Omens (Cainsville 1)

"Plague."

I shot another look his way.

"That's what I heard. When the plague struck Chicago, the townspeople here erected the gargoyles, and nary a soul was lost to the Black Death."

"The bubonic plague predates Chicago by about five hundred years."

He lowered himself to the bench. "I know. I was very disappointed when I found out. Almost as bad as when I learned there were no fairies. The world is much more interesting with goblins and plagues."

"Unless you catch the plague."

"It's a risk. But imagine the market for quack cures. One could make a fortune." He gazed up at the gargoyles. "I suppose there's a more prosaic explanation. Someone puts up a gargoyle. His neighbor puts up two. Before you know"--he swept a hand across the vista--"monsters everywhere."

"Speaking of monsters..." I pointed at the file.

"That's an awkward segue," he said. "You can do better."

"Lawyers bill in fifteen-minute increments. Stop stalling and give me the damn file."

He handed it over.

Old Blood

Patrick closed his laptop and waved to Susie that he was leaving it behind. She didn't meet his eyes as she nodded. She hadn't met his gaze since the day he'd gone for a walk and come back to find she'd moved his laptop behind the counter. Patrick hadn't complained. He'd simply mentioned it to Larry, and said he'd appreciate it if that didn't happen again.

He had no idea what Larry told the girl. Patrick had never been anything but respectful and friendly to him. But like most boinne-fala with a hint of old blood, Larry had an innate sense that Patrick was not someone to be trifled with.

The new girl recognized it, too, yet her respect wasn't mingled with fear. She was cautious but curious. A different type of old blood; a different type of reaction. He preferred hers. While there was a sweetness to fear, it was a closed door. Curiosity cracked that door open.

As he turned toward the park, he saw it was already occupied. Not with children, thankfully. He wasn't fond of children. They were too easily manipulated. It lacked challenge.

No, it was the new girl. Olivia. She was sitting with...

He smiled. Olivia was sitting with Gabriel. Well, now, that was interesting.

Footsteps sounded behind him.

"Whatever you're thinking, bocan, you can stop right now. This doesn't concern you. They don't concern you."

He turned. Ida and Walter. Of course.

"Gabriel always concerns me."

"He's not yours," Ida said.

Patrick tilted his head. "Technically, yes. He is."

"No. You know the rules. You have no claim to him. You will not interfere with him."

"Or with her," Walter added.

"Mmm." Patrick eyed Olivia. "I'm surprised you let her stay. I hear the ravens have already come."

"That's no concern of yours, bocan," Walter said.

Ida fixed her faded eyes on his. "If you wish to be concerned, I'd suggest you take a more active role in the community, instead of wasting your days tapping away on your computer."

"The only way I'm going to another town meeting is if I start suffering from insomnia."