Page 68 of Dark Verse

“Have you been to one of the Nightshades live shows?” I ask, “They’ve had a short residency at House Band Featuring for the last few weeks and will be there through the end of September.”

“I did hear about that,” Miguel says. “Congrats on that. That’s awesome. Any chance there might be some new music coming out soon too?”

Knox shrugs, his grin suddenly impish.

“There might be some things in the works, but it wouldn’t come out until after we wrap up at the venue, so you should come see us live,” he says.

“Yeah, maybe,” Miguel says, although his expression is unsure, “If tickets aren’t too much, I maybe can swing it next paycheck.”

“What’s your last name, Miguel?” I ask.

“Cordova,” he answers automatically before saying, “Why?”

“That’s all I needed to know to have a couple of tickets set aside for you for one of their upcoming shows, free of charge.”

“But…why?”

“Why not? I’m his manager, apparently.” I wink at Knox before I turn my attention back to Miguel. “And more importantly, I manage the location. I think we can afford to comp the tickets of a lifelong fan.”

“I…” he looks stunned. “Thank you.”

“No thank you.” Knox smiles. “It’s fans like you that keep us going. I’ll be happy to see you in the front row soon, hopefully.”

Miguel’s eyes brighten with gratitude.

“Yeah. You will. Wow…Elena’s going to be so excited. My wife. These are for her,” he holds up the bouquet of daffodils.

“All you’ll need to do is check in with will call when you get to the venue. The tickets will be waiting under your name.”

“Wow,” he repeats, “I can’t thank you enough.”

“No need,” I say with a smile, watching as Leo runs back up to us. “Just come and enjoy yourself.”

Leo’s bursting energy suddenly shifts as he stops in front of Knox. He holds out the folded piece of paper shyly. Knox takes it, unfolding it carefully to reveal what’s there. It’s all hastily rendered in a child’s hand, but it’s still clear to see. In a blast of color, I see Knox standing on a stage, music notes spilling out of his mouth. I can make out both a microphone stand and his guitar next to him, all beneath a sky of giant stars.

“You made this?” Knox asks.

Leo nods nervously.

“Did you draw it for me?”

Now Leo nods vigorously.

“Just so you know, Leo, I’m keeping this forever.”

Knox carefully refolds the page like it’s a priceless artifact, tucking it into his front pocket and giving it a firm pat.

Miguel’s eyes mist up for a moment, but he quickly clears his throat.

“Thank you. Both of you, for just being kind.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

RAVEN

A LITTLE ding from my laptop reminds me that my meeting with Alice starts in ten minutes. Standing quickly, I grab my cup to refill it with the freshly brewed coffee that Hendrix always makes in the morning. When I return to the little office, I clear my desk of the clutter, clearing my mind in the process.

As soon as the meeting begins, I see that Alice must be at her house, not at either office. When the video call connects, I see the ocean breeze catching the brim of her large hat. She too has a beverage in her hand, and I recognize the little white cup as one of her many espresso cups, the tiny handle hardly large enough to get a real grip on. The sunshine is bright there, reminding me she is an hour behind me.