Page 19 of Flame
I sigh. “No. I am here for Banks, and I know exactly what I need to do with him. But thank you for your concern.”
She smiles to herself.
My phone buzzes. I jerk it out of my pocket and look at the screen, hoping it’s Landry. But the text is from a number I don’t know.
Unknown: Foxes are solitary animals. They are not pack animals. They live by themselves or in small family groups called skulks (not skunks). These usually include a mama fox and around six cubs.
“Is that written in English?” Mom asks. “Because you’re looking at it like it’s not.”
I toss my phone on the table. It spins as it slides, coming to a rest against Mom’s books.
“Someone thinks they’re cute and just sent me random facts about foxes,” I say, unamused.
“You, too, huh?”
“What do you mean?”
“Your brothers get texts like that. They all get a different animal. Of course, you get a fox.”
“Someone issowitty.”
She grins. “I think it’s cute.”
“You would.” I stand and grab my phone. “I need to get home. If you see that kid of yours, tell him I’m looking for him.”
“My gut says that he already knows that.”
I turn to leave.
“Foxx?”
I look at her over my shoulder.
“In all seriousness, I know you don’t need my help or advice,” she says, her words solemn. “But I’m here. If you can’t hear your heart, you can come talk to me.”
I knock on the table with my knuckle. “No worries. My heart is loud and clear, and it’s telling me to find Banks and remove his spleen.”
“Just don’t get blood on the carpet or furniture. You’ll never get it out.”
I shake my head, chuckling. “Love you.”
“I love you, Foxxster.”
Just as I turn to leave, the front door opens. Banks stops, freezing in place with his eyes wide as dinner plates.
“Oh, shit,” he says, spinning on his heel to flee.
I cut the distance between us in half and pluck the back of his shirt, yanking him backward.
“Mom!” he yells.
“Don’t yell for Mommy,” I say, shoving him into a corner. “You and I are going to have a little talk.”
“Foxx, buddy, pal—just listen to me with an open mind …”
“Shut up.” My phone buzzes in my pocket. I manage to get it out and into my hand without dropping it.Ford Landryflashes on the screen. I look up and point at Banks. “Stay put, or it’s going to be worse for you.”
He nods slowly.
