“Of course not.”
I didn’t believe him. “Jerry … .”
“I’m not turning this into a thing,” Jerry sneered, pausing dramatically in the doorway that led to our bedroom. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a headache and a broken heart. I need to lie down for a little bit.”
“Oh, geez.” I considered following him as he disappeared into the bedroom, but I knew that was exactly what he wanted and I refused to give in. “Fine. Be dramatic. I don’t care. I’m putting my foot down this time and sticking to it. I don’t care how much you whine and pout, it won’t change my mind. I mean it!”
What? I’m not posturing. I totally don’t care. Really. Truly. Now, where is that beer?
2
Two
I held firm. I was proud of myself. I didn’t give in and allow Jerry to have his way.
Of course, that meant I slept on the couch and only woke when Jerry started slamming things around the kitchen the next morning. I remained in my spot, staring at the ceiling, and did my best to ignore Jerry’s ridiculous sighs and the whining he whipped out whenever he wanted to manipulate someone.
I crossed my arms over my chest, pretended my stomach didn’t growl when the scent of fresh pancakes wafted through the air, and ground my molars to keep from screaming. I would not give in. I refused. I didn’t care how good the pancakes smelled. Jerry was a master cook, after all. He knew what he was doing, but I was above being bullied.
It was a battle of wills, and for once, I intended to win.
I kept my righteous indignation right where it belonged – on full display – and pressed my lips together as I stared at the wall. Jerry would have to come to me if he wanted to make up. I wouldn’t go to him, no way, no how. Nothing doing. Oh, geez! I could smell the blueberries he added to the pancakes. He was playing dirty.
I managed to hold on out of sheer will. This was the one time having three brothers and one sister was a benefit. I knew all about mind games thanks to them … and they were absolute masters. Jerry would not win. I wouldn’t allow it.
I jolted when the front door slammed, waiting for a moment to see if it was a trick and Jerry was simply trying to get me to move from the couch so he could attack the second I was on my feet. When I didn’t hear anything for a few minutes, I lifted my head and found the townhouse empty.
Heaving out a relieved sigh, I tugged a hand through my black hair and patted myself on the back for holding strong. I’d done it. I’d won. By the time Jerry got back he’d be ready to apologize. I could last until then.
I made my way into the kitchen, hopeful Jerry had left some pancakes behind as a peace offering. The refrigerator was empty save for things I’d have to cook myself, and the dishes were loaded into the dishwasher. Crap. Apparently cold cereal was the only item on the menu this morning.
I barely finished exploring the kitchen when Griffin let himself into the townhouse. While he’d never technically lived here, Griffin shared the same roof with the three of us enough times that it felt as if he did. He didn’t bother to knock – not that I expected him to – and the look on his face when he caught me eating Fruity Pebbles was priceless.
“No Jerry?”
I cocked an eyebrow. “Do you see Jerry?”
Griffin made a sound like a feral cat. “Someone is crabby this morning. I guess Aisling was right.”
“Right about what?”
“She said you and Jerry were fighting. She said that coming over here looking for breakfast before my shift was a waste of time. I hate it when she’s right.”
I snorted, genuinely amused. “Join the club. Jerry only made enough breakfast for himself this morning. Hence … .” I gestured toward the bowl of soggy cereal.
“Well, it’s still better than what we have next door,” Griffin said, grabbing a bowl from the cupboard before sitting in the chair to my left. “I love your sister, but she’s a menace in the kitchen. She can’t even make cereal without burning it.”
“I could’ve told you that. I took home economics with her and Jerry when we were in high school. Dad was called to the school after a minor fire and was told that Aisling should probably pick a different elective.”
Griffin chuckled. “She’s kind of cute even if she can’t cook.”
“And you’re so giddy I want to punch you,” I said. “Why are you in a good mood after your fight with Aisling yesterday?”
“I wouldn’t really consider it a fight,” Griffin clarified. “It was more of a game. I don’t know if you know this, but your sister simply acts out to get attention sometimes. I think it’s a product of being the youngest child in a big family.”
“I’m right there with her. We’re twins.”
“Yes, but she’s the only girl and you guys often left her out of the boy things you did together,” Griffin explained. “That’s what the gardening thing was about. She could’ve simply said she didn’t want to garden and that I should dump the pots. Instead, she made a scene, so I had to bribe her with food and kisses.”
“Oh, gross.” I didn’t bother to hide my eye roll. “That’s my sister. I don’t want to hear about you kissing her.”
“You’ll live.” Griffin doused his cereal with milk. “Why aren’t you at work, by the way? Aisling had to leave early. She complained for twenty minutes straight about cruel and unusual business practices in the reaper world.”
Oh, yeah, we’re grim reapers. Did I forget to mention it? Basically we ferry souls from their bodies to a transport system. It’s a family business thing. Grimlocks have been doing it for centuries.
“I’m off today,” I supplied.
“Why are you off, but Aisling has to work?”
I made a face. “I know you like to take her side whenever possible because it makes you a hero in her eyes – and then you guys play filthy games that make me want to neuter you – but I’m actually getting the worse end of this deal. I have to work over the weekend, so I have today off.”
