Free Blood Moon by T. Lynne Tolles

there to take down all the information needed.”
    “Yes,” Devon said. “I’d like to introduce you to my brother, Blake, and our mutual friend from Colorado, Dean Wolfe.”
    “I’ve heard of you too; Darby talks about you both,” she said directly to Blake and then she turned to Dean and smiled. “It’s very nice to meet you, Dean. Are you here for a visit, or are you staying for a while?”  
    “Maybe both,” he said, knowing that what he’d said didn’t really making much sense, but he was absolutely enthralled with her being so close to him.
    Devon tried to camouflage Dean’s gawking. “Dean, Allison works at Darby’s bookstore, Cauldron, Book and Candle, downtown.   From what Darby says, it would not be the success it is if she didn’t have Allison.   She’s like Darby’s right hand in the bookstore world.”  
    “Really? I’d love to hear more. Maybe I could buy you and your friend these beers and join you?” Dean asked.
    “Umm, sure. Why not?”
    And that was that. Dean was head over heels. He sat there and talked to Allison for the rest of the night. Allison’s friend seemed bored out of her mind. Dean and Allison were so engrossed in their own conversation; the poor woman was barely noticed at all. She had gorgeous, come-hither eyes of green and beautiful, long brown – almost auburn – hair. Alison’s friend came over to the bar and ordered a glass of white wine and sat next to Blake, who never even turned towards her.   Devon introduced himself and his brother to her, revealing their link to Allison and Dean since she had not heard that conversation.  
    “Oh, Devon, you must be Darby’s boyfriend, hmmmm. I’m Allys and I regret to inform you it was my sister, Cheral, who totaled your girlfriend’s car. Allison and I met a few days ago and we were going to get to know each other, but I think plans have changed as I don’t think a pin could get between those two any time soon,” Allys said, waving a hand to Dean and Allison.
    She eyed Blake like a child would eye a piece of candy, but Blake just stared ahead or at his beer.   She grabbed an unattached piece of hair off Blake’s shoulder, startling him, but at least he looked at her, which is what Devon figured had been her plan. At that, Blake grabbed his wallet and slapped some money down, swallowed the rest of his beer, nodded to Kyle, and smacked Devon on the back of the head. The beautiful woman, looking disappointed, watched him walk away from her. With her looks, Devon figured she didn’t get snubbed like that much and it seemed to have miffed her a bit. Devon figured he would follow Blake home, leaving the woman alone at the bar.  
    “Dean? You know your way home. I’ll see you later.” Dean raised a hand as if to wave, but never turned towards Devon. “Allison, it was nice seeing you again.”
    “Night, Devon.” Allison waved.
    “Allys, it was nice to meet you. Sorry your plans were changed.   Hope you have a good night anyways!” Devon said.
    Allys replied with, “Thank you and good night to you too!”
     

 
     
    Chapter 9

    Sydney Alder was very fit and into doing what was right for her planet.   She wore only organic clothing, rode her bike or walked wherever she needed to go, and always recycled.   She felt this was her tiny contribution to the global warming problem.   She was walking home with her groceries in cotton bags she had made so as not to use paper or plastic.   She smiled as she swung the bags, feeling pleased with herself and humming as she walked.  
    She lived up off a dirt road about a mile from the store, so it wasn’t a bad walk at all, especially on such a lovely evening.   Bellvale was a small town nestled away from the big city life. She liked it here close to the beautiful redwoods and just a couple of miles from the ocean.   She was nearly home now, just one more turn off the deserted dirt road to her driveway.   She could see the big, lovely redwood that graced the