Page 39 of Soul Sucker

Madison tossed back her long blond hair, pushed past Ella and stuck out her hand. “Hi, I’m Madison. The not-weird Walsh girl.”

Vadim shook her hand and then looked back at Ella. “You are quite alike.”

“You’re kidding, right?” Madison giggled. “I’m way taller and thinner than her and way smarter. Oh, and I’m not going nuts in a few months either.”

“Madison!” Darlene’s voice cut across whatever Ella had started to say. “Don’t talk about your sister like that.”

“Why shouldn’t I? It’s the truth,” Madison demanded. “I’m not sure why we all have to pretend nothing’s going to happen.”

Vadim leaned down until his mouth brushed Ella’s ear. “And I thought you were the outspoken member of the family.”

“Usually I am. I’m not sure what’s got into Madison today. She’ll probably insist on telling me later,” she replied as Darlene and Madison squared off. “Would you like to come out into the yard and meet my father and brothers? They’re much quieter.”

“Like most men.”

He followed her out of the open doors leaving Madison still arguing with her mom. Alexei had taken a seat at the kitchen table and seemed to be enjoying himself. Ella headed for her dad, who was brandishing a pepper mill over something that looked like a chunk of steak.

“How’s it going, Dad?”

His face softened. “Ella. How’s my girl?”

He put down the pepper and she walked into his arms. He smelled of the same spicy aftershave brand he’d been using since the 1980’s. For some reason, she wanted to stay with her face buried in his shoulder forever.

“I’m doing fine. How about you?”

He made a face. “Trying to survive your mom and your sister’s constant bickering.”

“That’s what golf was invented for, wasn’t it?”

“Exactly.” He turned to Vadim. “And who’s this?”

“This is my colleague, Vadim Morosov.”

He shook Vadim’s hand. “You can call me Ned or Mr. Walsh, whatever floats your boat. Russian, eh?”

“Yes.” Ella grinned when Vadim looked confused by her father’s faux-hippy speak.

“Is he one of yours?”

“One of my what, Dad? Men?”

He retreated behind the barbecue again. “You know what I mean.”

“No, he isn’t an empath.” She looked speculatively at Vadim. “I’m not quite sure what he is.”

“He looks like a nice young man.”

“Well, appearances can be deceptive.” She winked at her dad, who winked back. “Is the food ready yet?”

“Does it look ready?”

She studied the various lumps of meat and the half-cooked sausages. “Nope.”

“Anyway, your mother wants to make the big announcement first, so I’m waiting on her orders.” He pointed the spatula at her. “Go and take a seat and I’ll give you a shout when it’s time.”

She led the way to a couple of empty chairs that sat in the shade of the covered patio. Her brother was sitting at the table nursing a beer.

“Hey.”

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