The Torn Wing by Kiki Hamilton Page B

fell on a different familiar face. It was the young man who had tipped his hat at her when she and Fiona had walked to see Mr. Potts a few days ago—she was sure of it. His suit was neat and he wore a hat on his head like a gentleman. His blond hair was a bit longer than most, making him easy to recognize, but there was the same nagging sense of familiarity.
    He leaned against a storefront corner, watching her, his arms crossed in a relaxed, slightly arrogant fashion, one side of his mouth turned in an appreciative grin. Suddenly Clara tugged on Tiki’s hand and pointed at the young man. “Look, Tiki—it’s Dain!”

Chapter Seventeen

    T iki’s knees went weak. “Dain?” she echoed softly. “The Dain who brought Toots home?”
    “Yep, same one,” Clara said in a happy voice. She tugged Tiki toward the young man. “Let’s go talk to ‘im. Maybe he’s got his pretty horse outside so you can see.”
    Tiki hesitated, then gripped Clara’s hand tighter. “Yes, you’re right. Let’s have a word with Dain.” Clara skipped along beside Tiki as they approached the young man, waving happily. Dain pushed off the wall and straightened, sweeping his hat off his head.
    He knelt down and smiled at the little girl. “Hello Clara, what a surprise to see you here today. Are you traveling?”
    “No, we came to see ol’ Potts and to feed Johnny.”
    Dain’s eyebrows flicked in a frown. “Who’s Johnny?”
    “He’s a friend of ours, especially Fi.” She gave him a sweet smile as she held out her book. “See? I got a book ‘bout faeries, ‘cept they’re really called lep’reecons.”
    Dain made a show of looking at the book. “Leprechauns are tricky sorts – you best be careful around them or they’ll steal all your gold.”
    Clara’s laughter trilled like wind chimes. “That’s wot ol’ Potts said too.” Dain smiled up at Tiki. “Is this pretty girl your sister?”
    His direct question took Tiki by surprise.
    “That’s Tiki. She takes care of me.” Clara smiled brightly at Tiki as Dain pushed himself to his feet. “She’s like my mum, aren’t you, Teek?”
    “Miss Tiki, is it?” He inclined his head at her. “Brendain Browne, but my friends call me Dain. I hope you will too.” His voice was low and musical, as if there was a thread of laughter underlying his words. Up close, he was taller than Tiki expected and she had to tilt her head to look into his face. “Clara is lucky to have someone as kind and attentive as you to care for her.” His eyes were blue and guileless and Tiki felt the heat rise in her cheeks. He was extremely attractive, from the firm line of his jaw, to the chiseled features of his face and she was sure he knew it.
    “Do I know you?” Tiki asked coldly. There was something familiar about this young man that made her want to know more— which told her one thing: he was dangerous. Only Rieker had ever had this effect on her.
    Dain seemed non-plussed at her rude behavior. “I don’t believe we’ve been formerly introduced, but I look forward to getting to know you better.” He smiled, revealing a dimple on the left side of his cheek.
    “But you know Toots?” Tiki persisted.
    “Toots?” A puzzled frown brushed across his forehead. “I’m sorry—”
    “Thomas.” Tiki shook her head to clear her thoughts. “He’s a ten year old, loves horses, has bright orange hair and freckles.”
    Dain’s face went blank. “Why do you ask?”
    It felt like a rock landed in Tiki’s stomach. Dain’s reaction to her description of Toots was too controlled. It was obvious he knew exactly who she was talking about.
    “You are the one who brought him home, aren’t you?” she said. Tiki took a step back and pulled Clara along with her. “What do you want?” Fear sharpened her wits and suddenly she could think again. Why was he here, now —when Tiki and her family were here?
    “Dain, did you bring your white horse today?” Clara asked. “With the pretty red ribbons and