Page 50 of Demon
“Helping,” Gavin said.“We thought we’d get things started for you, then you wouldn’t have so much to do.”
“I know you know what you’re doing, but what about him?”She flung one hand in Demon’s direction.
“Nope.I’m an utter failure in the kitchen.But I can brown meat.That’s all I’ve done here, and I did it under his supervision.”He tilted his head toward Gavin.
She sighed, propped her hands on her hips, and scanned the kitchen.“Okay.Thank you for the help, but I’ve got it from here.”She shooed them out of the kitchen.“Go shower.It shouldn’t take me long to get this wrapped up.”
Demon fetched clean clothes, shorts and a t-shirt, something he could sleep in, because unless something went really wrong, he needed to get some shut eye.He would need to be rested when the time came to confront Jim Bob and Ronnie’s father, if they could get him.Demon was determined to get him, because as long as he was free, then Ronnie would be in danger.
He stepped out of the bathroom, carried his dirty clothes back to where he’d left his backpack and dropped them in a pile next to it.He’d need to wash those before the next running day, he reminded himself.With that on his mind, he headed for the kitchen, and the enticing aroma of bread and meat.
“How often do you run?”he asked as he stepped into the room.
“Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, why?”
“So I know how long I have to clean those shorts.I’ll need them for the next run.”
“What’s wrong with those?”She nodded toward the ones he had on.
“There’s no where to put my holster.”
“Holster?”
“You don’t think I insisted on going with you, for protection, and didn’t carry a weapon, did you?”
Ronnie stared at him for a moment with wide eyes.“I didn’t know they made anything like that.”She tilted her head.“I wonder if they make them for women too.”
“They do.I’ve never gone looking for specific items, but I’ve seen clothing for women.Is there something in particular you’re looking for?”Demon wouldn’t mind taking her shopping for something like that.The mall?He had no interest in that, unless it was a lingerie section and she was going to model for him.But weapons and concealed carry gear, along with a few other things, he could get into.
“Nothing specific, but I like the idea.I mean, I have a permit, not that I need one here, but it’s great for reciprocity.And I don’t carry often, but I like the idea of the right gear to carry in all situations, like going for a run, or anything really.”
“They’ve got them for women.If you can’t find any locally, let me know.I’ll find out where to go for you,” Gavin put in.
Ronnie scowled at him.“You knew about these?”She scowled at him.
“Of course.”
“Why of course and why didn’t you tell me?”
“Of course, because the tech was designed for our military and other undercover agents.I didn’t tell you because it didn’t occur to me that it’s something that would interest you.How often do you carry anyway?”He scowled at her.
Demon grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, sat, then folded his arms across his chest and watched the two of them bicker back and forth.It reminded him of the playful banter that his mom’s folks had done before they’d passed away.He found it cute and entertaining, just as he had when it had been Nonna and Pops.
27
“Istilldon’tlikeit,” Ronnie glared at Gavin.
“I honestly don’t give a shit if you like it or not.I’m more concerned with keeping you alive than keeping you happy, at least at the moment.”Her brother didn’t seem affected by her anger.
“But what about Demon?”She flung one hand in his direction.
Demon had to resist the urge to raise both hands and tell them to leave him out of it.
“What about him?”Gavin asked, creases forming between his brows.
“He’s been up all night.The way this was supposed to work was you cover me during the day, he’s got nights.If you take off and leave me here, then he can’t sleep.That’s not fair to him.”
“He and I have already discussed this.I’m not going to be gone that long, then I’ll have you and he can sleep.”Gavin rolled his eyes, as if she was being totally unreasonable.
