Page 69 of Facade

He’d noticed it when he followed Heath to learn his routines and jogging route. It sat at the rear of the huge back lawn, and was a miniature version of the main house. Probably guest quarters, although there was also a connected garage with two bays.

Heath seemed curious and less pensive. “You’re thinking Clarke and Russell could talk there. I wouldn’t have to drop the wards, and they would still have privacy.”

“If it’s safe, and not full of crap,” Jace said.

“The original purpose of the small house is debatable, but it was in better shape than this one when I bought the property,” Heath said. “I lived there for four months while I worked on the main house. There are still some furnishings, and the power is on. I’ve been using the garage as a workshop and the house for storage.”

“It’s a great idea,” Clarke said with enthusiasm. “I trust my power, but would rather have this conversation on neutral ground without giving everything away immediately. If the answers aren’t accurate, and something goes wrong, he won’t be inside the wards, which could be a disaster. Better safe than sorry. The two of you can listen from the garage. I’ll give Russell directions without telling him that the house is on your property, Heath.”

Pleased with the idea, Jace nodded. “You probably won’t need backup, but you’ll have it. While I also trust your power, it’s best to proceed with caution, and have a contingency plan.”

“Russell might speak more freely if he thinks he’s alone with Clarke in a vacant house,” Heath added. “I’ll move my tools and supplies out of the guesthouse later.”

Jace shook his head. “You shouldn’t have to do that yourself. We’ll help you after lunch.”

“Definitely. And my power will make that go faster,” Clarke said.

“Thanks. Speaking of lunch, I should probably start cooking,” Heath said, and stood from his chair. “The pork chops will take about twenty minutes.”

Clarke fussed over the flowers, arranging them just so. Heath was glowing with pride when she carried them into the dining room so she could see them while they ate.

Heath was a good cook. Jace had noticed that on Friday, and it was more apparent now. That was one more plus to having the caster professor as a bond brother.

After lunch, Clarke put the bracelet back on, and the three of them went outside with Rascal leading the way. He seemed to know where they were going. That made Jace wonder if Rascal could be a familiar, whether scientists were convinced of their existence or not. Heath clearly had a strong bond with the big orange tabby.

Jace’s wolverine felt instantly at home in the back lawn, which was more untamed nature than manicured gardens. There were stepping stones that wound around trees and large shrubs, as well as areas devoted to herbs and vegetables. But it was mostly wild, and beautiful for it.

“Heath, that salad was so fresh and delicious, but I hadn’t realized that your vegetables would still be thriving in spite of the cooler weather,” Clarke said.

“We haven’t had a frost yet, and I cast spells to protect the plants,” Heath explained. “I like to cook with fresh ingredients, and prefer growing them myself when possible. My natural father is an earth elemental, making my nature spells strong.”

Having more than one father was probably a factor in Heath’s easy acceptance of Clarke bonding multiple mates. His sister had two. Jace hoped that Clarke’s third mate would prove to be equally adaptable. But time would tell.

The smaller house, which was still larger than a typical guesthouse, was cluttered and dusty. But it wasn’t as bad as Jace had feared. Tools, lumber, and cans of paint took up a good bit of space, but weren’t scattered randomly.

Jace created a clear space in the garage, so that he and Heath could run to Clarke’s aid without tripping over anything if necessary. Heath and Clarke moved most of the tools to the wraparound porch of the main house. They worked together companionably, without any awkwardness.

After the work was done, the three of them sat in the kitchen with glasses of fresh lemonade. Conversation flowed easily, mostly about the new elemental monitor, and the upcoming football game. Clarke had removed the charm again, seeming happier and more like herself every time she was able to do so.

“Clarke, I need to ask you something, and hope that I won’t sound pushy,” Heath said, looking slightly nervous.

“Of course, what is it?” Clarke asked.

“I had lunch with Nadine and her mates yesterday,” Heath told them. “We do that every weekend. The problem is that they know me well enough to realize that I’m hiding something, and started grilling me like the primary suspect of a crime. I want to tell them that I’m bonded, but it wouldn’t end there. They would insist on meeting you, and have dozens of questions.

“It isn’t my place to reveal your identity, or your reasons for being here. I’m hoping you’ll consider trusting Nadine and her husbands. I have complete faith that they would support you, and keep your confidence. There’s no rush on making that decision, but I’d like you to think about it.”

Jace sympathized. He had been able to confide in his parents. Being unable to do so would have been extremely difficult.

Heath was just as close to his family as Jace was with his parents. He had to be yearning to make that announcement, and let them share in his joy. Hiding things from them must have been discomfiting.

“I liked Nadine instantly, and her mates seem like great guys,” Clarke said. “I’m sorry for inadvertently putting you in an uncomfortable position. It would be the same for me with Dad if it was the other way around. But I can’t imagine Nadine grilling you like a suspect. Were you exaggerating?”

Heath winced, and gave Clarke a sheepish smile. “I was an onery, precocious child with a penchant for pranks. Birds, bats, worms, frogs, and many other creatures seemed to mysteriously find their way into Nadine’s bed, dresser drawers, and closet on a weekly basis.” He affected a look of cherubic innocence after making the statement.

Jace and Clarke were both laughing at the confession of Heath’s youthful misdeeds. Jace probably would have been just as bad if he’d had a sibling to taunt.

“I hope you’ve atoned for your sins, and become a model citizen. Finding insects and amphibians in my personal space would scar me for life. That poor witch,” Clarke said in a scolding tone that reeked of sympathy for Heath’s beleaguered sister. But her eyes danced with mirth, and her pursed lips twitched with her effort not to smile.