Page 42 of Cheater Slicks

That would have to rise up the priority list before she selected some random tourist as her lucky host.

“She spent a lot of energy helping me with Rollo.” I jolted as the events of last night crashed around me. “How is he?”

“Awake and talking. Kierce brought him food about an hour ago. He’s starting to get crabby about the whole bedrest thing, but oh well. He’ll get over it. He ought to be grateful for you saving him.”

“It was a group effort.” I dusted off my hands. “I hope Anunit didn’t hurt herself.”

“I doubt she would risk permanent damage when she’s this close to being free. She only has to train you as the new Alcheyvaha guardian before she gets to spend her afterlife in peace with her mate, right?”

“That’s what she told me.” Relief trickled in at the reminder. “I’m sure it’ll be a nice change to rest without fear of being awakened by looters or trespassers.” That joy would now fall to me. “After all this time, she deserves to retire.”

Proud of herself, Badb landed on my foot and preened as if to take credit for saving me.

“I would be more impressed with your heroics if you hadn’t already had it in for the lizard.”

The lack of praise caused her to bristle, and she sailed into the hall.

“She’s going to tell on you.” Josie clucked her tongue. “That bird is a giant tattletale.”

Buoyed by our success with Rollo, I was eager to check on the patient and plan our next steps. Not even a pouty crow could bring down my mood.

“She’s been spoiled rotten.” I got to my feet and pulled on clothes. “She’s not used to sharing Kierce.”

Or being held accountable for her larcenous tendencies.

“She’s a brat. That’s what you mean.” She chuckled at my flinch. “I spoke to Carter earlier.”

How could such a simple sentence fill my heart with such dread?

“Oh?” I crossed my fingers, hoping my name hadn’t been mentioned. “How did it go?”

“Sugar Brown doesn’t exist. Carter says there’s no plot registered to any variation of the name. There were also no funerals registered at Lafayette Cemetery No. 2 during the week the gathering occurred.”

Chewing on my bottom lip, I turned this information over in my head. “Have you told Rollo any of this?”

“Uh, no.” She made a rude noise. “He’s acting like he’s got man flu.”

“He did lose his soul,” I chided her, though he did tend to be a whiner. “I had to cram it back in there.”

As focused as I had been on Kierce, I wasn’t certain how or what I had done to Rollo. I would have to examine him to be certain before I tried it again. The next time, I didn’t want to flail and fumble like I had with him. We wouldn’t know if I had done irreparable harm to him for some time yet, but I could comfort myself with the knowledge there hadn’t been a better way. Even he had to acknowledge that.

“His Royal Highness can hear that you’re awake.” Pascal, and I could tell it was him by his inflection, stuck his head in the room. “Put some pep in your step.”

With a flap of her wrist toward him, Josie explained, “Kierce swapped out the Suarezes.”

“I’ll never get used to that.” I picked at my thumbnail. “The way he pitches in.”

Or the fact our powers were similar enough that we could take on responsibilities for one another.

“He would do anything for you.” A sad smile tugged on her lips. “It’s cute.”

The expression paired with her tone set alarm bells ringing. “What else did you and Carter talk about?”

“The weather.” Josie rolled a shoulder like it didn’t matter. “That’s when you know it’s really over.”

Determined not to stick my foot in it again, I swore to myself to keep my position neutral.

“I’m sorry.” I walked with her down the hall. “I wish things could have been different.”

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