All he had to do was wait to ask Frankie when he finished work tonight. It was a slow evening,
ignoring the usual drunken caterwauling from the stage as best as he could. He kept an eye on his
brother, unable to stop himself from smiling.
He looked so happy.
Watching Athaliah interacting with his customers was a true delight. It was so easy for him to blend
in, to laugh and smile, and Snod was curiously envious.
Athaliah’s childhood had been normal, and he knew all about the outside world and how to talk to
people. He was honestly overjoyed to meet each and every customer and his tips were piling up fast.
Snod’s attention was drawn to the bar where Mandy was frantically waving at him. He darted from
the door toward him, asking quickly, “What’s wrong?”
“Rees has to take Dwayne to the hospital,” Mandy replied quickly. “Some sort of seizure from his
goat-related head injury?”
“Dwayne the cook? Is he okay?”
“I have no idea,” Mandy sighed miserably. “I know Rees is gonna make sure they take good of him.
But now we don’t have anyone to cook! You any good in the kitchen?”
Snod pursed his lips, replying slowly, “I’ve some talent, yes.” He hesitated. “Where is the nearest
grocery store?”
“Huh? Why? All the food is—”
“I’m not cooking that garbage,” Snod replied with a disgusted sneer. “Nearest grocery store, if you
please?”
“Two blocks down on East Autumn,” Mandy told him. “It’s small, but—”
Snod was already gone, racing down to the store as fast as he could. He felt the thrill of having a new
mission, eagerly ticking off menu ideas in his head. He knew he wouldn’t have to buy much as slow
as the bar was tonight, filling a shopping basket with fresh bread, hamburger, and an assortment of
bright vegetables. He figured the kitchen probably wouldn’t have any spices or sauces so he grabbed
those, too.
He was a little alarmed at the price at checkout, having to fork over almost all of the money he had
earned so far. It would be worth it. Plus, he would keep the receipt and make sure Rees paid him
back.
Arms full of bags, he ran back to the bar and practically dove headfirst into the kitchen. Half of the