“Why do you have to work the weekend? I thought a filler crew did that.”
“I see Aisling has been spilling all the family secrets,” I groused. “I don’t think she’s supposed to do that.”
“Are you going to tell on her?”
“No.”
“So what does it matter?”
“I’m in a crappy mood and need to take it out on someone. You’re the only one handy. My boyfriend is ticked off and stormed out to go to a home expo. He’s trying to punish me. Hence, you have become target number one.”
“Oh, well, that makes sense,” Griffin conceded. “Carry on.”
“I have to work because the filler crew has a family wedding,” I supplied. “It doesn’t happen very often. I tried to get my father to force Aisling to work the weekend – she’s low woman on the seniority pole, after all – but he refused.”
“Good.” Griffin didn’t bother to hide his relief. “She shouldn’t be out working jobs on her own.”
“You’re only saying that because you like to play dirty weekend games with her.”
“I won’t deny that’s fun, but I’m much more concerned with her safety. There are wraiths out there, and it’s bad enough during the week, even though I know you guys are only a phone call away to help her. She could be isolated on a weekend without you guys there for backup. I don’t like it.”
As much as I hated to admit it, he had a point. “Which is why my father made the rest of us draw straws. I lost.”
“Well, I’m sorry you’re missing out on the weekend, but it’s only one weekend.”
“And that’s not why I’m upset,” I snapped. “I’m upset because Jerry wants to redecorate the townhouse and made plans for us to go to a home expo and I don’t want to do that. The townhouse is fine. There’s no sense in throwing away money. I don’t see why he has to turn into such a pain when this stuff comes up.”
“I see.” Griffin’s tone was pragmatic, but I didn’t miss the twinkle in his eyes. “And did you tell Jerry your opi
nion on this subject?”
“Why do you think I slept on the couch?”
Griffin chuckled. “You guys will get over it. The new living arrangements are a trial for all of us. Jerry and Aisling have lived together for so long it’s as if they’re going through withdrawal or something.”
“Yeah, Jerry mentioned wanting Aisling to wise up and come home after your fight yesterday.”
Griffin stilled. “Aisling is home.”
“That’s what I told him.”
“Geez, those two are so annoying sometimes I just want to … .” Griffin mimed strangling an invisible person. “There are days I don’t even know how to deal with them.”
“You’re the one who said they’d get over it quickly.”
“And I still believe that.”
“But?”
“But they’re also going to be pains in the butt until they do,” Griffin replied, unruffled. “You’ve got to be strong and hold your ground. If we give in – either of us – we’re going to weaken our overall position. We have to be strong.”
“That’s easy for you to say. You didn’t sleep on the couch.”
Griffin smiled. “No, I didn’t.”
“Ugh. You’re a filthy pig.” I flicked his ear. “You’re right. We can’t let them bully us. It’s still hard when you’re the one forced to miss out on blueberry pancakes.”
“Aw! He made blueberry pancakes?” Griffin was understandably disheartened. “Now I understand why you’re so bummed.”
“Right?” I let loose a groan when my phone rang and I saw Aisling’s number on the screen. “It’s your girlfriend.”
“Tell her I love her.”
“Um … no.” I pressed the phone to my ear. “What do you want? I’m already feeding your boyfriend.”
“Wow, what a lovely greeting,” Aisling drawled, her annoyance evident.
“Fine. How are you, Aisling? Are you having a pip of a morning? I hope things are going smashing for you.”
“Whatever.” I could practically see her eyes rolling over the phone. “So … I’m in a bit of a jam.”
I sobered, my stomach twisting as possibilities – all of them dark – flooded my brain. “Are you in trouble? Is it wraiths? Are you hurt?”
Griffin was instantly alert. My sister tended to end up on the ground – or sometimes in a hospital – while on the job. We all worried she’d get hurt so badly one day that she might never recover.
“What’s wrong?” Griffin asked, all traces of mirth gone. “Where is she? I’ll get her if she can hang on for a few minutes.”
“It’s not that,” Aisling sneered. “Tell him not to have a meltdown or anything. I’m perfectly fine.”
“She says she’s fine, Griffin.” I flicked my eyes to him and found his expression to unreadable. “Why are you calling if you’re not in trouble?”
“I didn’t say I wasn’t in trouble. I said I wasn’t in danger. There’s a difference.”
“Okay, what’s wrong?”
“My soul rabbited and I can’t find it because I’m in a crowd. There are so many people here I want to scream.”
“How is that my problem?”
“I just saw two rogue reapers searching the crowd.”
Crap! That wasn’t good. “Give me twenty minutes to shower and I’ll be there. Wait … where are you?”
“At the Oakland County Home & Garden Expo, if you can believe that.”
Son of a … ! Of course she was at the home expo. That’s the type of day I was having, after all. “I’ll be there as soon as I can. Stay out of trouble.”
“I always stay out of trouble.”
“Do a better job than you usually do. I’m on my way.”
IT TOOK ME FIVE minutes to talk Griffin down and assure him that Aisling wasn’t in danger of anything but losing a soul – and possibly gaining a look at my father’s temper if we didn’t find it. She was waiting for me at the entrance of the expo center when I arrived.
