Page 82 of Boss Witch

***

Gavin had no more words after he made that pronouncement.

He didn’t know what the council would do to him, and truthfully, he didn’t care. It would be fitting if they inflicted on him the punishment the order had been imposing on witches for centuries. For profit.

He rose, feeling marginally better than he had when he arrived. Between the food and drink and basking in Clem’s company, he felt like he could cope. He only needed to hang on for a few days longer, and then he could rest, whatever form that took.

“I should go,” he said. “You said the wards will keep you safe if…something happens?”

Gavin didn’t know exactly what he feared—­Ted returning or his old man sending even more enforcers. He just knew he couldn’t take any chances with her safety, not when he’d led everyone here, following orders like a sodding hound.

“They’ll respond aggressively if someone with malicious intent tries to cross the threshold,” she assured him.

“I’ll buy a burner,” Gavin said. “And I’ll text you the new number. You can’t use my old mobile, but do ring me if anything happens. I’ll come, no matter the hour.”

“Thank you.” Her voice was oddly formal.

“I’ll be in touch, then.”

Though it was torture, he headed out without looking back at her, getting on the Duc. Benson had gotten used to traveling in his pocket, though sometimes he yelled in Gavin’s mind about how loud it was. First, he headed to a convenience store to pick up a cheap flip phone along with a prepaid card with some airtime, then he drove back to the flat, where he let Benson take a break in his habitat to run on the wheel, eat some delicious pellets, and have a drink. Gavin installed the sim and used the Wi-­Fi with VPN to place an internet call and activate the service. Perhaps he was being too careful, but he couldn’t risk letting his father spy on him.

Like Grandad said, I made my choice.

Quickly, he texted Clem with his new cell number and she texted fifteen minutes later with a simple acknowledgment.

He’d been a tween the last time he sent a reply with this sort of keyboard, best for people with nimble thumbs.I’m here if you need me.

Already there would be echoes in the order from the spell Clem had cast. God, but it had been fucking beautiful, like a stream of silver minnows darting into the machine. Gavin couldn’t just sit alone and brood while they waited for the next development, but he had nothing productive to do either.

It’s been a while since my last visit.

The hour was off for a coffee klatch gathering, but Gavin found that he missed Leonard. Howard and Gladys too, frankly, but he was closer to Leonard. So he used the new cell phone to message him.

New mobile, this is Gavin. Are you home? I’d like to make myself useful if you have any work for me.

Leonard:Come on over.

Relieved to have somewhere to be, Gavin told Benson, “I’m heading out. Can you alert me if anyone comes sniffing around the place?”

The mouse paused on the wheel long enough to reply,If you’re too far away, you’ll just get an emotional impression, but yes. I can and I will. Bring me a banana! No, a strawberry!Silently amused, Gavin headed downstairs and drove the Duc, blanking his mind until arriving at Leonard’s house. The old man had his arm in a sling when he met Gavin at the door.

“What happened?” he asked.

Leonard smiled and shook his head. “I tried showing off my bike skills for Gladys. Turns out, it is possible to forget how to ride one, and now I’m paying for my hubris with a hairline fracture.”

“What do you need me to do?”

“The yard needs mowing, if you’re willing. Good timing too, as it’s getting tall, and it’s best to do this in the morning or evening.”

“Huh. I had no idea it even mattered when you cut it.”

“It has to do with stressing the grass and moisture, I believe. Just one of those things you learn taking care of a yard.” Leonard shrugged as if to say he wasn’t entirely sure either.

“I’ll do my best not to stress your grass,” Gavin said with a ghost of a smile.

“Mower’s in the shed out back. It’s not locked. Push mower, though, so you’ll get a workout. I prefer it that way because it helps me stay active, but I may break down and get me a riding mower in a few years. It does tire me out, even when I’ve got two good arms.”

“Anything else I should know?”

---