Page 116 of Knight

“When did you get so bossy?” I ask with a healthy mixture of annoyance and pride.

“I learn from the best. If you’re going back to The Grove, I’m coming too.”

“I don’t want you coming.”

“Why? Cause it’s dangerous? If it’s so dangerous why are you going?” she asks. “Every time you go on one of your little missions, something bad happens. So, you might need an escort and besides Damien, I’m the only one you can trust.”

Damn. Eden Gardens has given her a lot of mouth. I can’t decide if that’s good or bad.

“Fine. If you’re not here in ten, I’m leaving,” I promise.

Willow agrees and I sit on the steps, digging in my pockets for my beanie while I wait for her to show up so we can take this little adventure. I’m not sure what’s in store but at least my sister is by my side. Exactly where she should be.

* * *

Low insists we take an Uber to Glendale.

When I tell her that’s way too much for us to afford, she tells me she’s been using Bella’s Uber account.

Clever. Not like the Quinfreys will miss the money.

It’s around dinner time when we arrive, using the drive to fill Willow in on my worries. She reassures me it will all be fine which makes me even more grateful she came along.

The smell of burning tires hits my nose when we open our door. While Glendale feels as familiar as these boots, it doesn’t feel like home. Not anymore.

“Where do we start?” Willow asks.

“Anansi’s,” I respond.

“Oh! Miss Anita might have her patties out!” I’m happy for Willow’s excitement. For making this trip feel normal. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was dreading the outcome. Nothing good ever comes out of being in The Grove.

Damien’s not at Anansi’s Kitchen, but Willow gets that patty she’s craving. It helps keep her spirits up while we wander our old Glendale paths, our eyes out for Damien or his car. But after some time walking down the sidewalk lit up by bars, money-lending businesses and barbershops, we still haven’t seen him anywhere.

“Is he really out here?” Willow asks, pulling her plaid coat around her. She tugs on her yellow hat before she wraps her matching scarf tighter around her neck. “Or are you freaking out because you’re in love with him?”

I stop in my tracks. “What?” My heart thumps against my chest.

She laughs through chattering teeth, “Oh, p-please. It’s obvious. You’re t-trying to find excuses not to go along with t-this.”

I look down at her, unable to hide my smile. It’s like she’s become a whole different person in a few months. “Pft, what do you know?”

“I’m just saying.” Willow pushes her hand in her pockets, moving her head to the side so her hair moves out her face. “I know you. And the only people you hunt down like this is someone you’re in love with. R-remember when we spent all day looking for Zane when he didn’t c-come home that night?” She chatters again, bouncing in her white boots.

Shaking my head, I look at the path ahead, refusing to entertain my sister’s thoughts. The library is only another block. A great place to warm-up and consider what the fuck my sister’s saying.

Am I here because I think he’s doing something sketchy? Or because I’m so worried I couldn’t resist looking for him myself? “Okay, Shakespeare. C’mon,” I say, pointing my chin towards the library sign. “Let’s get warmed up.”

Miss Angela sits in her usual spot behind the administration counter when we step into the library. The heat feels like a warm blanket as I rub my hands together. Willow stays close to my side as we make our way in, our boots dragging along the dull carpet.

A huge smile spreads across Miss Angela’s face, “Jo! How nice to see you again! And you brought your sister.”

“Hi, Miss Angela,” Willow greets with a wide glossy smile.

“It’s cold outside so we thought we’d step in and warm up,” I explain.

“Well, you’re most welcome.” Miss Angela leans over her desk in a raspberry blazer and matching lipstick, crow’s feet on full display with her cheesy grin. Her glasses hang off the gold chain on her neck as she eyes my sister’s outfit and I know what she’s thinking. It’s a long way from our usual attire of hand-me-downs and thrift store finds.

“Might as well visit while it’s here, right?” I shrug, my body feeling warmer by the minute.

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