Lucy at Peace

by Mary E. Twomey

  Jamie and Britta had too much to say between them to put into simple words. Apologies and explanations would come later. For now, they met in a clash of bodies and tongues, Britta’s knife grazing Jamie’s side without leaving a scratch. He held her face and kissed her so thoroughly, my knees weakened all over again at the ripples of pleasure. Jens steadied me lowered me into a chair at the table while he started cleaning up the gory scene.

  To everyone’s surprise, Foss had something to say about Britta getting down on her knees to unfasten Stina’s restraints. “Go sit down. I can dig the grave.”

  Britta hesitated, but conceded, taking Foss’s hand to stand. “That’s probably best. Thank you.” My mouth fell open when Foss grabbed a cup from the cupboard and filled it with water, handing it to Britta, who drank it down. “Thank you.”

  Jens slowly voiced the thing we were all thinking. “Why are you being nice to my sister?”

  Foss grumbled. “First you want me to work against the curse, and now I’m too nice? Make up your minds!” He untied Stina and hefted her body up. “Get out of my way. I’ve got a grave to dig.”

  With that cheery goodbye, Foss kicked the backdoor open and carried the remnants of Stina out into the night.

  Thirty-Two.

  Slumber Party

  The basement had enough space for the guys to pull down mattresses from upstairs and lay them out on the floor so we could all sleep together. Jens wasn’t willing to risk any of the party separating off, in case any bounty hunters caught up to us. There was a backdoor in the cellar that led down a tunnel to a storm door a ways off down the property, which is why Jens chose the basement for our communal bed. “Easy exit, just in case.”

  Britta was beside herself as she lay down between Jamie and I. “I’m sorry I left. I was so embarrassed, but I shouldn’t have deserted you. And then you were gone! We’ve been searching night and day for you all.”

  I rolled on my side and wrapped my arms around her, smiling when she reciprocated the gesture. “No, I’m sorry. You were right. I should’ve said something right away. Please don’t be mad at Jamie anymore. He really had no control over any of it. He’s been fighting like mad to keep the darkness from taking him over, and punishing himself this whole time.”

  “I know that now.” She kissed my cheek as Jamie coiled his arm around her waist. Since their reunion, he kept one hand on her at all times, as if he thought his touch was the only thing keeping her from slipping away into the abyss of the universe.

  Foss came down freshly showered from his grave dig with a new glass of water for Britta. The strange kindness was not lost on Jens, Jamie or me, but none of us called him out on it, for fear of his good behavior disintegrating. I’d asked him to be good to Britta, and apparently, he was. So much for that old dogs, new tricks law.

  Jens passed around a bottle of Gar as we sat in a circle on the pushed-together mattresses. Foss and Britta listened with rapt fascination at the ins and outs of our adventures, while Tucker watched from the outskirts atop the couch, sipping his beverage in his usual lackadaisical fashion as he looked down on us like a king. We smiled together and laughed, but Tucker was determined to remain an outsider.

  Not on my watch. The quickest way to rid my fear of his venomous suspenders was to bring him into the fold. I tugged on his argyle sock. “Come join us. It’s not right you make yourself an outsider in your own home.”

  He eyed me, considering my motives. “Darling, I belong anywhere I put myself.” Despite his protest, he slid down next to Jens and me, leaning back on his hands and positioning his shoulder at my back, should I need support. It was sweet, but I was still wary of him.

  Tucker spoke to me, but his voice carried to the others. “I still don’t understand the bit about the Circhos. How did you manage to find kanins, but the beast couldn’t? They’re known hunters.”

  I let the others tell that story, since I had no idea how Britta scrounged those up. I hadn’t exactly made my peace with it yet. Thomas Jefferson hadn’t deserved the unthinkable thing I did to him. I could still picture his sharp-fanged smile and his janky walk. I’d made a friend just to kill him. I couldn’t think of anything worse. Sure, Tucker was sadistic, but I was the real danger. My adventure with Thomas Jefferson was one of the many things that had been shoved in a box to be dealt with in five years.

  Four, Jamie reminded me. Four years, syster.

  I mentally gave him the finger, which was a gesture he was unfamiliar with. He understood the spirit well enough, though.

