Page 46 of My UnTrue Love
“Teenage coyotes can be very dangerous. Believe me.”
“Well, believeme, Luke is a sweetie-pie. Just listen!” She gestured at the drywall. “He’s an artist.”
Bill rubbed at the back of his neck, as Luke’s fiddle screeched in a particularly high-pitched way. There was always a learning curve getting used to a new bow, but the essence of his gift wasreallyshining bright.
“Can we focus on this PR disaster?” Rosalee complained, shooting a pained glare towards Luke’s apartment. She was obviously not picking up on the kid’s amazing potential. There was no true music in her soul. “What do you plan to do about that damn message, Bill?”
“Iam Bill’s manager.” Clementine snapped, refocusing on the duplicitous woman who was very possibly chasing after the same man that Clem was chasing after. “If you want to sue him, you can make your threats through our lawyers.”
Bill arched a brow at the idea they could afford lawyers.
Clementine kept going, full of righteous (slightly jealous) fury. “But you have no right showing up at his house like this, Rosalee.
“At our house.” Bill chimed in, back to typing on his phone.
“Our house.” She sent him a pointed look. “…Unless I want to talk to the harmless little boy next door.”
“Oh, it’s not just him. I’d prefer you avoid everyone in this whole building.”
“I want to meet our neighbors.”
“And I want you safe. This place isn’t safe. It lets coyotes become tenants.”
“Do you really think I could ever turn my back on someone with so much innate talent?” She had to raise her voice to be heard over the song Luke was trying to play from memory. He didn’t have a great memory. Not an issue. So many brilliant musicians used sheet music. “I’m a muse! I need to inspire artists, especially when I know in my heart they can redefine their genre…”
“Are you going to fix the social media message or not?” Rosalee interrupted.
“Already done.” Bill set down his phone. “That’s all you wanted, right? So you can go.”
“You clarified your earlier statement?” Rosalee seemed surprised it had been that easy. “What did you say?”
“What you wanted me to say. That I quit the band.”
Something about his tone had Clementine frowning over at him, just like she had when he’d made that smirking remark about Hot Biscuit Slim.
Bill stared back, his expression blander-than-porridge.
Clementine shook her head, nowcertainthat he was up to mischief.
Bill was an emotional man, but he was wary of expressing those emotions in conventional ways. Sometimes he did things that ordinary people might consider --well-- Bad. NotveryBad, of course. Just being a bit of a troublemaker. It was perfectly understandable. His creativity needed an outlet, and he wasn’t ready to fully express it through his music.
Someone slithered by the open doorway of the apartment.
Clementine’s eyes swung around just in time to see Woody Shakes go past. The landlord was headed for Luke’s place, no doubt trying to evict him again.
Notifications started pinging on Rosalees’ phone. One after another, like an electronic chorus of really pissed-off digital insects. She grabbed for it, shooting Bill a look of deep distrust.
Bill smiled in polite inquiry.
Clementine headed out the door, not worrying about whatever her mischievous roommate was up to. Rosalee deserved it. Right now she needed to protect Luke from getting his very talented behind evicted.
Chapter Ten
Animal, person, and god all alike,
This woman appeared to be,
The cy’ote knew the legends were right,
