Demon Hunting with a Dixie Deb - Lexi George Page 0,122
for sex after you get hitched. You take the old ball and chain someplace romantic—and expensive as hell, if you got the greenbacks—and pretend you’re over the moon to be staked to her until you’re dead. Lust, rust, and dust. Those are the three stages of marriage. And no more strange for the rest of your life.” He shuddered. “Better you than me.”
Lifting his hand in farewell, Evan strolled off in his loose-limbed way.
He paused down the drive and turned around.
“Almost forgot what I came out here to tell you,” he said. “Your pain-in-the-ass boss tapped Taryn to bring in the rogue.”
“What?”
“Thought you’d be cheesed.” Evan grinned. “Seems to think you Dalvahni might not be up to policing yourselves. Conflict of interest. Taryn came to tell you, but you and the Lollipop were too busy doing the bunny dance. She asked me to pass on the happy news. Told her I’d be more’n glad to.”
There was gleeful satisfaction in Evan’s voice.
Grim digested this news. “I am loath to admit it, but there is wisdom in Conall’s decision. ’Twould be hard for one of us to dispatch a brother, no matter his transgression.”
“Spare me the almighty brotherhood talk.” Evan shoved his hands in his pockets. “One more thing. I borrowed Mea while you and Sassy were MIA. Hit the casino in Atmore and won a million bucks three nights in a row.”
“That is a large amount of currency. The luck of the gods was surely with you.”
“Something like that.” Evan flashed his wicked smile. “For some reason, they turned me away at the door the fourth night. Seemed to think I was up to something. And me with such an honest face.” He shrugged. “No biggie. Thinking of hitting the slots in Vegas next.”
“I forget that money is important to humans.”
“Not just humans,” Evan said. “Demonoids need love, too. Hard to eat regular without it. For some reason, Alabama Power gets cranky when you don’t pay your bill.”
“I am sorry I did not consider this. I should have given you money.”
Evan’s dark brows clamped together. “Do I look like a charity case?”
“’Twas not my intent to offend.”
“Whatever,” Evan said. “I’ve managed to save a little dough over the years. Took some of my winnings and bought me a truck and a little house a few blocks from my dad’s place in Meadowbrook. Nothing fancy, but it’s got potential.”
“Congratulations on your good fortune.”
“Yeah, check me out. I’m practically do-mesticated.” Evan raised his hand in farewell. “Later, Big ’Un. Props again on winning the princess.”
He sauntered down the drive and disappeared into the garage. Grim heard an engine start. A moment later, Evan motored past in his new truck. The gleaming black carriage had an enclosed portion for carrying freight. The vehicle disappeared into the trees and Evan was gone.
Grim turned to reenter the house and heard a cry of alarm.
Sassy.
In a flash, he was inside the house and at her side. She was unharmed, thank the gods, and kneeling beside the prone figure of her mother. The shade of Junior Peterson hovered nearby.
“What has befallen her?” Grim demanded.
Sassy looked up at him and Grim inhaled sharply. Gods, she was lovely, this sweet thorn that pierced his heart. For her he would bleed and gladly.
“It’s Mama.” Sassy patted her mother’s hand. “She fainted.”
“Understandable, given the afternoon’s revelations.” Junior looked around. “Where’s Trey?”
“He ran off when Mama swooned.”
“I’d better go after him.” Junior started to fade. “Things have a way of happening when Trey gets upset.”
Sassy gave him a sharp look. “Is Trey behind the accidents at the mill?”
The shade winked. “You’re a smart girl. You figure it out.”
Junior disappeared.
“Well, I like that,” Sassy said. “First Trey leaves me the mill. Then he tries to put me out of business.”
“Your brother is a troubled spirit, my love,” Grim said. “I doubt he knows what he is about.”
“You’re right. Trey’s had it rough. Juke says my grandfather murdered him in front of Trey.”
“Juke?” Grim knelt beside the prone female and checked her pulse. “Who is Juke?”
“Juke was Mama’s nickname for Junior.” Sassy’s expression was troubled. “I think Mama really loved him. And Trey loved Mama. He stayed with my grandfather to protect her. Me, too, I suppose. I thought my brother didn’t care, but he did. He cared a lot.” Sassy’s voice trembled. “It’s so sad.”
Grim rose to his feet and took Sassy in his arms. “Your brother did what he had to do to keep you both safe. For that, I honor him.”