Page 86 of Deadly Deception
With his head bent, I couldn’t see the tears tracking down the familiar territory of Tompkins’s cheeks, but I could see how his hands shook as he wiped them away. I wanted to take the man in my arms and give him one of my nana’s comforting hugs. Instead, I rested the palm of my hand on his back and rubbed it.
We stayed there, staring aimlessly at the vending machines, our small alcove lit by their light. Seconds passed into minutes until Tompkins finally said, “You’re one of the good ones, Franklin. I knew it the day we met, and I’m even more sure of it now. I’m glad you found someone to love, someone who obviously loves you back. Do me a favor?”
“Anything,” I answered automatically.
“Don’t fuck it up. If there’s one bright spot in my life, it’s thinking of you living your best one, that young necromancer in there by your side. Fight for what you’ve got and don’t let anyone, and I meananyone, tell you different. Love is a gift far too few of us willingly accept.”
My chest eased for the first time since spotting Tompkins lonely figure sitting in that chair by Henson’s bed. “That, my friend, is a promise I can easily make.”
“Good to hear, Franklin. Very good to hear.”
Chapter
Twenty-Seven
Erasmus
The plane ride home was far different than the one we’d taken to Chicago. Not the plane itself, but the atmosphere. The tension and unease I’d carried while traveling north was absent. I’d met Franklin’s family and while it hadn’t been a home run, I’d at least gotten to third base. I scrunched my nose and cringed at the analogy. I needed to come up with something different when considering Franklin’s family. There was a reason comparing them to sexual gratification didn’t seem right.
Leaning into my seat, I released a heavy breath and let me eyes slip closed. Franklin was beside me, our shoulders touching. I’d given him the aisle seat again so he could stretch his legs out when possible. I figured I had ten, maybe fifteen minutes in me before I fell asleep. Before I did, I wanted to check in on the man I’d decided to hitch my wagon to.
“You okay?” I asked cautiously.
I felt Franklin’s shrug. “I could be better. I could also be a lot worse.”
I wanted to saywe could be dead, but figured Franklin was painfully aware. Speaking of pain… “How’s your head? Do you need another one of Pops’s pain charms?”
“Thank you, but I think I’m fine. By the way, don’t think I didn’t see you hand Henson a few of those same charms. You were trying to be sneaky, but I know you.”
I chuckled softly. “That you do. I figured the guy could use them more than me. Besides, I’ve got a pretty solid supply line.” I turned my head toward Franklin and winked.
“That you do. You never did tell me what Holland said when you finally called.”
I winced. “Yeah, there’s a reason for that. Besides, I think you have a decent idea of how that phone conversation went down.”
“Thanks for having it while I was out of listening range.”
“That’s what you do when you love someone.” I shifted my head and grinned. Now that I’d popped theI love youcherry, I found the words easy to say. They flowed out of my mouth with little disregard or true thought. They’d become the easiest three words to vocalize. Who knew?
Franklin leaned down, lips puckered. I met him halfway and enjoyed the rough feel of his lips moving against mine. That simple, intimate touch was soul-soothing.
Pulling back, Franklin released his own sigh. “Have I thanked you recently for coming with me?”
“Only about five hundred times. And for the record, I’m glad I came.” That wasn’t even a partial lie.
“I forgot to ask if you heard from Tabitha Clark before we boarded the plane.”
“No. Nothing since she sent the text saying they were on the road and that Navarre seemed settled and comfortable. She thanked us again for the kitten. She questioned me about the name. I wasn’t sure what to say. Thankfully, Tabitha thinks Navarre named the kitten. Evidently, he’s keeping the name Little Fang.”
“It’s not a terrible name.”
“I can definitely think of worse,” I agreed.
“Do you think Aurelia will miss the kitten?”
“Honestly? I have no idea. I do think she was somewhat fond of her. Or at least she took her responsibility to heart. As for any true affection…your guess is as good as mine.” I didn’t think I’d ever know what to truly make of Aurelia. Maybe I wasn’t meant to know.
“Do you think there’ll be more?” Franklin asked.
