We could —

"Been a long day, huh?"

I jumped. My heart spiked, sinking and rising, before a deep scowl overturned the shock. I honed my senses like a damn monk. It wasn't often somebody could sneak up on me, but Axe Custer was a light footed bastard, and my mind had been a whole world away.

"I guess," I replied stiffly. "You going somewhere?"

He was all dressed up. His boots were on and his long flowing black trench coat had been half buttoned. His hair looked brushed too.

"I . . .." He bit his lip. "Would you mind watching Ember for a few hours? He usually sleeps...