Free A Member of the Council by Lynn Cahoon

back of the bar. The girl shifted, almost dropping the box when she saw Parris. Standing at the counter, running down the pre-open check list, Parris smiled.
    “You’ve been busy.” Parris nodded at the list. “I came down to help. From the looks of it, you didn’t need me.”
    April grinned. “I’ll always need you, boss. You’re the only one who can sign the paychecks.”
    “Thank God for that.” Parris slipped onto a bar stool after grabbing a bottle of club soda. She’d dressed in work clothes, however April didn’t need help tonight. The girl kept a tight grip on the bar. Parris felt the energy of the room. April would have an easy night. Plenty of regulars, not a crowd, if the pattern held true.
    April shoved longnecks into the glass door fridge at the side of the bar. “You working tonight? I thought you’d taken the day off?”
    Parris gave in, realizing she didn’t have to be here. Going into work was an excuse she gave Ty to get him to leave. She needed some time alone to think about what happened on her couch. To recover from the overwhelming feelings running through her. Now, she felt tired.
    “Actually, I think I’m heading back home. I hear a bubble bath and a book calling my name.” Parris smiled. “I’ll do the bank run first thing in the morning. You should be set for a big Friday night.”
    “Don’t forget to get quarter rolls. Last Saturday with the dart tournament, we ran out.” April cut a new box of bottles open, discarding the empty box in a pile on the floor.
    “The machines take paper money.” Parris opened the other flaps on the box, turning the cardboard flat to stack in the recycling bin.
    “Dart players have routines. Superstitions. Players like their quarters.” April looked up at her. “Haven’t you noticed that? I’d think with you playing league, you’d pick up some of these habits. Like the team who does Jaeger shots right before the game starts. Those girls are a blast.”
    Parris sighed. “Sometimes the dart crowd is too intense.”
    “For a few of the better guys, it’s not a game, it’s their job.” April shrugged. “They buy a lot of beer.”
    “So you’re telling me it’s worth the trouble of picking up more quarter rolls.” Parris stood, pulling her oversized bag on her shoulders.
    “I guess I am.” April paused. “I know the business better than I thought.”
    “I think you know people. That’s all a business, any business, needs to succeed is staff who knows and likes working with people.” Parris tapped the ancient bar. “Have fun tonight. Call if you need me. I’m only a few blocks away if you get in a jam.”
    “I won’t need you. Besides, you look slammed. I’ve never seen you this tired.”
    Parris sighed. “Bone weary tired.” Using the side employee’s entrance, she walked the alley to the next street. This way shaved two minutes off her walk home. First, a stop at the French bakery for some soup and bread.
    Turning the corner, her senses prickled with danger.
    Everything went black.
    * * * *
    Ty drove back to his condo on the other side of town. He punched in a number, reaching Alex on the first ring. As their summer intern, Alex was a keeper. Always willing to help out, always available. Ty liked the kid.
    After making arrangements to have Parris’ keys picked up at the condo’s front desk, Ty took the elevator to the nineteenth floor. He needed a shower. He checked the fridge hoping to find something to make for dinner. Partially finished takeout boxes lined the shelves. His housekeeper didn’t come until tomorrow. Calling for Chinese delivery, he headed for his bedroom, stripping clothes as he walked.
    Stepping under the steaming water coming from the four sides in his walk-in shower stall, he relaxed, mentally reviewing his day. Thinking about Parris. He remembered the taste of her desire, hot and desperate, matching his own. He’d never felt this way about a woman, even Rowena. Parris fed something not only in his