Page 32 of Unraveling Fate

Canon swipedhis phone camera closed. Reopened it. Closed it again. No one noticed. The Norroways were absorbed in their playing and Cadenza wasn’t paying him any attention. Frustration clawed at his insides at that, but he channeled it into his smile.

His employer had been pleased with the news of Norroway’s son showing up out of nowhere. But now he wanted confirmation that it was really him—apparently he knew Taran from some past interaction—and information on who Taran interacted with. Canon reopened his camera and stole a few photos but didn’t hit send.

Because right now, who Taran interacted with was Cadenza.

This employer was the source of Canon’s ability to read people’s wants, but the gift still worked on the giver, and Canon’s gift made it clear that his boss wanted Taran dealt with. But Canon didn’t know yet what he wanted with the people around Taran. He frowned at the pictures on his phone, debating.

This gift, to know what people wanted, was invaluable, and Canon was grateful. But he was not naive. He did not trust this man.

On the other hand, even though Cadenza’s accident didn’t strike him as totally accidental, running her off the road didn’t fit with what he knew of his employer. If he’d wanted to hurtCadenza, he could’ve done it before yesterday, so she must not be in any real danger from him. And Canon did have a bargain with him. Bargains were sacred things.

He texted the pictures to his boss and sighed.

Cadenza touched her fingertips to the lump on her eyebrow, and Canon headed to the kitchen for an ice pack for her. At least he could do that.Heshould have been the one to help her. If she’d just stayed longer at the open house, he could have followed her home and there wouldn’t have been an accident.

And he’d be the one sitting next to her right now, not Taran.

Well, let’s work on that.Canon wrapped a towel around the bag of ice, relaxed his jaw to replace the frustration on his face with concern, and took the ice to the living room.

“Here.” He touched the cold pack to Cadenza’s forehead. “You said you hadn’t had a chance to ice it yet.”

“Thanks, Canon.” Cadenza smiled, took the ice pack, and went back to watching Taran play.

No matter. Try again.

Canon perched on the arm of the loveseat, his hip almost brushing against her shoulder. “How goes the Italy fundraising?”

She grimaced. “Not there yet. But I’m working on it. Brylee should be coming over for a lesson tomorrow. If I can find a few more students, that’d help too.”

“I’ll see about rounding up a few more for you.” At least that had been helpful for her.

“You don’t have to do that, Canon,” she said. “I’m working on it.”

“It’s no trouble.” He leaned down closer. “I want to help. Us ‘gonna go somewhere’ types need to stick together, right?”

“What’s this about Italy?” Taran lowered his bodhran.

“Cadenza’s going to Italy for a gig,” Canon said. Let Taran chew on the fact thathealready knew about Cadenza’s plans.

“Yes,” Cadenza said slowly. “I’m just working on the funds for the trip.”

“I think it’s brilliant, Caddie,” Drostan said. “You’ve wanted this since you were a wee thing. I just wish you’d let me help you with it, you know I’d be happy to.”

“Thanks, Drostan, but you’ve done so much already. I’ll manage it.”

“It was your mother who found the part for you, wasn’t it?” Canon threw out another tidbit of information and found Taran staring at him.Ha. Take that.Canon stared back with his best polite smile.

“Yeah, she’s arranging it.” Cadenza fidgeted with the ice pack, her voice smaller.

“Bah.” Drostan made a face. “No need to bring up that woman.”

Canon kicked himself. Apparently, her mother was a touchy subject.

Taran stood and held out a hand to Cadenza. “I’m thinking that bump of yours’ll be wanting some rest. Can I walk you home?”

She rose and followed Taran out the door. Canon heard her laugh just as the door shut.

Alright, fine.Let Taran walk her home. Canon was in it for the long game. He’d promised himself at his father’s graveside that he’d build himself an extraordinary life.