on her shirt. “I accept tips.” She sobered. “Flip side? They succeeded with Nia. I’d assume they’ll be gunning for another one of us. If Nate’s right and they have a list of the LLC owners, we could all be wearing targets on our backs.”
    “At least you have a Guardian.”
    Mel focused on her orange. “Not sure I still do.”
    Callie sighed. “Still no word?”
    “Nope.” Mel popped a piece in her mouth. “Giving him space doesn’t seem to be working.”
    Callie came closer and clasped her shoulder. “Don’t let that muse take over. You’re doing the right thing. He’ll get in touch when he’s ready. You’ll see.”
    “I shouldn’t even care. I’ve enjoyed an exciting one-night stand before.”
    “This was more.”
    “It was to me.” Mel pressed her lips together and nodded slowly. “I’m an idiot.”
    Callie went into the kitchen. “You’re not an idiot . You’re a romantic . Big difference.”
    “Pfft. More like a glutton for punishment.”
    Callie grinned. “No wonder you’re hooked on this detective. You two are probably a match made in heaven.”
    Mel rolled her eyes. “The gods have a sick sense of humor.”

    John’s meeting with Belkin Oil had turned up another dead end. No Lewis Gold on payroll. No way to prove they were involved.
    Nate rubbed his forehead. “We need to bring the dockworker back in. See if we can get a physical description of this ‘Lewis Gold’. He’s our only lead right now.”
    John nodded. “I’ll get a sketch artist in with him and see if we can find this guy.” He paused. “You okay?”
    Nate dropped his hand to the desk. “Yeah.” He tipped his chair back, lowering his voice. “I’m visiting Maggie’s class tomorrow.”
    He raised a brow. “What for? Someone picking on her? I thought this was a better school.”
    “Nothing like that. It’s bring-your-parent-to-class month. She asked me if I’d come since…”
    “Her dad is in jail.”
    Nate nodded slowly. “And her mom is dead.”
    John shook his head. “You were cleared on that whole deal, Malone. Let it go.”
    He stared up at his partner, and other than Mel, his only friend—if he could even call Mel a friend. “Being cleared of wrongdoing doesn’t bring her mother back.”
    “Neither will going to her class.”
    “She can’t be the only one who doesn’t have anyone to share. I won’t let that happen.”
    “What about her foster parents?”
    Nate sighed. “She asked me, John. How can I tell her no?”
    John rubbed his chin. “You’re in way too deep on this one.”
    “I know.” He sighed, focusing on his desk. “But I’m all she has left.”
    Nate finished the paperwork in the stacking file on his desk and left the station. He headed right for the beach. Ever since Mel had slept over at his place, his mind was jumbled, his heart hurt, and he couldn’t get her out of his head. He’d lost count of how many times he’d picked up his cell phone to call,