AllFreeNovel
Share Us
34
Pen
“You kept it?” I ask, focusing on the mural in front of me. The colours are still as vibrant as they ever were, but that’s the only part of the basement that’s remained the same. Now there’s a carpeted floor with underfloor heating, a massive floor to ceiling TV screen, and a huge purple cuddle chair situated at the back of the room that’s big enough to sleep six let alone seat two people. There’s even one of those posh wine refrigerators full of soft drinks and bottles of wine against one wall. Long gone is the musty, dirt-encrusted cellar filled with a moth-eaten sofa and a threadbare armchair. Now it’s a perfectly indulgent mini-cinema with a downstairs shower room.
“Asia would’ve killed me if I painted over it. She said that one day it might be worth something. I’m sure she figures herself a Banksy.” Grim chuckles, but there’s nothing but love and respect in her voice.
“She’s just as good an artist,” I reply, wandering over to the wall and pressing my hand against the mural. My fingers trace over the word Breakers and tears well in my eyes as a flood of memories come hurtling back. It’d been the best Christmas present I’d ever had, even if they did give it to me on New Year’s Eve. I remember how they lit the room with fairy lights and candles, how we spent the night together just the four of us and I’d got drunk on Amaretto Sours that York had made for me. It had been the best night of my life then my worst when David turned up to ruin it, just like he always ruins everything. Pushing those memories aside, I plaster on a smile for Grim. She sits down on the cuddle chair, her hands stroking over the plush velvet material.
“When we bought this house, I had no idea that Asia did this. In fact, finding this mural was how we found out about Eastern’s friendship with Dax. Hudson had been searching for a way to get close to Santiago for a long time, and when Eastern explained how this mural came to be, Hud and I knew that was the opportunity he was searching for. He just needed to persuade your Breakers to get on board.”
“Funny how things work out…” I say.
“It is, isn’t it…?” Grim blows out a breath, her eyes raking over my face. My stomach drops.
“What?”
“I like your bandana,” she says, pointing to the one I’m wearing like a headband.
“Thanks, but this isn’t about my bandana, is it?” I ask, knowing that the look in her eyes has nothing to do with my fashion choices.
She shakes her head. “No…”
“Grim, please. Just put me out of my misery.”
“Xeno didn’t fly out to Mexico this morning, Pen. He didn’t take the flight.”
“Wait, he didn’t go?”
“No, he didn’t go.”
“Oh, thank fuck!” I blurt out, feeling as though a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. “The thought of him going through with it has had me tied up in knots these past few days. I’ve been worried sick.”
“I know...” Grim’s voice trails off and I look over at her.
“Is there something else?” I ask.
“I spoke to Clancy last night. She’s stepping in for you this weekend at Tales and is more than happy to put a routine together at short notice. She’s been at the club all day going through the routine.”
“You didn’t have to do that. I can go to work.”
“No. You’ve had a shock. It’s not every day you get a knife held against your throat and witness a bloodbath. I understand what that feels like to experience for the first time. I get what you’re going through.”
“You’re talking as though it’s something I’ll get used to.”
“I did,” she shrugs. “Violence comes with the territory, Pen.”
“I know that.” Sighing heavily, I plaster a smile on my face. “I should ring Clancy. Thank her for stepping up.”
“Yeah. She’s a good person, Pen. She’s also smart and knows that there’s more to this than meets the eye. Do you trust her?”
“Yes, I do.”
Grim nods. “Good. Trustworthy friends are a dime a dozen. Keep her close. You’ll need her.”
“I will. Thank you for everything you’ve done,” I say, giving Grim a hug. She pats me on the back, then leans back and squeezes my arm.
“You’re all welcome to stay here this weekend. This cuddle chair doubles up as a bed but come Monday we go back to the plan. You need to get back to the Academy,” she says, untangling herself from my hold.
