Page 58 of Bloody Business

“Would you like me to snuggle with you for a little bit?”Julep asked.“I had bad dreams, too.”

Noemi nodded and scooted over, making room for Julep under the covers.“Were you scared?”

“Really scared,” Julep admitted.“I didn't like it.”

“I get scared too,” Noemi admitted.She was quiet for a little while.

“Mama is dead.She's not coming back.”

Julep stroked her hair and thought about what she needed to say.“I know.We're going to take care of you now.”

Noemi sniffled.

“You know what we need?We need to go to a tea shop.It has amazing little cakes and sandwiches.Very fancy.I think you would like it.We can take Gal, and you and I will wear our prettiest dresses.Maybe we can get Artur to go.Do boys like tea parties?”

Noemi looked doubtful.“I don't know.I think they like beer.”

Julep laughed.

??

The tea shop looked the same.Peaceful, elegant and orderly.Julep still felt edgy as she settled into a seat.

Artur had come along, of course.He wasn't going to miss a chance to be supportive.

He thought it was an excellent idea for her to come back.“If the battle ram bucks you off, you should get back on,” he’d said.

So Julep had faced down the tea shop.So far, it hadn't fought back.

“We’ll take some of everything,” Artur told the manager, who had greeted them personally.“I’ll have my usual.”

“Of course!”the manager said.“It's a pleasure to see you again, Madam.Again, my deepest apologies.”

Julep waved him off.She appreciated the gesture, but she could only handle so much groveling.

Noemi's eyes got big when she saw the towers of tiny snacks.“Wow!We can eat all that?”

“We can try!”Gal said, loading the little girl's plate.“Too bad my brother didn't want to come.Oh well, more for us.”

Julep exchanged amused smiles with Artur.This was fun.She wanted to do more things like this, with less poisoning and stabbing.

Yes, she would like that very much.

“Noemi, we have a surprise for you.We found a teacher for you.He will be coming to the house, along with some other children your age, starting tomorrow.You will have your own school, just like Gal.”

“Will you be coming?”Noemi asked Gal anxiously.

“No, but you can read to me when you practice,” Gal offered.“Sometimes you get to color in school, too, especially when you learn how to read maps.”

“What's a map?”

They took their time, and the girls ate until they were stuffed.Inevitably, Neomi had to use the bathroom.

“I can take her,” Gal offered.

Julep shook her head.“No, it will be good for me.”

Brave words, but it took an act of will for Julep to go in the bathroom door, even after her husband made sure it was safe.

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