Page 95 of Greed
“Um. Griffin didn’t tell you?”
“Griff!” he bellowed then got up to join his siblings on the mat. The glares and clenched jaws were punctuated by the loaded stares they sent Lilo’s way.
She bit her lip. “Why are they so angry at me? I was the one attacked.”
“Not at you. They’re angry because you were attacked in his club,” Flint said with a furious frown. “Honestly, you can’t hire good security these days.”
“I didn’t know.” Grace patted Lilo on the leg. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. I mean, it was scary, but Griffin was there.” Thinking back had her mind reeling. “In fact, he wiped the floor with those four men. I’m sure it won’t happen again.”
“No it won’t,” Parker said. “I’ll be hiring security I trust.” He paused, watching his family spar on the mat intently. “You said four against one?”
“Yeah, he pulled gutters with his power and pinned them to the wall. It was incredible to watch. Even the fire-escape came off.”
Parker’s jaw moved from side to side as though he were chewing on his thoughts. “This room won’t do then.” He clapped his hands. “Everybody out.”
Liza protested. “But we were just getting started!”
“Into the alley,” he elaborated. “This room is too small for Griffin’s power.”
Tony’s eyes brightened. “Weapons?”
“I wouldn’t bring anything metal, unless you want your ass handed to you,” Mary noted.
“I got all the weapons I need right here.” Evan’s fists crackled and sparked with blue lights.
Grace snorted. “Show off.”
Lilo couldn’t hide the smile on her face. “If Misha were here, she’d be placing bets.”
“Great idea!” Liza pointed at Lilo.
“Don’t encourage her,” Parker threw over his shoulder before leading them all outside.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Griffin stood before three of his siblings in the very alley he almost lost Lilo in. It only served to rile him up, not give them a sporting chance against his new power. It was just before midday, and most of the snow had melted meaning the cold snap was over—he glanced at the blue sky—possibly for good. Spring was on its way.
“Come on,” Tony shouted, bouncing on his toes, fists in front of him. “We don’t have all day.”
Griffin glanced to the alley exit, just to be sure. Mary and Flint both stood, blocking any passersby from entering. Still—it was broad daylight, and not the sort of thing he wanted to be doing in a public alley, even if the only access was blocked, and all windows were boarded up on the opposite building. On second thought, he let his power fill his body until he buzzed from toes to head and connected with metal as though it were a phantom limb. He used that limb to shove a big red dumpster, dragging it from its space near the wall. Rubbish tumbled from the bin, and papers flew into the air, twirling. Mary watched it coming toward her with a wary eye until it stopped feet before her.
Much better. Good luck seeing over that.
Griffin turned back to where Parker, Lilo and Grace watched from the open doorway of headquarters. Parker rubbed his chin, deep in thought as he eyed the metal destruction littered around the alley, evidence of Griffin’s last venture there.
“You’re so going win this, baby,” Lilo grinned.
He ground his bo-staff into the dirty floor. He just wanted it over with.
“Right, new plan.” Parker walked over, eyeing the fallen fire escape behind Griffin. He pulled out a small handheld device in the shape of a rectangle. “It’s clear you already have some control over your ability. This is a magnetometer. It’s going the measure the strength of your magnetic force. Someone throw something metal at Griffin.”
Tony looked deflated. “I thought we were going to spar.”
“You think you can beat him?” Parker baited.
“Duh.”
