Chapter 20
As I stepped out of the elevator, the only things I noticed about the hallway were that it was very long and that there was no way to tell one doorway from another. The entire apartment building was also very quiet, which was to be expected at a quarter to four in the morning, and the sound of my footsteps and the clickity-click of Beanies toenails seemed incredibly loud in comparison. After a few moments search, I finally found the apartment I was looking formarked by an adhesive sticker shaped like the Loch Ness Monster pasted just below the peephole drilled in the door. I set down my suitcase, tightened my hold on Beanies leash, and pushed the doorbell. A minute or two later a decidedly disgruntled male voice, still thick from sleep, spoke from the other side.
Who is it? Dont you know what goddamned time it is?
Its me, AdrianTate, I said, standing back so that he could see for himself through the peephole.
Who is it? asked an equally sleepy female voice.
Its Tate.
There was a sudden rattle of locks and deadbolts being turned, followed by the door opening. Vanessa stood in the tiny foyer of her apartment dressed in a faux leopard-skin bathrobe, with her bright red hair sticking out in every direction. Standing behind her was her husband, Adrian, dressed in a pair of pajama bottoms and armed with a T-ball bat.
Whats wrong? she asked, already reaching out to pull me inside the apartment. Has something happened?
I left Hexe.
The control Id held over my emotions from the moment I packed my bags and allowed Octavia to escort me to the taxi stand opposite the Gate of Skulls finally dissolved into a torrent of tears.
Oh, sweetieIm so sorry! Vanessa said as she slipped her arm about my shaking shoulders and steered me from the front door and into the living room.
As I let go of the leash, Beanie trotted ahead of me and jumped up onto their couch, making himself immediately at home by burrowing under the throw pillows and falling sound asleep. Im sorry. I should have called first, but I wasnt thinking straight, I managed to apologize between sobs. Oh, God, Nessie, what am I going to do?
Youre going to sit down and tell me all about it, she said solicitously.
Oh, Nessie, it was so horribleHexe came home munted and we got into this terrible fight about money
He was whated? Adrian frowned. He had set aside the T-ball bat and was standing off to the side with the same awkwardly consternated look on his face that all men get when the women around them begin to weep.
He was messed up on some kind of Kymeran drug, I explained. The next thing I know hes screaming at me about money, and then things got out of hand. . . .
Did he hit you? Vanessa asked, her voice suddenly hard as flint. With her bright red hair and her flashing emerald green eyes, she reminded me of one of Golgothams leprechauns rolling up his sleeves in anticipation of a fight.
It got bad, but not that bad, I replied quickly. I reflexively touched my upper arm as I spoke, but since I had changed into a long-sleeved shirt, neither Vanessa nor Adrian could see the bruises. Although I had made up my mind to walk out on Hexe, part of me was still trying to protect him.
It would have to be drugs, wouldnt it? Vanessa replied, with a shake of her head. I mean, Hexe worships the ground you walk on! I can tell it by the way he looks at you, how he talks about you to others when youre not around. She leaned forward and took one of my hands and gave it a squeeze. Look, I know this looks like its the end, but it doesnt have to be. Before Adrian and I got married, we had a couple of big fights; I mean, real doozies. I almost called the engagement off over one of them. But after we gave each other a little space, and cooled down, we realized even though we drive each other crazy now and again, we couldnt live without one another. Sometimes youve got to get shit out in the open for a relationship to grow, even if it hurts.
I know that, Nessie. I sniffled, wiping my eyes with one of the tissues Adrian handed me in an attempt to be supportive while staying out of the way. I love Hexe so much it hurts to think about him not being in my life. But this isnt about just about me, and what I want, anymore, I said, placing a protective hand atop my belly. Its like Im watching him fade away while being replaced by someone I dont know. I cant stay in that house while hes like that. And I certainly cant bring a baby into that kind of craziness.
Adrian shuffled into the living room, carrying a blanket and a bed pillow in his arms. Im going to crash on the sofa, and you can share the bed with Nessie, he announced, stifling a yawn. Its a queenyou should have plenty of room.
Ill do no such thing! I replied, taking the bedclothes from him. Ill sleep on the sofayou go back to bed with your wife. Im pregnant, not made out of glass. Besides, I wouldnt subject Beanies snoring and gas to anyone unprepared for it. I think its actually against the Geneva Convention.
Since both Adrian and Vanessa had to get up to go to work in the morning, neither was in the mood to argue the situation, so they retired to their bedroom and left me to make a bed for myself on the sofa. As I went to the bathroom before turning in, I could hear their voices conversing in low tones. Although I could not make out the words, I knew they were talking about what to do about me.
