by M. Gregg Roe
“It’s probably just the weather,” Aliva lied, feeling a twinge of guilt. It might be a sign that the dose needed to be reduced. Then again, Romee might just be reacting to all the newness. She had never attended a formal school or had close contact with so many strangers.
When Stanley arrived home, shortly after the rain finally stopped and the sun appeared, she filled him in on the day’s events.
“Your being away isn’t a problem,” he assured her as they relaxed in the sitting room. “I’ll monitor Romee and dispense the medication. And I’ll adjust my work schedule so that I can walk her to and from the school.” He showed his teeth. “I am the boss, you know.”
“And we are Romee’s foster parents,” Aliva added, flashing a smile. Everything was going to be just fine. She was certain of it.
[ 7 ]
Problem Sister
Marryn looked so peaceful that he hated to wake her. After closing the office door, Gabriel walked slowly toward the wide desk that his sister had slumped over. It wasn’t the first time he had found her like this, and it probably wouldn’t be the last. She just kept pushing herself too far.
“Sister,” he called out gently from just in front of the desk. “It is time to wake up.”
Marryn lifted her head slowly and looked at him in confusion. He resisted the urge to laugh as she peeled a small piece of paper off of her right cheek and placed it on the desk. After glancing out the small window to her right, she said, “Why are you here? And why are you dressed like that? Do you have a date tonight?”
Gabriel had dressed more finely than usual. “In a manner of speaking.” He gestured toward the wooden door to his right. “Please go make yourself presentable.”
“Me?” Her eyes widened comically. “It’s your birthday,” she breathed as her freckled cheeks colored in embarrassment. “We’re all going to dinner.”
“Correct.” He nodded toward the door. “There is ample time.”
“Okay.” She stood up and swayed briefly before walking unsteadily over to the door.
Gabriel sighed deeply after she closed the door behind her. He settled himself into one of the upholstered guest chairs to await her return. Although well-appointed, the large office was utterly lacking in personal decoration. The small apartment behind that door was where his sister lived, and that was part of the problem. She was seldom far from her place of work. From what he could tell, Marryn had no social life whatsoever. It was sad.
He still found it hard to believe that his sister ran her own business. Alluring Apparel had grown out of Demon Dresses, a business created by Audrey and Aliva that had foundered. Marryn had kept the basic concept of producing sexy clothing, but expanded it to encompass a range of apparel. The real breakthrough had been underclothes, featuring daring designs and made from an exclusive fabric that no competitor had yet duplicated. Thanks to that, the business was now turning a healthy profit (albeit still in debt to some of its investors). It was a remarkable achievement, and a testament to his sister’s business acumen.
When Marryn finally reappeared, she had on a dark green blouse and long beige skirt. She had brushed out her long red hair, but it was still dull-looking and uneven. Thin to an unhealthy degree, Marryn looked years older than her nineteen years, even showing signs of developing worry lines.
“Will Father be there?” she asked anxiously.
It was a sign that his sister still wasn’t thinking clearly. “He will not. The two of us had lunch together today. When was the last time you visited him?” he inquired, staring directly into her bloodshot blue eyes.
Marryn suddenly looked stricken. “It’s been a while. Two months? Maybe three. I’ll go soon. I promise.”
Gabriel knew better than to trust his sister’s promises. “Shall we go?” he inquired, nodding toward the door.
“Yes. Of course.”
When they exited the building, Marryn winced at the bright sunshine. This time of year it stayed light well into the early evening, and it was pleasantly warm. He held out his left arm, and she took it gratefully.
“What did you have for lunch today?” he asked her as they headed toward the center of the city along a narrow street lined with shops.
“I don’t remember. I just eat what they bring me.”
Gabriel had, in fact, spoken to the foppish young man who served as Marryn’s assistant. She had barely eaten anything, and that was typical.
“Where are we going?” she asked minutes later, looking more alert as she blinked. “I thought we’d be going to Lucien’s.”
That was one of the nicer restaurants in the city. “To where our mother lives,” he explained. It should have been obvious.
“Oh. Okay. But I’ll need—”
“After dinner, I thought we would play a game or two of Sparrow,” he interjected. She had no doubt intended to tell him that she needed to return home as soon as they finished eating.
A faint smile showed on her lips. “I haven’t played in ages,” she breathed.
That was sad, because Marryn dearly loved playing Sparrow. “It will not be easy,” he warned her. “Mother and Tobias play regularly with another couple.”
After making a face at him, she huffed, “I’ll bet I still win.”
She probably would, but it was nice to hear her sounding like the confident sister he knew and loved.
Divorced and with two grown daughters, Tobias was the owner and proprietor of Witch’s City Clothing, a shop that now sold some of Alluring Apparel’s goods. He had been the first and only man that their mother, Medea, had dated following the divorce. At the time, Tobias had a reputation for targeting widows and divorcées, which is why Gabriel and his sister had been so surprised when their mother eventually moved in with the man. Years later, the two were married in all but name.
