A Vampire for Christmas(94)

How had Lupe heard him when she’d been all the way over in a far corner? The place had been pretty crowded, not to mention the Christmas music playing over the intercom.

Della wiped down the counter. “I told him not to bother, that it was on the house. But why do you say that? Do you know him?”

The older woman shook her head. “I just know his type. The world would be better off without them.”

The vehemence in her friend’s voice shocked her. Lupe rarely had anything bad to say about anyone. Who did she mean by “them”? Tall men? Ones who wore dusters?

She tossed her washcloth back in the sink. “Look, all I can say is that I was glad to have him here. I still can’t believe those boys tried to rob me after I gave them pie and coffee. And right before Christmas, too!”

Her friend frowned. “I keep telling you that you’re a soft touch for every hard luck story in this town. You need to be more careful, especially when it comes to a man like him.”

Lupe gave the empty table another pointed look. “Trust me on this, Della. A lot more careful.”

Then she was gone. Della started to lock the door but realized the diner wasn’t completely empty yet. Old Harry had evidently dozed off. She went over to shake his shoulder.

Harry, it’s time for you to go now.”

He sat up and blinked at her. “Sorry, Della. Didn’t mean to fall asleep.”

That’s all right, Harry. Let me fix you something hot to drink on your walk home.”

If it’s no trouble.” He stood up and shuffled off to the restroom.

While she waited for the milk to heat, there was a knock on the front door. Good, it was Daniel. He pushed back the hood of his sweatshirt and flashed her a guilty smile as he pointed at the lock on the door. She hurried to let him in.

Sorry I didn’t get a chance to call, Della.” He shifted from one foot to the other in that high-energy way he had. “Hope it wasn’t too busy.”

We did fine, Daniel. Don’t worry about it. Did your mom have to work?”

His eyes shifted to focus somewhere over her right shoulder. “Uh, yeah. It was a last-minute thing.”

Although he’d never openly lied to her before, she was pretty sure he just had. Maybe he was embarrassed for having blown off his shift to hang with his buddies. At least he’d taken the time to come let her know he was all right. She opened the cooler to retrieve the care package she’d prepared for him.

You’d better get back home so your mom doesn’t worry, Daniel. I put this together for you. Tonight’s special was meat loaf, and I made too much.”

It was one of Daniel’s favorites. Besides, he’d long ago learned not to argue with her about it. Even if he didn’t want to accept charity for himself, he’d never deny his siblings a hot meal.

The Christmas cookies are for your brothers and sister, but the piece of pie is for you. I made blueberry today.”

For the first time since he’d come in out of the cold, Daniel’s smile was genuine. “That won’t make it all the way home with me.”

She grinned back at him. “I figured that, so I stuck in a plastic fork.”

When she opened the door to let him out, she spotted someone standing in the shadows across the street. She started to grab Daniel’s arm and drag him back inside. Even in Seattle, predators roamed the streets looking for vulnerable prey. But as if sensing her concern, the man stepped into the light of the streetlamp long enough for her to recognize him. Eagan.

She released Daniel’s arm. “Go straight home. Promise?”

The teenager shrugged his shoulders. “I will, Della. See you tomorrow.”

She latched the door again, still staring at the shadows across the street. What was Eagan doing out there at this time of night?

Is my drink ready?”

Della jumped. Darn it, she’d forgotten all about Harry. “It will be in just a second.”

On impulse, she filled two cups and added extra whipped cream. “Harry, do me a favor. This one is for you. The other is for my friend Eagan standing across the street. Will you take it to him?”

Sure thing, Della.”

As soon as he walked out the door, she turned off the lights and scurried upstairs to her small apartment over the diner. She headed straight for her bedroom and the only window that overlooked the street below.

Harry looked dwarfed standing next to Eagan as he offered him the extra cup of hot chocolate. She really hoped Eagan didn’t refuse the drink. It would only confuse Harry—and maybe hurt her feelings.