I stretched out as best I could on the couch and Beanie snuggled in close against me, pressing his sleek little body against my swollen belly. Even though it had been weeks since the last time Hexe had slept alongside me, I still missed the heat of his body and the sound of his breathing. The thought of never waking up to find him in bed beside me again made my heart ache as if it were being torn apart with hooks. I remembered the cold, distant look in Hexes eyes and the sneering, ugly tone of his voice as he spoke barbed words full of venom, and how he seemed to take a perverse delight in saying things that shredded my self-confidence and self-worth. I tried to think of the last time I was genuinely happy, and my mind went back to the Jubilee, when he won a stuffed monkey wearing a plaid tam-o-shanter for me at the Hit the Cats booth.
As the sights and sounds of that moment flooded my memory, I experienced what felt like a small, sharp kick in my midriff, followed by a second, slightly less enthusiastic bump. Beanie snorted in disgust and moved toward the foot of the couch, clearly resentful of having his beauty rest interrupted by a rumbaing fetus. I closed my eyes and pretended that Hexe had his arms wrapped about me, and that it was his hands, not mine, clasped across my belly, feeling our wondrous, nameless child-to-be tapping on the walls of his world, as if in search of a secret passage. The tears built until they turned my vision into a watery blur and spilled from the corners of my eyes.
* * *
The sound of movement in the room started me awake. I opened my eyes and frowned at the unfamiliar bookcases and coffee table before remembering where I was. I could hear Adrian and Vanessa moving around in their galley-style kitchen as they prepared breakfast before leaving for the day. Adrian taught Art History at NYU, and Vanessa worked for a pet cremation service, both designing and throwing custom pottery urns for dearly departed four-legged friends. Beanie hopped off the sofa and went trotting off to investigate upon hearing the toaster pop. I guess he missed the old breakfast routine as much as I did.
Stifling a yawn, I shuffled into the kitchen, to find Beanie standing on his hind legs in front of Adrian, eyes focused on his strawberry toaster pastry as if it were the Holy Grail. Good morning, lil guy! Adrian laughed. Do you want a Pop-Tart?
Damn it, dog! I exclaimed, with a clap of my hands. Get out from underfoot.
Sorry, Vanessa said as she poured a dollop of soymilk into her morning coffee. We didnt mean to wake you up.
Thats okay, I replied. Normally Im up and out of the house even earlier than this. I guess I was more exhausted than I realized. I almost feel hungover.
Once Adrian and I leave for work, youre welcome to crash in the bedroom, Vanessa said. Feel free to make yourself at home while were gone.
Thanks, Nessie, Adrianyou two are really great for putting me up at such short notice.
Are you kidding? she grinned. Its going to be awesome! Ill buy some ice cream and microwave a bag of popcorn, and well stream a cheesy horror movie on Netflixitll be just like college!
Sounds wonderful, I agreed.
See you after work! Vanessa promised as she and Adrian hustled out the door and into the world beyond.
The moment the door closed behind them, I sprinted to the bathroom, barely making it in time before vomiting what was left of the previous evenings meal. I wasnt sure if my nausea was just another bout of morning sickness or a delayed reaction to everything Id gone through over the last ten hours. Once I felt better, I walked back into the living room and stared at the rumpled sofa. Vanessa and Adrian lived in a newish tower block, and by New York standards their seven-hundred-square-foot apartment was fairly spacious, but after living in the boardinghouse I couldnt help but feel claustrophobic.
I unplugged my phone from its charger and called Canterbury to tell him I was taking a couple of sick days.
Morning sickness, eh? the centaur chuckled. Well, thats to be expected. Just tell that man of yours to look after you. Its the least he can do for getting you pregnant.
I laughed and assured him I would do just that. I didnt like lying to Canterbury, but I wasnt comfortable airing my dirty laundry just yet. Nessie was one thingshe was the closest thing I had to a sister, and we had seen one another through more than one Bad Breakup in the pastbut unburdening myself on my boss and business partner was something else entirely. As it was, the logistics of commuting to work while trying to find a new place to live, on my salary, whether in or out of Golgotham, was enough to make me lie down on the floor and stare at the ceiling in surrender.
I started as my phone began to play the opening guitar lick to Hearts Magic Man. That was Hexes ringtone. I stared at the caller ID for a long moment before finally hitting the accept button. He sounded hungover. Tate? I cant find Beanie. Ive called and called, but he wont answer . . . and I found this weird note from Octavia, saying shes moving out, like, immediately.
Beanies with me, Hexe, I replied, trying to sound calmer than I actually felt.
Whats he doing at Canterburys? he asked, genuinely baffled.