  Jamie took a swig of Gar and handed the bottle to Britta, who passed it on to Foss without taking a sip. Foss chugged a few shots’ worth, smacking his lips in satisfaction when he pulled the bottle away. He rubbed his chest – a thing he did when he was tired.

  “You want something stronger?” Jamie asked of Britta’s preference to pass on the Gar. “I’m sure Tucker’s got more upstairs.”

  Britta fiddled with the hem of her mint green shirt. “I, um. I wanted to talk to you privately, but I’m guessing that’s not going to happen anytime soon, what with all the danger.” She cleared her throat twice before steeling herself to say her piece. “It’s only just barely, but it seems I’m… It seems I’m pregnant.”

  Jamie’s reaction was thunderous fireworks and over the moon shouts both in his head and aloud. “You’re pregnant? When did you find out? A baby? My baby?”

  Britta nodded, blushing at being the center of attention. “We’re going to have a baby, Jamie.”

  At this, Jamie leaned back, clutching his chest in shock. “I’m going to be a father.”

  “Indeed, you are,” Britta confirmed, grinning at the hugs and handshakes that broke out in the basement.

  Jens was beside himself with happiness. He all but tackled Jamie with a bear hug, kissing his cheeks before he gingerly moved over to his sister. “Uncle Jens,” he declared, and then grimaced. “Whoa, that was too weird.”

  Britta hugged her brother. “Then it suits you perfectly. Uncle Jens the Brave. Luckiest baby in the land to have you.”

  I participated in the hugging and kissing, asking the normal questions one was supposed to, while keeping my thoughts to myself. “More Gar?” I inquired of the group. I’m not sure why I asked. The answer was always a resounding yes.

  Tucker followed me up the stairs. “I keep a few bottles of homebrewed stuff up here,” he told me, reaching up to the top cupboard next to the fridge. He pulled down a burgundy bottle that looked too fancy to be opened. “You don’t seem as thrilled as the others at Britta’s news.”

  I popped out my smile again, though it was tainted at the memory of Stina having been in that very spot not an hour ago. “Of course I’m happy. Britta deserves nothing short of everything. Jamie, too.”

  “But?”

  I dropped the act, raising an eyebrow. “You don’t know me well enough to guess if there’s a ‘but’.”

  “You wish Jamie was having babies with you?”

  I recoiled. “Gross! No! Not even a little bit. Jamie’s like a brother to me. I don’t want to have his baby.” My face steeled as I shut my mental door tight in anticipation of revealing too many cards to Tucker. I blame it on the late hour. “I won’t be having any babies.”

  Tucker leaned against the fridge. “Bold words for such a young woman.”

  I sat on a chair at the kitchen table and put my feet up on another. “Do you really think the whole mess of crap that’s in me should be passed down in the genetic pool? Plus, I’m laplanded.”

  “And?” Tucker moved my feet and sat down on the chair facing me.

  “And would you want to be laplanded to a woman in labor?”

  Tucker grimaced. “Ah. I see your point. When that happens, laplanded women usually have scheduled cesareans. Sure, the man gets a scar, but he can’t exactly complain about it.”

  “Right. Because usually it’s his baby. Jens wouldn’t get the scar, Jamie would. It’s too much to ask someone to go through major surgery for a baby t
hat’s not even theirs.” I shrugged, lightening my voice so it didn’t come across as a big deal. “But, you know, I’m guessing limiting the siren blood to just me is probably a good thing. I won’t bring a kid into the world that I know’s going to be hunted. I wouldn’t wish my childhood on anybody.”

  “You did relocate quite a bit. I got the most repeat business from your family.” He cracked open the bottle of aged blackberry balsamic vinegar and took a drink, swirling a mouthful around before swallowing it down in satisfaction. “That’s my absolute favorite kind.”

  “Yeah? Well, I’m glad you get to relax tonight. It’s been a long one.”

  “So no children for Lucy Kincaid?” He was thoughtful, as if he cared.

  “I think it’s best to limit the crazy to just me. Jens can have his worlds of adventure. We’ll travel and do aunt and uncle things. It’ll be nice.” I willed that to be true, but it stank of sadness. “I don’t think Jens has put all those pieces together yet. You have my permission to take him out and get him stupid drunk the night he does, though.”

