“They’re saying I went rogue and shifted. That I killed people. That I’m dangerous,” Grim continues.
I watch Falkor’s face, waiting for the moment when understanding hits. When fear replaces that warm welcome.
But it doesn’t come.
I can’t just sit here and let Grim take all the blame. I stand quickly, moving to his side.
“They are saying those things about Grim,” I say, my voice strong with emotion. I look Falkor directly in the eye. “Grim did shift, but he is innocent of any wrongdoing. I was there. I saw what really happened. He didn’t do any of the things they’re accusing him of. He saved my life more than once.”
Falkor looks between us, his expression thoughtful. Then, slowly, he nods.
“I believe you,” he says.
I blink, certain I’ve misheard. “You do?”
“Of course I believe you, Grim.” Falkor’s voice is steady, unwavering. “I know you’re a good male. You were nothing but helpful last week. You went above and beyond what your job required. You got me to and from the Vaccination Center.”
“I was doing my job,” Grim says.
“You came back after hours and mowed my lawn, fixed my shed door, even patched that leak in my roof.” He shakes his head, smiling. “Then you came back on the weekend to tend to my flowerbeds. They were a disaster,” he tells me. “My back isn’t what it used to be. You did it all outside of working hours and out of the goodness of your heart. Those aren’t the actions of a dangerous male. No, I refuse to believe it. I’m not sure what’s going on, but I don’t believe that you’re bad or that you did anything wrong.” He reaches over and pats Grim on the hand.
Something warm blooms in my chest. I look at Grim, seeing him in a completely new light.
No, that’s not true. I’m not seeing him differently. I’m seeing confirmation of what I always suspected. That underneath all that gruffness, behind those walls, is someone genuinely good and kind.
“Thank you for believing in me, Falkor. It means a lot. But you need to understand,” Grim says, his voice tight, “if we stay here, it might be dangerous for you. If they find out you’re harboring us, you could get into serious trouble.”
Falkor waves a hand dismissively. “Son, I’ve led a full life. Things have been a bit boring of late, if I’m being honest.” His eyes twinkle with mischief. “It would be nice if things were spiced up a bit. And it would be lovely to have visitors. This old house gets pretty quiet. I’ve been very lonely ever since my Luna passed. Now you are both here.”
“I’m not sure I want to put you in harm’s way like that.” Grim shakes his head, concern written all over his face.
“Don’t you worry about that. If Draig Security comes knocking,” he continues, “I’ll just act like I didn’t know anything at all. I’ll play the part of a slightly senile old male who can barely remember his own name.” He taps the side of his head. “Which, to be fair, isn’t much of a stretch these days.”
A small laugh escapes me. I can’t help it.
“Now then,” Falkor says, clapping his hands together. “Let me show you to your room. I’m sure you two will be quite comfortable.”
Your room. Singular.
Heat floods my face. “Actually, we’re not…um…together. Not like that.” I speak quickly. “We’re friends.” Friends who had sex. “Do you have separate rooms, by any chance?”
Falkor’s eyebrows shoot up. “Oh! My apologies. I could have sworn I saw something between you two.” He chuckles good-naturedly. “But no problem at all. Yes, I have two spare bedrooms. They both come with an ensuite bathroom.”
I can feel Grim’s eyes on me, but I refuse to look at him. My cheeks are burning.
“Do you have space in the garage for my car? I’d prefer it if it were off the street. I’ll have to take it somewhere tonight and park it, just in case. I don’t want that vehicle tied back to you, Falkor.”
“Where will you take it?” I ask.
“I’m not sure. Somewhere busy where it won’t be noticed too easily. I’ll take it tonight. I won’t be able to go far, or I might risk getting caught. For now, it needs to be off the street.”
“Of course.” Falkor stands. “There is space in the garage next to my car. Excuse us a moment,” he tells me.
I nod. “No problem.”
They disappear down the hallway. I go over to the mantel and look at the pictures of Falkor and his wife. There are framed photographs of their wedding. Of Luna with an obvious pregnant bump. Then of the family of three and a large, framed photograph of a family of four. There are pictures of the children – a boy and a girl – in various stages of their lives. Right at the end of the mantel is a photograph of the whole extended family, including three grandchildren.
I’m smiling when they return. Grim is carrying the duffel bag.