Im not at work.
Then where are you?
Id rather not say.
Tate, whats going? Does this have something to do with the door to your studio?
Now it was my turn to sound confused. You dont remember?
Remember what?
You came home munted on Dragons Balm last night. You were mad at me because I confronted you at the Highlander about stealing money from the baby stash to get smoked up. Then you went mental when I said you needed to get rid of the gauntlet. If Octavia hadnt stopped you, I dont know what would have happened after that.
Waitwhat are you talking about? he asked in a perplexed voice. Ive never set foot in the Highlander.
Heavens and hells, Hexe! I shot back angrily, no longer able to hide my frustration. I was there! I saw you smoking Dragon Balm! Lying about it is not going to make me change my mind.
But Im not lying! he said with a plaintive wail. I honestly dont know what youre talking about!
Oh? And I guess you dont know anything about Lafo cutting you off at the Calf because you were picking fights with his customers, either?
Lafo said that?
Stop it, Hexe! I snapped. Whatever game you think youre playingjust stop it! Ive tried to be understanding about everything. I know youre going through hell, but I just cant stay under the same roof with you after last night. If it was just me, maybe things could be different . . . but its not just me anymore. . . .
What are you trying to say?
Im telling you that youre what happened to the door, Hexe. Thats why I left and took Beanie with me.
I . . . I . . . did that? He gasped.
Hexe, I dont know exactly whats going on, but I do know it has something to do with that damned thing Moot put on your hand. You need help, babyyou need to get rid of the gauntlet before the curse on it turns you inside out.
Please, Tatewhatever I did, Im sorry. I wont do it againI promise. Just come back home. Please, dont do this to me. I love you, Tate.
At that moment he sounded so much like the Hexe I used to know, the one I fell in love with and came to trust, I was afraid my heart was going to split in two from the pain it was enduring. And I love you, Hexe; more than Ive loved anyone in my life. As I spoke those words, my throat grew tight and tears fell with every bat of my eyelashes. You once made me promise you I wouldnt run into any more burning buildings while I was pregnantwell, thats exactly what youre asking me to do right now. I want to come home, but I cant, not as long as youre still wearing the gauntlet.
Please, Tate. Dont do this to me, he begged, his voice wavering. I dont want to lose you and the baby!
I dont want to lose you, eitherbelieve me, walking out of that house was the hardest thing Ive ever done. But I cant live with you while youve still got that thing fused to your right hand. I just cant take the risk.
Please, Tate. You dont know what youre asking of me. . . .
Im hanging up now, Hexe.
I hit the END button and set the phone aside so I could wipe my eyes and collect myself. Within seconds Magic Man started playing. I stabbed at the REJECT CALL, only to have it start to play again. I snatched up the phone and powered it down. I needed time to think, to decide what to do. As I stared at the cramped confines of Vanessa and Adrians apartmentbarely big enough for a newlywed couple, much less an indefinite houseguest, a bothersome dog, and eventual newbornI realized I should not impose any further on their lives. Although I might eventually be able to find a place in Golgotham, that meant placing me in dangerously close proximity to Hexe. I wasnt afraid of him stalking or intimidating me as much as I was worried that my resolve might weaken and I would move back in. Like it or not, I found myself with only one viable choice. But it would mean swallowing my pride and putting on my big girl panties and doing the one thing I had promised myself I would not do.
* * *
Beanie all but dragged me out of the elevator, his paws scrabbling frantically on the polished marble floor of the penthouses foyer. It had been months since the last time I had been there, but nothing much had changed. Save for the life-sized portrait of an old robber baron hanging on the wall, it still looked more like the antechamber of a four-star hotels presidential suite than the entrance to a private residence.
I took a deep breath to steady my nerves and then pressed the doorbell. Although it seemed to make no sound, I knew that somewhere deep within the penthouse, where the servants spent most of their time, a buzzer was going off. A few seconds later the door opened, revealing a very proper-looking older man in his early sixties, neatly dressed in the formal wear of a butler. The moment he saw me, his reserve disappeared and he grinned from ear to ear.
Miss Timmy! Welcome home!
Chapter 21
The water from the multiple-head shower felt good on my body. I could have stood there for another hour, without worrying about the hot water running out, but I knew I was just postponing the inevitable. And, besides, I was starting to prune. As I toweled myself dry in my old bedroom, Beanie patrolled the perimeter, diligently sniffing the baseboards, his eyes bugging even farther out of his skull than usual. There was a polite knock on the door just as I finished slipping into some fresh clothes. It was Clarence, of course.
Your parents are awaiting you in the Grand Salon, Miss Timmy, he announced.
