him, and I can help him move past all of that.”
“Is that before or after he tries to stake you in the middle of the night?” Lorenzo snapped, crossing his
arms.
“Lorenzo,” Frankie warned. “I think Obe and I met for a reason. There is good in him, I know it. I
really believe I’m meant to help him—”
“How did you meet again?” Lorenzo demanded. “Oh! Right! He was hunting you!” He groaned,
waving his hands frantically. “Do you not see how this sounds completely nuts? And the two of you
are banging now? Come on, Frankie. I’m trying super hard to be supportive, but this... this is not
good.”
“It’s fine,” Frankie said with a warm smile. “I appreciate your concern, but I’m in no danger from
Obe. I would know if I was.”
“The bond thing?” Lorenzo questioned, still regarding Snod with intense suspicion.
“Yes,” Frankie sighed, flickering over to give his friend a big hug. “I’m okay.”
Lorenzo’s rage deflated, hugging his friend back with a big sigh. “I worry so much about you already,
Frankie. Now you’re like, sleeping with the enemy and shit,” he mumbled. “Are you sure it’s cool?”
“I’m sure,” Frankie confirmed, smiling brightly. “I’m going to get Obe set up with a new identity, get
him a job somewhere. It’s going to be great. I’ll prove to you that your little vibes are wrong.”
“Fine,” Lorenzo relented, frowning still as he looked over at Snod. “I really hope I’m wrong, too.”
Snod bared his teeth in response. He knew if he went after Lorenzo that Frankie would only stop him
again. The best thing he could do right now was to be silent and keep his volatile feelings to himself.
Running his fingers through his long braids, Lorenzo took a deep breath. “Okay, Snod? I’m sorry
about the fork thing. I really didn’t mean to stab you. Unless that actually intimidates you and then I
totally meant to do it. No? Right. And about what I said. I’m sorry for that, too. I still don’t freakin’
trust you... but if Frankie is gonna vouch for you, fine.”
Snod said nothing, thinking about grabbing the fork and stabbing Lorenzo in the eye with it. That
would be fair, wouldn’t it?
The image must have been particularly vivid because Frankie started guiding Snod into the kitchen,
exclaiming, “Okay! Everyone’s fine! Super fine! Let’s go over here now, all right?”
“I’m going to make a drink,” Snod growled, reaching for the vodka.
“Fine! Why don’t you make a drink, and Lorenzo? I think it’s time for you to go home!”
