Time Spell by T.A. Foster Page B

oaks. My stomach turned in knots and my heart raced. I tucked my hair behind my ear, tilted my head, trying to muster my best Ivy smile.
    “Hey, gorgeous, you need me?” the smooth voice called from behind the oak, and in my mind I could picture his face in the shadows—half smirking, half unconcerned, but with crystal blue eyes and the longest eyelashes I had ever seen.
    As if pulled by a magnet, I ran toward the shadows, toward Finn, toward my only chance to help Jack.
     

     
    Sullen’s Grove, Three Years Ago
     
    Finn had won my heart, soul, and most dangerously, my body the first time I met him. Ian’s department hosted a swanky fundraiser at the Children’s Museum to help fund missing children’s cases. My parents were in attendance, and my mother had helped organize the entire event from the themed invitations, to the flower displays, to the elegant food selections. She opted for a masked ball. The night’s patrons donned masks, and the largest donors were signified with a red rosebud fastened to their lapels or waists.
    One room displayed rows of silent auction items. I wavered between placing a bid on a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes or a spa package—both were much needed. Ian insisted I attend, and Mama wouldn’t take no for an answer. Admittedly, I’m not the type of girl who likes to turn down the chance to wear an evening gown or spend a night in a room full of hot detectives in tuxedos.
    I chose a black gown with a plunging V-neck that was rivaled by an even deeper plunge in the back. My five-inch sparkling shoes peeped past the hem when I walked. My mother was happily looped on my father’s arm, chatting with their friends. Ian traded jokes with his buddies on the force, so I stepped to the bar to refill my champagne glass. I turned to take in the scene, admire my mother’s handiwork, and absently nodded a “thank you” as an icy glass was placed in my hand.
    “Really, that’s all you have to say?” The voice was calm.
    Shocked a server at such a high-dollar event would be so reproachful, I turned to cast a stern eye. I caught my breath.
    Through the mask, brilliant blue eyes drank in my dress, my face, and my breasts. He had dark blond hair that was styled with an edgy cut. He was taller than I was in my stilts for shoes. I could tell he was lean and fit underneath all of those tux layers.
    I giggled. “So, sorry. I thought you were a waiter and you sounded just a tad bit upset.” I made a little pinching gesture with my thumb and finger.
    “No, not a waiter. Just a detective.” He held out his hand. “Detective Delano. But I’m ok with you calling me Finn.”
    I thought I saw him wink through the mask. I wanted to see his face, but I guess that’s part of the allure of masquerades—mystery.
    “Ivy.” When I reached for his hand, he took mine to his lips, pressing a kiss near my knuckles.
    He smiled. “Wait, you’re Ian’s sister, right?” He still hadn’t let go of my hand, and I was starting to feel electric tingling in my fingertips.
    “Yes, I am. Has Ian been talking about me at work?”
    I was only slightly worried as I looked at this gorgeous man. Ian would never reveal much about me. I heard the big band start up again, and the brass blared.
    “He mentioned something about a sister.”
    By the way he was smiling I thought there had to be more to it than that.
    “Do you work missing persons cases too?” I sipped the champagne, enjoying the sweet taste.
    “I’ve moved around so much I don’t have a permanent department yet. I’m still the new guy at work.”
    Before I had a chance to ask if he considered Sullen’s Grove a place he’d like to stay, he motioned for me to follow him. The way he grabbed my hand and held it close against his back felt familiar and protective. I liked that he so easily took the lead. He navigated through the crowd to the stairwell exit. We climbed two flights of stairs and emerged on the rooftop.
    The stars were out in full force and the