The four of them dined on baked fresh-caught trout and seasoned rice, one of Gabriel’s favorite dishes. Afterward, they retired to the sitting room to play Sparrow. Marryn was so drowsy from the meal that she kept yawning and played poorly. Tobias won the first game, and Medea the second. Gabriel helped clean up while his mother put Marryn to bed in the spare room.
“I thought Marryn would put up more of a fight,” Tobias commented as he methodically stowed the Sparrow tiles back in their wooden storage box. “But maybe she’s too tired.”
Gabriel knew that the man wasn’t referring to their game, but what his mother had said to his sister afterward. “Marryn understands that she has taken things too far. I believe that she will acquiesce. It is, after all, only for a month.”
“At least a month,” Tobias corrected. He closed the lid and fastened it shut. “She’s not moving out until she puts on some weight. We’re also going to strongly suggest she find another place to live.”
That was also Gabriel’s preference. “I will do what I can to help. Thank you, Tobias.”
Tobias chuckled. “If I had a son, I’d want him to be just like you. Your parents raised you well.”
It was high praise, and Gabriel found himself smiling as he made his way home. His sister was in good hands.
Gabriel was tidying up his desk before leaving when someone knocked lightly on his office door. After sitting up straight and squaring his shoulders, he called out, “Enter!”
“I have news,” Medea announced as she pushed open the door. After closing it, she seated herself in one of the two chairs in front of his desk. “Marryn had agreed to stay with us long-term. We’re clearing out her apartment this evening. Would you like to help?”
“Of course,” he replied, startled. He had expected it to take months to persuade his sister to move out, not just two days. “I am surprised that she agreed.”
Medea shrugged. “It was Tobias, not me. He gave her advice as one business owner to another.”
“I would be happy to assist,” he told his mother. “Have you hired a cart?” Marryn owned an enormous amount of clothing, not that she wore most of it. It was more of an affectation.
“Yes,
and a carter. She should be there by the time we arrive.”
She? “Very well.” He glanced at his desk and decided that it was tidy enough. “Shall we go?”
Summer was near, but it wasn’t excessively hot. There was even a light breeze that he enjoyed the feel of. It was blowing his mother’s long auburn hair around, but she didn’t seem bothered. Now well into her forties, she was both fit and good-looking, with strong features and piercing blue eyes that missed nothing. Medea had spent many years as an adventurer, and that had shaped both her body and her outlook.
As they neared the central plaza, she said, “Marryn won’t be joining us,” much to his surprise. “She went in to work this morning but came home at noon. Then she ate a large lunch and went to bed. She was still asleep when I left. We really did let things go too far.”
He found that news even more surprising. “She refused our advice and assistance on numerous occasions,” he pointed out. “Marryn is at fault.”
Medea’s jaw tightened. “I’m her mother. I should have taken action earlier. She is appallingly thin.”
Gabriel didn’t know what to say, so he went back to scanning his surroundings. He was always on the lookout for illegal acts of thievery. The Witch’s City had legal thieves, but they were strictly regulated. Only those without appropriate insurance could be targeted. It was an odd system, but it worked well.
The carter turned out to a burly woman, a human in her mid-twenties with swarthy skin, short curly black hair, and deep-set gray eyes. Her shoulders were broad, and her bare forearms bulged with muscle. She looked more than capable of pulling the sturdy cart parked just outside the apartment’s street entrance, which was at the back of the sprawling building. A lidless crate full of burlap-wrapped items awaited loading.
Medea stepped forward. “Steena, this is my son, Gabriel.” The woman nodded curtly.
“It is nice to meet you,” Gabriel said, uncomfortable with the way the woman was eyeing him.
“Let me know if you need help with anything heavy,” Steena told them, then turned her attention to the crate. “I’ll get this stowed and tied down.”
Gabriel followed his mother into the apartment’s sitting room. The decorative items were missing, presumably what was in the crate. And the furniture, such as it was, would remain for now.
“Help, at last,” Hazel called out as she emerged from the bedroom with a look of relief. “Medea, can you look through the storage closet? I think that’s where her other outerwear is.”
“Of course,” Medea said, already heading toward a closed door to the left.
Hazel pointed at him. “You’re with me.” She headed back toward the bedroom, and he followed obediently.
“Is Tobias not here?” he asked, sweeping his gaze around the room. An assortment of clothing covered much of the bed.
“Your mother didn’t tell you? He stayed behind to look after Marryn.” She took a step toward him. “This is serious, Gabriel. Marryn told me I’m in charge of the business until further notice.”
It was unbelievable, but he knew that the woman was being truthful. Hazel had been an assistant seamstress for Demon Dresses before being absorbed into Alluring Apparel, where she became the head seamstress. She was the logical choice, but he still found it startling. Marryn had always maintained firm control of the business, rarely delegating any authority. But maybe that was what Tobias had spoken to her about. He would need to ask the man about it later.
“What would you like me to do?” he inquired.
Hazel smiled devilishly as she tilted her head to the right. “I was going to ask you to pack up your sister’s underclothes, but I’ll spare you. Start with the dresses.” Then she launched into an explanation of how to fold several together and then wrap them in linen so they wouldn’t wrinkle. After removing his sword belt and setting it aside, he set about his assigned task.
