Page 97 of Boss Witch

That’s how he used to drink it.

But it had been so long that he hadn’t been sure, either of his own memory or maybe Grandad’s tastes would’ve changed. Grandad glanced over at the habitat where Benson was running on his wheel. “Your familiar?” he guessed.

Gavin nodded. “We scored high in our affinity testing. He understands me perfectly and vice versa. I passed a ‘psychic’ test using Benson as my proxy.”

“That’s fascinating,” Samuel said. “I’ve never bonded with an animal, but I always wished I could. And Kevin felt it would be cruel to confine a larger pet to the boat.”

They chatted about the program a little more, with Gavin providing details about the sort of classes he’d taken. Unsurprisingly, he found witch history fascinating, and if possible, he might look for work teaching in the States. Online instruction might solve a variety of problems, but that would require a little more education.

“Get your online teaching credentials,” Grandad suggested. “If it’s a matter of money, Samuel and I have some saved. I’m sure he’d be all right with a loan.”

Warmth rushed over him as Samuel nodded. It felt fantastic to have grandparents who cared about what he wanted. Gavin managed a soft smile. “Financially, I’m doing well enough. And I’m looking into it.”

Grandad sat forward wearing a serious look. “That’s all I need to hear, my lad.”

“Is there something else?” Gavin asked.

“In fact, Iamhere to turn myself in. I’ll do the educational course if they let me, and then I mean to start working on reparations.”

“It’s never too late to do the right thing,” Samuel said, covering Kevin’s hand where it rested on his thigh.

“I may not be around long enough to make up for the damage I’ve done,” Grandad said with a quiet sigh.

There was also the chance those witches might’ve passed on already. Gavin’s missions were more recent, so he hoped to track down everyone he’d harmed—­with the council’s help. According to what his counselor had said, they were already delving into records seized from the hunters, going back decades.

Most hunters hadn’t known, it seemed, and they were working with the council to make up for past crimes. For Gavin, it would be six months more before he graduated from witching school—­as he privately thought of it—­and go into the field as a healer.

So far, he hadn’t written to Clem. Nor had she responded to his final email. So that was over, probably.

It hurts more than I can bear.

No, not more. Exactly as much.

Any worse and he might die of it, but he affixed a smile, not wanting Grandad to think he had misgivings about this reunion. People were made of multiple emotions, so joy and sorrow shared space equally within him.

“Now I feel like I’m fit to make conversation,” Samuel said, setting down his cup.

“Is it rude to wonder what kind of witch you are?” Gavin asked.

“Not at all. I’m a neuromancer. We’re a bit rare these days. I specialize in illusions and glamours. Or I did, before I ran off with this mad pirate.” Samuel smiled fondly at Kevin, his eyes full of a lifetime’s devotion.

Grandad grinned back, mischievous as Gavin remembered. “Privateer.”

Fascinated, Gavin asked, “Is Samuel serious? Have you been working as smugglers?”

“Nothing dangerous,” Grandad said. “But yes. Quite often we’re running medicine and supplies to people oppressed by their governments. A small boat can get in and out of port fast, and with Samuel’s illusions, we’ve never been caught.”

“There were some near misses,” Samuel allowed. “And some plans that unraveled entirely and we had to improvise.” He shuddered delicately. “I loathe improv.”

“You must have the most amazing stories,” Gavin said. “I want to hear them all.”

Grandad beamed. “And so you shall, my lad. We’re staying for a while.” He hesitated, seeming unsure for the first time. “Your grandmother and your mum want to come.”

Neither his father nor his grandad had managed to keep their marriages together. Before Kevin met Samuel, he had been divorced for a few years, and Gavin’s old man followed in that fine tradition. Gavin hadn’t seen either of the women in years.

“Are you asking or telling me?”

“They miss you, but the way Jase raised you…” Clearly Grandad feared the brainwashing had stuck and that Gavin wouldn’t want to reconcile with his grandmother or his mum.

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