  “I’ll ready the strippers.” His tease rang of false levity. “You really hate that bond?”

  “More than Gar, if you can believe it.” I leaned back in my chair. “I wasn’t even thinking about kids until I knew I couldn’t really have any in good conscience. I didn’t care before, so I guess I’ll try to stick with not caring a little while longer. See how that holds up.”

  “I’ve never reproduced.”

  I offered up a sardonic smile. “Perhaps it’s the age of the women you seduce. Pearl didn’t give you any children? That is surprising.”

  Tucker cast me a simpering expression. “Your wit has me simply spinning with jocularity. No, darling. I never saw the point of it. Giving up your life to clean up after another’s?”

  I raised an eyebrow at him. “Hello, that’s basically your entire career.”

  “Clean up after you as I did, I never had the misfortune of changing one of your nappies.”

  I took a deep breath before standing, donning a bright smile that I pointed a finger to. “How’s this one. Genuine enough?”

  Tucker stood before me and tilted my chin up again. “Your smile isn’t touching your eyes. It helps to squint a little. See?” He showed me his lazy smile, and true enough, his eyes weren’t opened all the way. “Now no one can see the tragedy beneath.” His joke was forced, and I could tell he wished he could take it back.

  Though I still didn’t know what to make of him, I took a chance and hugged him, wrapping my arms around his waist and burrowing my head in his firm chest. “I’m sorry you have to fake it, too.”

  He leaned his chin atop my head, his voice choked when he finally opened his mouth. “I’d truly hoped you would be an easy one to cast off, but now I can see why Jens keeps you around. I can almost feel a genuine smile right around the corner if you keep this up.” He picked up my hand, peeled back the edge of my glove and marveled at the stars blinking up at him. I quickly jerked my hand away and buried my face further in his chest. He tutted me like I was a disobedient child, lifting my hand again so he could slowly kiss the tips of my fingers. “The one time there’s beauty in tragedy, and you hide it. It’s an utter shame.”

  “The one time you’re a decent person, but you hide it. Utter shame.” I shivered at his tiny kisses, pulling back after he made his way down the row of my fingers. I laced my fingers through his and squeezed. “Alright. Let’s get to it.”

  The kitchen lights overhead flickered three times, and Tucker was suddenly on high alert. “Get downstairs!” he yelled, dragging me as he shouted to into the merriment. “They’ve found us! My alarm’s been tripped. Run out the cellar door!”

  Foss and Jens were well trained. They needed no information other than that to stand at attention and pull out various knives they had stashed on their person. With no hesitation, we all ran through the cellar exit. I wanted to ask questions, but I was too scared to open my mouth. My heart pounded, and I clung tight to Jens. He had his game face on, which meant he was scared.

  That was the only warning we’d had, and it had only been just enough. A loud boom shot through the house, exploding the front door and shattering glass on the floor above us. I whimpered as Jens ran us through the dark dirt-packed tunnel and up to the storm door exit with his red pack on his back.

  Tucker snapped his fingers when we all reached the storm door, shedding a pinch of light on our wide eyes and revealing expressions that were a mix of fear and resolve. “Everyone, pay attention. There’s a strip mall two miles down the road with plenty of places to hide out in. Take the main road east, and meet up there. Two at a time should be quickest. Everyone take a Tomten and go!” He motioned to Britt and Foss, who held hands as Foss slowly popped open the storm door. It was a thing of luck we were escaping in the dead of night.

  Once Foss and Britta vanished and ran, Jens gripped Jamie’s shoulder. “With your life, brother.” Then he placed my hand in Jamie’s.

  “With my life,” Jamie agreed, clutching my hand to his chest. “Let’s go, syster.”

  I wanted to argue that Jens and I shouldn’t separate, but I knew I couldn’t be parted from Jamie without being a huge handicap on the group. I was terrified as I ran as fast as I could through the grass and toward the main road.

  The blast that shook the house was devastating in my soul. I kept my mouth closed through the scream, praying with everything in me that Jens and Tucker had left before the boom. Jamie and I ducked behind one of the neighbors’ houses, waiting for signs that anyone was coming our way.

