Page 61 of Xavier

“Only where it counts.” She leaned her cheek against his chest. “Thank you.”

He laughed and leaned back. “For what?”

“For accepting the full package. Huge flaws and all.”

His brow furrowed as he cupped her chin and tipped her head upward. “Sweetheart, there’s more beneath the surface than most know.” He touched her lips with his and whispered, “I see you.”

He would have held her longer, but the water turned cold.

They rinsed quickly, toweled each other dry and dressed.

“I’d rather not show up for breakfast at the diner in your clothes. Could we stop by Gisele’s shop first? I think she has a rack full of skirts and tank tops that might fit me better.”

“We can do that,” Xavier said with a smile. “Though you look pretty good in my sweats and T-shirt.”

They left the boarding house and drove into town, stopping in front of the Mamba Wamba and Remedies and Roux gift shops.

As Xavier shifted into park, Lissette frowned. “We locked the door when we left yesterday, didn’t we?” She shoved open her door and dropped to the ground.

Xavier barely caught up with her before she pushed through the open door of Remedies and Roux.

Lissette ground to a halt. “Holy shit.”

Xavier stopped short of running her over, steadied himself and looked around.

The shop was a shambles. Jars of remedies had been swept off the shelves. Packages of spices had been ripped open and strewn across the floor. Cooking supplies lay scattered throughout.

“Bastards,” Lissette gritted out. Then her eyes widened, and she darted around Xavier, heading for the door.

He followed her out of the shop and into the Mamba Wamba.

She didn’t stop to stare at the destruction. Instead, she ran to the giant birdcage lying on its side, its door open, the cage empty. She straightened and called out, “Johnny?” Running through to the back, she kept calling, “Johnny!”

Xavier searched through the racks and around the shelves. Keychains, magnets, mugs and clothing had been slung across the room. It looked like the hurricane had already blown through, leaving a disaster in its wake. No matter where he looked, the only sign he found of the bird was a blue feather lying on the floor near the front entrance.

“He’s not in the office or storeroom,” Lissette said as she emerged from the back.

Xavier shook his head. “He’s not in here.” He held up the feather. I found this near the door.”

Lissette cried out, rushed toward him, took the feather and let loose a long string of curses. “Only the lowest forms of humanity would hurt an animal.” She ran out of the shop. “Johnny!” For the next thirty minutes, they combed the streets, looking through trees and at rooftops, searching for the bright blue macaw to no avail.

When Lissette returned to the shops, she walked into the Mamba Wamba, turned around and walked back out. “I can’t deal with the mess. Not now. Come on. Let’s go to the diner.” She set out at a swift pace, anger lighting a fire in her eyes.

Xavier caught up. “Shouldn’t we stay and clean up? Maybe the bird will find his way back.”

“We need to let as many people know he’s missing and to keep an eye out for him. The diner is gossip central. If you want to spread the word, that’s the place to start.” She pushed through the door and marched inside, straight up to Mimi. “I need to make an announcement.”

Mimi smiled and waved her hand. “The floor is yours.”

Lissette turned to the diners filling the tables and booths. “I need your help.”

Eyes narrowed, and chins lifted as many of the diners stared down their noses at her.

Anger rose inside Xavier. “Listen to her.”

“Why should we?” a man said. “She’s an ex-con. She tried to kill an officer of the law.”

Xavier started toward the man, his fists clenched.