Wayward Hearts: Book 2

Part 6

Emma dug into her hamburger that she had ordered while Damon read over the paper, "'Faulty gas line leads to tragic explosion at Young farm'; really, that was the best they could do?"

"Better than 'Town council blown up, police have no suspects'," Sheriff Forbes said sarcastically while she sat next to Emma, "unless the perpetrator is right in front of me."

"I always take credit for the people I kill," Damon said proudly before sipping his drink, "seriously Liz, if I was going to kill twelve people I would have a dinner party, not blow them up."

"The spark came from the inside, it wasn't an accident," Liz explained.

"You say that like that's a bad thing, the council is dead, I see that as a win," Damon smirked.

"I've known some of the council since I was a kid, they were friends," Liz said angrily.

"Well, your friends tried to kill your daughter," Emma pointed out.

"And my girlfriend," Damon said almost possessively.

Emma smirked at Damon's tone.

"Who's the new guy?" Damon asked as someone approached the table.

"Excuse me Sheriff, I was wondering if I could speak with you for a moment about the explosion at the Young farm," the man asked.

"I'm sorry, Mr...." Liz started.

"Sorry," he reached his hand out to shake Liz's "Connor Jordan."

"Are you with the insurance investigators?" Liz asked.

"No," Connor shook his head, "no, I'm more of an independent contractor. Can we speak in private?"

"Sure," Liz smiled politely as she got up and followed Connor.

Emma turned to Damon as soon as they were gone, "Promise?"

Damon smirked, already knowing that she was asking if he had caused the explosion just before they left on their road trip, "Cross my heart, although I got to say, I'm impressed."

Emma rolled her eyes and popped a fry into her mouth, "You would be."

Elena abruptly sat down at their table.

"Did you do it?" She immediately accused Damon of the explosion.

Damon rolled his eyes and looked at Emma, "Am I wearing my 'I blew up the town council' t-shirt? Why does everyone keep asking me that?"

"Did you?" Elena asked again.

"No," Damon said sternly, "anything else?"

Elena didn't speak for a moment, "Yes...I can't keep any of the animal blood down."

Emma feigned shock, "Wow, who would have guessed?"

"I think I need your help," Elena said quietly.

"And I think I need a drink if I'm going to get through this memorial," Emma got up from the table and headed off towards the bar to swipe someone's freshly ordered drink.

"Of course you do, pick your meal," Damon gestured around the restaurant.

"No, no," Elena said panicked, "no human blood. Stefan is right, I have to at least try to get through this without hurting anyone."

Damon swigged back the remainder of his drink and grabbed Elena's wrist, "Fine, come on."

He pulled her into the bathroom.

"What are you doing?" She asked.

Damon bit into his wrist, "Giving you want you need, drink."

He held out his arm for her to take.