  Four seconds. Five. Six. I thought I might hyperventilate as my eyes combed through every blade of grass, hoping to catch traces of a hurried boot print.

  Tucker came hurtling in our direction, whispering my name. He was completely visible, which made my feet feel like lead. Jamie turned off his vanishing charm for the briefest of moments so he could wave Tucker over.

  “Oh, good. I was afraid I’d have to try my luck with porting. The blast took a lot out of me.”

  Jamie vanished and held onto Tucker’s shoulder, so only the three of us could see each other. “That was you?” Jamie confirmed, his grip too tight on my hand.

  “Yes. I thought it’d be best not to leave a tail. Kill them all in one go. Jens ran on ahead. He’s probably halfway to the strip by now.”

  My shoulders released a bit of the death grip that tensed them with such vigor. “Oh, good. We saw the explosion and thought the worst.”

  “Darling, do you see no redeeming quality in me? Of course I wouldn’t let Jens die in the crossfire. On our way.” He nodded his head to the right. “I overheard some of the hunters say they would head up to the main road, so we’re taking a different route.”

  We trotted together through the darkness, grateful for the fire truck alarm that drowned out any sounds our shoes made. Tucker led us to a gas station after what felt like the longest run of my life. “Wait here,” he ordered, pointing to a car in the lot. “That’s a friend there. I’ll see if he can give us a lift.”

  “Are you sure, Tucker? You’re supposed to be dead. What if he’s one of the people looking for you?”

  Tucker managed that smile that didn’t touch his eyes. “He’s a nightshift nurse. Not exactly a bounty hunter.”

  Jamie dropped Tucker’s hand, and we caught our breath while we watched Tucker stroll over to a man in blue scrubs. His gray sedan was pulled over and parked in the small gas station’s lot. After a quick back and forth, Tucker waved us forward. “In the car with you. This is Daube. He’ll take us to the strip mall quicker than walking. Wouldn’t want Jens to have a conniption if this one’s two minutes later than expected.” He jerked his head to me with a small tease.

  He shut himself in the backseat with us and nodded to Daube, who smelled like sterilized medical supplies and unshowered man. Daube drove off faster than the 35 mph speed limit allotted for the area. I held onto Tucker and Jamie as we turned around corners too tight f
or the old gray Cadillac. When we passed the strip mall, the hairs on my arms stood. “Isn’t that where the others are? We passed it.”

  Tucker placed his hand atop mine and spoke evenly. “We’re not going there, darling. I think my friends might be able to help you.”

  I felt Jamie’s unease and looked up into Tucker’s closed-off expression. “What are you talking about? We have to go back to Jens. The others are waiting for us!”

  Tucker shushed me, which mingled my panic with fury. “Jens will understand, once they fix the problem. Trust me, I’m doing you the biggest favor anyone ever could for your situation.”

  I had protests aplenty. I had spit-hurling anger to put a WWE wrestler to shame. But Jamie had bulk, so he won out. Jamie lunged over me to throttle Tucker. “Take me back to my wife!” he shouted, squeezing the elf’s neck. Then our hands grew unbearably hot. Jamie released Tucker when I screamed in pain. “Dirty elf trick, that is! This wasn’t part of the plan!”

  “That’s what you get for trying to strangle a fire elf. Sorry, Lucy.” Tucker reached into his pocket and pulled out a pouch I was too familiar with.

  I punched Tucker across the jaw, but we were so crammed in the backseat that I didn’t get a decent windup. The assault only slowed Tucker down as he gripped the back of my thrashing head and shoved my whole face into the stash of lavender powder. “No!” I screamed, inhaling and tasting far more than a normal dose. Jamie lunged for Tucker again, but it was too late.

  The drugs were quick in such a large amount. The powder was warm honey dripping over my iron will, breaking the cogs that kept my engine fueled with rage.

  Tucker wrapped his arm around my shoulders and pulled me to his side. I tried to punch him again, but he merely chuckled at my effort as my fist collapsed onto his lap mid-strike. “Sit still and relax, min käresta. We’ll be there soon. You won’t attack me, will you? No, you’re just a little kitten.” He reached around my neck and unclasped my necklace, taking the ashes of my family away from me. “For safe keeping,” he explained. “I’ll hold onto it until they send you back.”