Momma huffed. “We worked together years ago until she went off on her own. Charlette put together a real estate team that caters to other species’ needs. She’s cornered the market on non-human real estate.” Momma’s annoyed tone made it clear just how she felt about that. Never one to remain somber for long, Momma perked back up, her grin infectiously joyous. “And now I get the pleasure of being in my son’s home with an absolutely gorgeous pixie. Charlette would be green with envy if she knew.”
I swear my jaw nearly hit the floor.
“What? Don’t look at me like that. And close your mouth before something you don’t want flies in. Honestly, I’m allowed to be catty every once in a while.”
Phlox cackled. “I happen to likecatty.”
I got a good look at Momma’s flushed cheeks when she turned her attention back to me. Like a flipped switch, Momma became all business again. “Do you have appropriate provisions?”
I barely contained my eyeroll. “Yes, Momma. I went shopping yesterday.”
“Did you buy enough vegetables and fruit? Pixies are vegetarians, so—”
“Actually, I’m not,” Phlox interrupted. When Momma gave him a confused stare, Phlox elaborated, “My father was a Pallas’s cat shifter. I eat meat too.”
“Oh.” Momma’s surprise lasted all of five seconds before she gave a firm nod and said, “That makes perfect sense. Would you like me to get you anything right now? Maybe a cold glassof sweet tea? Erasmus, you have offered your guest tea, haven’t you?”
Phlox grinned while this time, I did roll my eyes. “Yes, Momma.”
“It is excellent tea, Ms. Boone.”
Momma waved Phlox off. “Now, none of that. You call me Lydia.”
“Thank you, Lydia. And, if it wouldn’t be too much trouble, I could go for another glass.”
“As if tea is ever an ounce of trouble. You two sit and I’ll get provisions.”
Momma took off for the kitchen. Phlox watched her go, and when she was out of sight, he leaned over and whispered, “She’s adorable. Can I take her home with me?”
I burst out laughing. “Sorry, but she’s taken. And no offense, but you’d have to pry Momma from my cold, dead hands before I’d give her up.”
Phlox’s grin softened. “Noted.”
“Erasmus, where’s your drink tray?” Momma hollered from the kitchen.
With a heavy sigh, I pushed myself out of the comfy depression I’d made in my couch. “I’ll be back in a minute,” I told Phlox.
His raspy chuckles followed me into the kitchen.
“Your mother is very…curious,” Leon said after Momma left for the evening. “She is also very kind,” he quickly added as if his first comment might have been seen as noncomplimentary.
“She is both of those things.” I checked the clock on the wall. Franklin texted about two hours ago letting me know he’d be home late and not to wait on him for dinner. Phlox, Momma, and I’d eaten. Halfway through the meal, Leon had risen and joined our little group. Momma had been over the moon.
“Any idea when he’ll be home?” Phlox asked, obviously noting where my attention wandered.
“Franklin didn’t specify.” I chewed on my bottom lip, hating how tired he was bound to be. “He’s already been running on fumes. I hate the thought of another big case.” I stared at my clasped hands as they rested on the kitchen table. “Five more bodies.” I shook my head. “That’s what Franklin texted me earlier. That makes a total of eleven in the past week.”
“Is that a large number for this area?” Leon asked.
“Yes. But it’s not just the number but the way the bodies were found.”
Leon’s obsidian gaze traveled from me to Phlox. “I am uncertain of the details, beloved.”
“I’ll fill you in.” Phlox took the following few minutes to do just that, finishing with “it’s very peculiar.”
“Indeed.”
Phlox’s fingers skimmed across the top of Leon’s hand, prompting him to turn his hand palm up and entwine their fingers. A sharp pang of jealousy stabbed me. I wanted Franklin here. I wanted his fingers wrapped with mine.
