too old, I said after a moment. Im moderately ancient by the standards of the younger generation, and I think she only looks a little over the top.
Molly rolled her eyes at us both, her cheeks pink.
I suppose a good Christian should be willing to turn the other cheek when it comes to matters of fashion, Michael said.
Let he who hath never stonewashed his jeans cast the first stone, I said, nodding.
Michael laughed and gripped my shoulder briefly. Its good to see you, Harry.
And you, I said, trying a smile. I glanced at the plastic case on his shoulder. Business trip?
Yes, he said.
Where to?
He smiled. Ill know when I get there.
I shook my head. Michael was entrusted to wield one of the blades of the Knights of the Cross. He was one of only two men in the world who were entrusted with such potent weapons against dark powers. As such, he had a lot of planet to cover. I wasnt clear exactly how his itinerary was established, but he was often called away from his home and family, apparently summoned to where his strength was most needed.
I dont go in big for religionbut I believe in the Almighty. I had seen a vast power at work supporting Michaels actions. Coincidence seemed to go to insane lengths, at times, to make sure he was where he needed to be to help someone in trouble. I had seen that power strike down seriously twisted foes without Michael so much as raising his voice. That power, that faith, had carried him through dangers and battles he had no business surviving, much less winning.
But I hadnt ever thought too much about how hard it must be for him to leave his home when the Archangels or God or Whoever sent up a flare and called him off to a crisis.
I glanced aside at Molly. She was smiling, but I could see the strain and worry beneath the surface.
Hard on his family, too.
Havent you left? called a womans voice from upstairs. The house creaked again and Michaels wife appeared at the top of the stairway, saying, Youll be
Her voice cut off suddenly. I hadnt ever seen Charity in a red silk kimono before. Like Michael, her hair was damp from the shower. Even wet, it still looked blond. Charity had nice legs, clearly defined muscles in her calves shifting as she stepped to the head of the stairs, and what I could see of the rest of her looked much the samestrong, fit, healthy. She bore a sleeping child on one hipmy namesake, Harry, the youngest of the bunch. His arms and legs splayed in perfect relaxation, and his head was pillowed on her shoulder. His cheeks were pink with that look very young children get while sleeping.
Blue eyes widened in utter surprise and for just a moment she froze, staring at Molly. She opened her mouth for a second, words hesitating on her tongue. Then her eyes shifted to me and surprise fell to recognition, which was followed by a melange of anger, worry, and fear. She clutched her kimono a little more tightly to her, her mouth working for a second more, then said, Excuse me for a moment.
She vanished and reappeared a moment later, sans little Harry, this time covered in a long terrycloth bathrobe, her feet inside fuzzy slippers.
Molly, she said quietly, and came down the stairs.
The girl averted her eyes. Mother.
And the wizard, she said, her mouth hardening into a line. Of course hes here. She titled her head to one side, her expression hardening further. Is this who youve been with, Molly?
The air pressure in the room quadrupled, and Mollys face darkened from pink to scarlet. So what if it is? she demanded, defiance making the words ring. Thats no business of yours.
I opened my mouth to assure Charity that I had nothing to do with anything (not that it would actually alter the nature of the conversation), but Michael glanced at me and shook his head. I zipped my lips and awaited developments.
Wrong, Charity said, her stance belligerent and unyielding. You are a child and I am your mother. It is precisely my business.
But its my life Molly replied.
Which you clearly lack the discipline and intelligence to manage.
Here we go again, Molly said. Go go gadget control freak.
Do not take that tone of voice with me, young lady.
Young lady, Molly singsonged back in a nasal impersonation of her mothers voice, her fists now on her hips. Whats