“Your boyfriend is a total freak,” I announced. “He wanted to come with me to make sure you’re safe.”
“Why was he with you in the first place?”
“Breakfast.”
“Of course.” Aisling rubbed the back of her neck. “Are you still fighting with Jerry?”
“How do you even know about that?”
“Jerry texted last night. He said you were being a tool bag.”
“That’s not a thing.”
“It is to him.”
“Oh, whatever.” I’d been with her for exactly two minutes and already was at my limit. That’s what happens when you spend entirely too much time with your relatives. “He’s being a baby.”
“I believe he thinks the same about you.”
“Except I’m right.”
Aisling blinked several times in rapid succession and I could practically see her mind working.
“Remember that I’m here to help you,” I supplied. “You have no choice but to take my side if you don’t want me to turn around and abandon you to this job all by yourself. This is my day off.”
Aisling heaved a sigh. “Fine. I’m sure you’re right.”
“Oh, at least put a little effort into it if you’re going to lie. I am right.”
“That’s what I said.”
“You didn’t mean it, though.”
“You don’t know what I mean when I say things. I could totally be on your side.”
“But you’re not.”
“You’re like a really annoying little girl complaining because her shoes are too tight,” Aisling snapped. “Change your shoes. I have to be on Jerry’s side. He needs me.”
“Whatever. I can’t even look at you right now.” I shifted my gaze to the busy expo center. The bustling main floor over Aisling’s shoulder looked packed. “Tell me what happened.”
“I’m supposed to be collecting two souls while I’m here. The first is a little old dude who died in the bathroom without anyone noticing. Apparently his wife made him come here.”
“I can see that being terrible enough to kill someone,” I deadpanned.
Aisling ignored my tone. “I wore my ring so everyone else wouldn’t see me. I’m not a big fan of male bathrooms, by the way. They’re filthy.”
“Yes, because that’s what we should be focusing on now.”
“Shh. I’m talking.” Aisling pressed a finger to her lips. “I couldn’t very well talk the guy down because the ring doesn’t hide my voice. I tried to get my scepter out, but the stall was really narrow. The guy is spry for an old soul. He just sort of … booked.”
“Okay, so we need to find your guy,” I noted. “What about the rogue reapers you saw?”
“It’s that freak who used to work with Duke Fontaine back in the day,” Aisling replied, referring to a rogue she’d killed months ago. I knew she still felt guilt over the way he’d died – he was a human rather than a wraith, after all – but she did her best not to dwell on it, so I didn’t bring it up. “I think her name was Sheridan.”
“Sheridan?” I racked my brain. “Tall blond with big … .” I held my hands in front of my chest to signify breasts.
“That’s her.” Aisling bobbed her head. “She has another guy with her. He’s wearing a black leather motorcycle vest.”
“And you think he’s a reaper, too?”
“He’s dressed in a motorcycle vest at a home expo.”
“Good point.” I looked around the crowd. “So they’re here to steal your soul?”
“I have another soul to collect in a little bit,” Aisling clarified. “It’s a woman, although I haven’t looked at her file too closely because I was focused on the old dude first.”
“I don’t think you’re supposed to refer to him as ‘the old dude.’ It’s kind of rude.”
“So is your face.”
“So is your mouth.”
Aisling held up her hands to halt the potential argument before it could get out of hand. “You’re trying to bait me into an argument. We do
n’t have time. We need to figure out what the rogues are doing here, find my soul, collect the second soul and do all of it without killing the annoying people inside.”
“Sounds like a plan,” I said. “There’s just one thing.”
“And what would that be?”
“Jerry is in there, too.”
Aisling’s expression was hard to read. “No. He had plans for the day. He told me.”
“I know.”
“He said he was going to do … something.”
I snorted. “You don’t listen to him when he goes on and on about things either,” I accused. “You always pretend you do, but I know you don’t. He’s here. This is why we’re fighting. He wanted me to come to this thing with him.”
Aisling cracked her neck. “I guess that means we need to hide from Jerry, too, huh.”
“Exactly.”
“Well, it can’t be that hard.” Aisling turned philosophical. “There are thousands of people in there. The building is crawling with guests. What are the odds that he’ll see us?”
I opened my mouth to answer, but snapped it shut before words formed. Jerry, a bright smile on his face, appeared behind Aisling and clapped his hands.
“Oh, yay! You really do love me. Not only did you come, you brought your sister. It’s like an early Christmas gift. I love you both so much … and now it’s clear you love me. Oh, happy day!”
Well, the best laid plans.
3
Three
“Just be cool and let me handle this.”
Whenever Aisling says things like that it makes my blood run cold and my manhood want to disappear into a turtle shell in case fists start flying. While I knew Jerry wouldn’t start punching if she screwed things up, there was a very real chance he’d let loose with the verbal equivalent of a punch if she said the wrong thing.
Oh, and just a tip: Aisling almost always says the wrong thing. She can’t seem to help herself. It’s both annoying and amusing. I can’t explain it.
“Handle what?” Jerry’s expression was hard to read.
Grim & The City: A Grimlock Family Short Page 2