Proven Guilty (The Dresden Files #8) - Jim Butcher Page 0,58

for scattered memories of my father, Thomas was the only blood family Id ever had. Thomas had faced danger and death beside me without hesitation, had guarded me in my sleep, tended me when Id been injured, and once in a while hed even cooked. We got on each others nerves sometimes, sure, but that hadnt ever altered the fundamental fact of who we were to one another.

We were brothers.

Everything else was temporary.

I met his eyes and asked, quietly, Are you going to be all right?

He smiled a little and shrugged. I think so.

I tilted my head. Whered the money come from?

My job.

I lifted my eyebrows. You found a job you could hold?

He winced a little.

Sorry, I said. Buthellip; I know youd had so much trouble. Specifically, hed been subjected to the amorous attentions of various fellow employees who had been drawn to him to such a degree that it had practically been assault. Being an incubus was probably easier at night clubs and celebrity parties than at a drive-through or a cash register. You found something?

Something without people, he said. He smiled easily as he spoke, but I sensed an undercurrent of deception in it. He wasnt telling me the whole truth. Ive been there a while.

Yeah? I asked. Where?

He evaded me effortlessly. A place down off Lake View. Ive finally earned a little extra. I just wanted to pay you back.

You must be getting all kinds of overtime, I said. As near as I can figure it, youve been putting in eighty- and ninety-hour weeks.

He shrugged, his smile a mask. Working hard.

I took another sip of beer (which was excellent, even cold) and thought it over. If he didnt want to talk about it, he wasnt going to talk about it. Pushing him wouldnt make him any more likely to tell me. I didnt get the sense that he was in trouble, and while he had one hell of a poker face, Id lived with him long enough to see through it most of the time. Thomas hadnt ever supported himself before. Now that he was sure he could do it, it had become something he valued.

Getting out on his own was something he needed to do. I wouldnt be doing him any favors by interfering.

You sure youll be okay? I asked him.

Something showed through the mask, thenembarrassment. Ill be all right. Its past time for me to get out on my own.

Not if you arent ready, I said.

Harry, come on. So far weve been lucky. The Council hasnt noticed me here. But with all of your Warden stuff, sooner or later somebodys going to show up and find you rooming with a White Court vampire.

I grimaced. That would be a mess, I agreed. But I dont mind chancing it if you need the time.

And I dont mind getting out on my own to avoid making trouble for you with the Council, he said. Besides, Im just covering my own ass. I dont want to cross them, myself.

I wouldnt let them

Thomas burst out in a brief, genuine laugh. Christ, Harry. Youre my brother, not my mother. Ill be fine. Now that I wont be here to make you look bad, maybe you can finally start having girls over again.

Bite me, prettyboy, I said. You need any help moving or anything?

Nah. He finished the beer. I just have one box and one bag. Cabs on the way. He paused. Unless you need my help with a case or something. Ive got until Monday to move in.

I shook my head. Im working with SI on this one, so Ive got plenty of support. I think I can get things locked down by tonight.

Thomas gave me a flat look. Now youve done it.

What? I asked.

You predicted quick victory. Now its going to get hopelessly complicated. Jesus, dont you know any better than that by now?

I grinned at him. Youd think that I would.

I finished my beer and offered my brother my hand. He gripped it. If you need anything, call me, he said.

Ditto.

Thank you, little brother, he said quietly.

I blinked my eyes a couple of times. Yeah. My couch is always open. Unless theres a girl over.

Outside, wheels crunched on gravel and a car horn sounded.

Theres my ride, he said. Oh. Do you mind if I borrow the shotgun? Just until I can replace it.

Go ahead, I told him. Ive still got my .44.

Thanks. He bent over and swung the heavy footlocker onto one shoulder without effort. He picked up the