Page 18 of Darling Beasts

“And if you don’t come to California, you’ll be off the payroll, too.”

Chapter Eleven

Ozzie

Yeah, so, this was not great news. Getting cut off. But Ozzie wasn’t giving up his whole life for a measly $50K.

According to Talia, Gabby didn’t bite, either, and honestly, Ozzie was surprised. He wouldn’t expect his sister to jump at the chance or anything, but people were turning the screws, and Gabby tended to avoid conflict no matter the cost. Talia drove all the way out to the Collective to talk her into it, but still,no. Notably, she did not try with him. Ozzie understood he wasn’t the world’s most together or reliable guy, but sometimes he wished his family liked him half as much as his followers did. Don’t get it twisted. He knew they loved him, no question. But liking was a different beast.

Fortunately, Ozzie saw himself as an optimist. He had to be, in this family, and he’d already taken steps to secure his lifestyle. Yesterday he reached out to an auction house to sell the pieces he didn’t give a shit about. If Ozzie got really desperate, he’d letBestiarygo, even though it looked damn good in the gallery beside his best piece, the original Hundred Acre Wood map fromWinnie the Pooh. The map was fictional and full of whimsy, whereasBestiaryrepresented the stark realities of everyday life. Contrast. Juxtaposition. Yin and yang.

Dozens if not hundreds of works had come into and out of the collection, but Ozzie’s first and forever love would remain Pooh’s map.Think, think, think. Oh, bother!Man, he loved thatchubby little bear, and leaving the map to him was the only decent thing Grandma Yvonne ever did. This was a woman so awful not even Dad was upset when she died. Apparently she didn’t believe in hugging children or touching them at all except with a wooden spoon.

Regardless. Ozzie was ready to stand on business, and he was therefore sitting in a viewless, charmless conference room, preparing for his new, more responsible life. He was glad Freja’s manager didn’t ball out for premium space, but Ozzie was dizzied by the blandness, and the scent of synthetic carpet.

Spinning his phone on the table, Ozzie tried to envision what vibe this Barclay character might bring. Probably some real “disappointed dad” energy, if he were to guess. Yes, Ozzie had made mistakes, and a few of his investments weren’t “sure bets” after all. He’d jumped into crypto at its descent but, give him a break, he was only nineteen when Superstonk/GME came down from its peak. Also nineteen when he purchased a midtown office building two months before everyone started working from home.

The money sitch was a little snug, but no worries. Once Ozzie sold some things, and signed a few more brand deals, he’d be fine. The $50K per month draw was awkwardly low for a proper trust fund, and he wasn’t going to debase himself to hang on to it.

You’re doing the right thing, his Aunt Kathy had said when he told her about Barclay.Stopping a problem before it begins.Unlike her husband, she didn’t have to say. Ozzie adored Aunt Kathy. She was funny, and chill, and would never judge him since she stayed with Uncle Doug against literally everyone’s advice.

At last the conference room door opened. Ozzie rose to his feet.

“Ah, Oscar,” Barclay said, brandishing a very sharp smile. “I’m glad you could make it. I hope you’ve cleared your calendar. We have a lot to discuss.”

Interstitial

From: Gabby Gunn

Sent: Monday, August 28 2:15 PM

To: Eli dos Santos

Subject: PBS study

Dear Dr. dos Santos,

I’ve had PBS for the past eleven years. Congratulations on wrapping up your Brazilian study! I saw on the message boards that you’re launching a smaller study in San Diego and, as luck would have it, I’ll be in the area starting after Labor Day. I’m not sure about participating in any experiments but would love to meet up and discuss your findings. I have my own theory and am curious whether it might align with yours.

Thank you in advance for considering a meetup. I look forward to hearing from you!

Gabby Gunn

From: Eli dos Santos

Sent: Monday, August 28 2:47 PM

To: Gabby Gunn

Subject: Re: PBS study

Dear Gabby,

It was wonderful to receive your email. I would love to discuss PBS, though will not be sharing my findings at this juncture. Please reach out when you arrive in San Diego. Things are busy at the SDZWA, but I will find a way to fit you in.

Best,

Dr. Eli dos Santos, D.V.M., Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ECZM (ZHM)

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