Emma was in driving mode. It was easier than dealing with the silence she’d become far too familiar with. They were a couple lights down when she heard the slayer’s voice again, answering briefly as they rolled to a stop at a red light, “not far. Maybe another ten minutes from here.” That was another aspect of the job she liked. It was practically around the corner from the hotel if you had a car. Constant thoughts of work were all that kept her neutral these days, at least during normal hours. When night fell and Kelsey left for work, she dipped into her stash of goodies. Lately she’d been exploring the hotel and watching its occupants to distract herself from the pain and anger since her previous company was in no condition to join her. She worried for Addie, brought into the fray as bait to lure the slayers. Who was to say the tactic wouldn’t be thought of or used again? And what if next time the younger woman didn’t make it through? Fingers tightened on the wheel with thoughts churning but the display of emotion vanished almost as soon as it appeared. A final turn and blue eyes began to search the small buildings on her side of the road. The garage was pretty big but even still, she’d missed it a couple times. Tonight wasn’t one of those occurrences, a small smile tugging at the edge of her lips as she pulled into her parking spot. Shifting into park, the Empath glanced at her girlfriend. “I’ll um, I’ll be right back,” she whispered, grabbing the folder she needed then honking her horn.
A tall, slender man pushed the metal door of his garage open, meeting the redhead half way. They spoke briefly, laughing and joking before Emma handed over the paperwork. He gave her a nod, and if one could read lips they would see him telling her to be careful. She gestured toward the car, but her verbal reply was unknown. The playfulness that had sparkled in her eyes fell away, slipping back into the driver’s seat to resume their journey. Waving at Danny, she then returned her gaze to Kelsey. “So, um, where did you wanna start? You’ve seen more of LA than me. Don’t um, really leave the house much.”