Page 254 of Hide and Keep

“I don’t know. Just…not as good as I remembered it.”

“No, you’re right,” Arthur chimes in. “There was something off about it.”

“Off? Uh-oh.”

Now I’m shaking my head at Ever. She’s acting a little too pleased about all this. She might as well be drumming her fingers together in front of her face, an evil smirk tugging at her lips.

“It’s never a good idea to eat fish that tastes off.”

“No, it’s not,” Arthur agrees, getting a little bit closer to where I want him.

“I’m surprised the chef didn’t notice it,” I say. “Didn’t he say he always tests his dishes beforehand?”

Arthur frowns, deep in thought, but doesn’t answer.

“Wait… What if it’s not a virus?” Ever asks with more compassion than she had a moment ago. “What if it’s…”

“Food poisoning?” her father supplies.

“Could be,” I say, nodding. “That would explain why Miss Munreaux didn’t get it.” I almost throw her another grin.You’re welcome.

She’s on the move, going over to the refrigerator and grabbing a bowl out. Before she can even peel the plastic wrap back, I plug my nose.

“Oh my Goddess.” Ever practically gags herself, but thrusts it toward her dad for his inspection.

One sniff and Arthur’s expression turns murderous. “Goddamn it! Get it away from me!”

Forgetting all about my own survival, I quickly get between the two. I keep myself between Arthur and Ever at all times whenever they’re in the same room together, never giving Arthur the opportunity to get within arm’s reach of his daughter.

Ever tosses the bowl in the sink, uncovered, with a bratty, “It’s not my job.”

Even breathing through my mouth, I can sense how bad the ceviche stinks as I guide Ever away from Arthur. And the sink. Miles wouldn’t make a difference at this point. It needs to be on another continent.

“Jesus, that’s rancid.”

“It never should’ve been served. Any cook with half a brain would know that.”

Ever and I remain quiet, letting Arthur stew. Fortunately, it doesn’t last long, then he’s storming out, saying, “That error of judgement just cost a man his job.”

We fucking did it.

I mostly did it. I got rid of that motherfucker.

My joy is cut severely short when I hear him call back, “That bowl better be gone the next time I enter the kitchen!”

Ever’s lips stretch wide while I roll my eyes, knowing she’s not gonna clean it up.

“Just the bowl?” she asks innocently.

She’s so devious.

I love it. As long as it’s not directed at me, I love it.

I turn back around to take care of the radioactive fish soup, except Ever surprises me by stepping in front of me, telling me, “I got it.”

“You? You’re gonna throw it out?” I hang back to watch this. “Do you even know where the garbage cans are?”

“Do you?” she’s quick to shoot back.

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