It wasn’t long before Medea joined them, and soon after Steena began carrying out the wrapped bundles. In less than an hour, the job was complete. As he had expected, items of apparel comprised most of the cargo. One large burlap bag held only shoes, most of the impractical dress variety. Gabriel owned only a single pair like that, and he seldom wore them. He preferred boots.
“Thank you, Gabriel,” Medea said, walking over behind the cart. “We can take it from here. Why don’t you two go get something to eat?” Now wearing a leather harness across her broad shoulders, Steena’s legs tensed as she walked slowly forward with Medea helping to push the cart from behind. The wooden wheels creaked as the cart picked up speed.
“Is your mother trying to fix us up?” Hazel asked, standing close to his right.
“So it would appear.” Other than embarrassed, he wasn’t sure how to feel about that.
Hazel stepped directly in front of him. Her clear blue eyes were intent as she said, “Well, what about it? I’ve been seeing a half-elf silversmith on and off, but she’s away on business right now.”
Gabriel had forgotten that Hazel dated both genders. She had even dated Audrey for a time. That just made it more confusing.
Hazel narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms in front of her. “Make up your mind,” she ordered.
After squaring his shoulders, he said, “Hazel, would you care to dine with me this evening?” There seemed no point in delaying the matter.
Hazel laughed, then moved to his left side and took his arm. “We’re going to The Watch, and I’m paying. Understood, Lieutenant?”
Now she was speaking his language. He snapped a crisp salute with his right hand. “Yes, Mistress Hazel. At once.”
She tossed her head and laughed as they walked north, side by side. He had a feeling that it would be an interesting evening.
“So,” Marryn said, as soon as they had left the house, “Hazel says that the two of you are dating. I didn’t think you were interested in her.”
Gabriel still wasn’t certain what to make of the young woman. Given her reputation, he had been certain that she would try to seduce him after their dinner, but they had merely gone for a stroll to the nearby lake. And, after walking Hazel to her home, he received only words of thanks and a light kiss on the cheek. “I am still trying to work that out myself,” he finally admitted, smiling sheepishly. “She is not what I expected.”
“Hazel’s changed,” Marryn said, swinging her arms as she walked along. She was still thin but looked distinctly healthier. “She’s more serious and mature, especially at work. That’s why I trust her to run the business.”
Unbelievably, Marryn really had left it all to the woman. Hazel occasionally came to her with questions, but that was the extent of Marryn’s involvement. Marryn said that it was the only way. She needed time to get healthy and to figure things out. He was both pleased and proud. His sister was showing real maturity.
“Where are we going?” he asked. They were out on a walk after dinner with their mother and Tobias, and he was letting her lead.
Marryn scrunched up her face briefly as she thought. “The Temple of Dukane. I’m behind on my donations.”
In fact, the large stone structure prominently displaying the overlapping triangles that were the god’s symbol was already in sight. Being associated with law and order, Dukane was the deity that Gabriel worshipped, making monthly donations of a portion of his salary. The city’s three temples, one for each of the three primary deities, provided both healing and counseling, as well as aiding the poor.
“Will you be seeking romance when you are feeling better?” he asked as they neared the edifice.
“Maybe.” She looked over and sighed theatrically. “Denis and his wife have two children now.”
Marryn was referring to the first and only person that she had dated seriously. The two of them had repeatedly broken up and then reconciled before finally parting for good. Instead of looking for someone else, Marryn had drowned herself in her work. That had been good for the business, but definitely not for her health.
“Maybe I’ll try dating
an older man,” she said, again scrunching up her face. “But not as old as Tobias. That would be weird.”
Tobias was functioning as Marryn’s father at the moment. She even referred to his house as home. It was a sign that she really had gone out on her own too soon.
By the time they reached the top of the temple’s stone stairs, Marryn was red-faced and breathing hard. He watched as she walked up to the donation box in front of the statue of Dukane and tossed in a handful of coins, some of them golden. A single gold piece was a fortune to most of those who lived in the city, the equivalent of a thousand copper pieces.
Marryn’s smile was beautiful as she returned to his side. “That felt good. I’m also going to donate some of my clothing to a thrift shop.”
Gabriel stared at the statue’s noble face. It was a superb sculpture, but he knew that deities had no physical forms. He had asked an assistant priest about it once and been told that the man who had posed for the statue was a traveling mercenary, which explained the muscular build. People expected statues in their temples, and it was both impressive and fitting.
“I’d go out with him,” Marryn said, nodding toward the statue.
“So you now prefer muscular men?” he inquired, arching an eyebrow.
“Maybe.” She shrugged. “I don’t know what I want. I’m not even sure who I am anymore.”
Now he was beginning to worry. “Perhaps you should speak with someone here.”
Marryn scowled at him childishly. “No. But I am planning to visit my friends in Rohoville. I might even take a caravan from there and visit Siljan.”
That was a long journey, but a safe one. And it was another positive sign. Siljan was both a long-time friend and a priestess of Kyran. She and her fellow priestesses were more than capable of counseling Marryn.
“Shall we head back now?” he asked, noting his sister’s obvious fatigue. It would be some time before she regained her stamina.