Cant they just sit around the kitchen table like normal people? I sighed.
Then they wouldnt be Eresbies, would they? Clarence replied, with the same small, conspiratorial smile we used to share when I was in junior high and chafing under my parents rules.
No, they wouldnt, I agreed. Well, no point in putting it off any longer, I suppose. Come along, Beanie.
Beanie stopped his sniffing and obediently trotted at my heels as I led him down the pristine marble staircase that was the only access to the Grand Salon, a cavernous room with ceilings, paneling, and mantelpieces looted from only the finest Venetian palaces by the familys founder.
My parents were there, seated before the massive fireplace in antique club chairs. My father looked like he had just come back from yachting, his face still ruddy from the wind, while my mother was dressed in her after-luncheon ensemble and working on what I hoped was her first highball of the day. I was surprised to find myself actually glad to see them.
My fathers weathered face split into a wide grin as I descended the stairs. Theres my girl! he exclaimed, as he rose to hug me. Ive missed you, Princess!
I missed you, too, Dad, I said around the lump in my throat.
I told you shed come back once she got tired of playing haunted house, my mother said as she rattled the ice in her glass. What on earth has that Kymie been feeding you? Look at that pot bellyoh my God, youre pregnant. As my mother realized what she was looking at, her usual sense of decorum disappeared and her jaw dropped in disbelief.
Thanks for noticing, I said proudly.
You hear that, Millie? my father asked with an excited laugh. Were going to be grandparents!
Yes. I heard, my mother replied curtly, reaching for her decanter of bourbon. How far along are you?
Eighteen weeks.
She glanced at my stomach again. Are you sure about that?
Before I could ask her what she meant by that, my dog walked over to one of the statues that decorated the salonin this case, a Berniniand pissed all over its base.
Beanie! No! I yelped. Instead of stopping, he merely turned to look at me as he continued to urinate.
My father seemed more amused than irritated as he gestured to the butler. Clarence, it would appear my daughters dog needs to be walked.
Ill see to it personally, sir, Clarence said. Once Beanie finished emptying his bladder, Clarence picked him up and, tucking him under his arm like a football, carried him out of the room.
SoI take it that is the reason youve come back, my mother said, gesturing vaguely toward my midsection with her glass. Slumming it isnt nearly as much fun when you actually have to live in the slums, is it?
Ill admit, living without a trust fund to fall back on is hard, I replied. But working at a steady job has taught me a lot about life, especially what is and isnt necessary for me to be happy.
So what is it that you do? my father asked.
Im employed at Canterbury Customs as a fabricator and apprentice blacksmith.
Youre working as a common laborer? This information seemed to shock my mother even more than the news I was pregnant.
Its a skilled trade, Mother, I pointed out sharply. And my Master has recently taken me on as his partner.
It sounds positively pornographic, she replied with a grimace. So, what does your magic manwhats his name? Vex?think about becoming a father?
His name is Hexe and hes very excited about the whole thing and is looking forward to being a dad. . . .
There has to be a but after that sentence, my mother said, fixing me with one of her patented glares. You wouldnt be here if there wasnt.
Things have been a little . . . tense . . . between us lately, I admitted grudgingly. Hexe and I are both going through some changes right now, and I decided it would be better if we gave each other some . . . space.
To my surprise, my mother abruptly set aside her drink, a concerned look on her face. Has he laid hands on you, Timmy?
No! I replied, although not as quickly or as forcefully as I would have liked.
Her eyes narrowed, and I could tell she was trying to figure out if I was telling the truth or not by parsing out my response in her head. If ever there was a human lie detector, it was my mother. However, her calculations were interrupted by the downstairs maid who arrived armed with a bucket and mop. For some reason, my mother had an aversionif not an actual phobiawhen it came to watching others engage in manual labor of any sort, and would invariably leave the room.
Well discuss this later, at dinner, she said, hastily rising from her club chair. Seven oclock, sharp.
* * *
After the reunion with my parentswhich did not go nearly as horribly as I had dreadedI returned upstairs to see Clarence closing the door to my room behind him. He smiled upon espying me. I just finished taking your Beanie for a brief stroll in the park. I must say, he is a very friendly little chapalthough he appears to have a decided dislike of squirrels.
Yes, he does seem to take their existence as a personal affront, I agreed with a chuckle.
Its good to have you back, Miss Timmy. You have been missed.
Ive missed you, too, Clarence, I said, giving him a warm hug.
Ohand Madam requests that you dress for dinner.
Of course she does, I sighed.
