Wow, Bertie was furious.
Tish shrank down in their seat, trying to be as small as possible.
But I was used to Bertie. “Sorry,” I said. I meant it. “It was the best I could do under the circumstances.”
“Circumstances?”
“I was trying to make sure Tish here was brought to the station, which meant taking Vivian in the other direction.”
Bertie walked around the front counter and leaned to one side to get a look at Tish who was dodging her line of sight.
“The ghoul? I see. Sit up straight, Tish, posture is important for a first impression.”
Bathin snorted. Bertie ignored him, all her attention on Tish, who did as they were told and straightened up.
“Very good,” Bertie observed. “The weapons are vaulted?”
“Myra has them. They’re digging up the god spell which, if Tish is telling the truth, is buried in Crow’s flower beds.”
“I see. The hunter?”
“I haven’t solved that problem yet.”
“And why not?”
“Because we’re trying to decide what to do with Tish. They want to stay in Ordinary, but they can’t stay without someone taking on guardianship, at least for a few years.”
“Bertie, you should adopt them,” Jean said.
“What?” I asked.
“What?” Bertie echoed. “Why would I do that?”
“You need an assistant,” Jean said. “You were just saying how much work you have to do. Tish is really good at following directions and following through. Aren’t you, Tish?”
“Yes?”
“It’s not a bad idea,” I said. “You’d need to do more than employ them, though. They’d need a place to stay. Someone to show them what it means to live in Ordinary.”
“Of course, of course,” Bertie said, dismissively. “Tish, dear. Do you act? There are several parts in our upcoming play that I am still looking to cast.”
“No?”
“No matter.” Bertie held out her hand. “Come with me. We have much to do.”
Tish stood, looked at me. I nodded.
Tish looked at Bathin. He inclined his head.
Then Tish took Bertie’s hand and smiled.
“First, let’s get you proper shoes. We have a lot to do before the show tomorrow, and we will not be slowed down by blisters.”
They walked out of the building, Bertie’s expression stern, but not unkind, Tish smiling that small smile.
“I am a genius,” Jean said. “Did you see that? Bertie has an assistant. Finally! Do you know how many events we’re going to get out of?”
“None of them?” I leaned back in my chair. “You know how she is.”