Upon entering the bedroom, I saw that Beanie had made himself at home by hopping up onto the king-sized bed and falling asleep at its very center, his legs stretched out as far as they would go, as if it was the worlds biggest dog bed. As I set about searching my suitcase for something my mother would consider dressing for dinner, I heard a scrabbling sound outside the window, which I assumed was just pigeons from the nearby park perching on the ledge. Suddenly Beanie snapped out of his snooze and leapt off the bed and began frantically jumping up and down like a kangaroo, all while yapping excitedly. I drew back the curtain to see what could possibly trigger such a reaction from him, only to find Scratch squatting outside the window.
Nice digs, the familiar purred as I slid open the window, allowing him to drop down onto the carpet. Really swank.
What are you doing here?
Since youre refusing to answer your phone, Ive been turned into a message delivery service. Yes, yes, Ive missed you, too, Scratch said, bumping his head against Beanie as he continued to hop about excitedly.
How did you find me? I asked cautiously.
I sniffed out Beanie, he replied. I knew you wouldnt be far away.
So what does Hexe have to say?
In reply, the familiar leapt up onto the dresser and opened his mouth. To my surprise Hexes voice issued forth, sounding eerily like the playback on an answering machine. Tate, whatever it is Ive done, Im sorry, and I swear it wont happen again. Ill get help, Ill go to couples counselingwhatever it is you need me to do, Ill do it. Just please come back home. Its not the same without youthe house is so empty without you here. I love you, Tate. And I love our baby. Just say youll come back.
Stop it! I said with a shudder. Youre giving me the creeps.
Sowhat do I tell him? Scratch asked. Are you coming back or what?
I wont come home until he agrees to get rid of the gauntlet, I said firmly. Once hes willing to do that, Ill come back, but not before.
Hes not going to want to hear that. But Ill deliver the message just the same. Scratch then sighed and I saw true concern in his bloodred eyes and the furrow of his hairless brow. I am a familiar, and I am bound to my master. I must obey him, regardless of the order, and I am powerless to thwart his will. That is the nature of the bargain we have made, he and I. But, for what its worthyou were right to leave. I have never seen him like this before. And it scares me. Ohand for what its worththe house really isnt the same without you.
And with that, the familiar jumped from the dresser and dove through the open window, leaving a heartbroken Beanie standing propped against the sill, whining inconsolably as he watched his best friend wing his way back downtown.
Chapter 22
When most people sit down for dinner with their folks, its a time for casual banter about school, friends, and weekend plans. In my family its far more . . . complicated than that. I have never once seen my mother take a meal without diamonds in her ears and haute couture on her back. And instead of reaching for the bowl of mashed potatoes or passing around a basket of rolls on our own, either Clarence or Langston, his deputy, always does it for us.
So . . . what are your plans? my mother asked as Clarence carefully deposited three spears of white asparagus onto her plate.
You mean for my child? I replied. I intend on keeping it, of course.
My mother raised an elegantly sculpted eyebrow. Have you truly thought this out?
Yes, but clearly not the same way you have, I replied, already feeling my hackles rise.
Im just saying you have your whole life ahead of you. Are you sure you want to lumber yourself with a constant, living reminder of a bad decision you once made?
Despite what you may think, my being with Hexe was not a bad decision, I snapped. Once things get worked out between us, Im planning on going back home.
But, darling, you are home.
No, I said, with a shake of my head. This is where I grew up. My home is in Golgotham. With Hexe.
Golgothams a haven for freaks and monstrosities, my mother sniffed. Decent humans have no place there.
I belong in that world far more than I ever have in yours, I said flatly. In factIm a full-fledged Golgothamite now.
My mothers eyes narrowed. What do you mean by that?
I turned to Clarence, who was in the process of sliding a nice, juicy slice of prime rib onto my fathers plate. Clarence, could you bring me a pair of paper clips?
Of course, Miss Timmy, he replied. Clarence nodded to Langston, who nimbly stepped in and took over the carving knife and fork, and then disappeared into the kitchen.
What on earth do paper clips have to do with this? my mother asked with a frown.
A few moments later, Clarence returned to the dining room, brandishing a pair of jumbo gold-colored paper clips. Will these do, Miss Timmy?
Just what I need, I smiled. Thank you, Clarence.
I quickly unbent the metal wires and used them to construct an impromptu sculpture utilizing the welter of tableware on either side of my plate. The body was fashioned from my coffee spoon, while its four legs, joined by the repurposed paper clips, were made from the salad and dessert fork, the seafood fork, and the butter knife. I decided it looked like a horse. Granted, a spindly, somewhat lopsided horse, but a horse nonetheless.
What are you doing? my mother sighed. And couldnt this have waited until after weve had dinner?