A raven flew down from atop the filing cabinet, flapping its wings in the cop’s face. “Argh, what the hell!” He staggered out of his seat and picked up an enormous tome titled “Handbook on Self-Defense.” The officer flung the book at the raven, but Quoth dived out of the way just in time and the cop battered himself in the face.
“Argh, my nose!” He clutched his face and spun around, tripping over his chair.
I sprinted up the stairs and ducked beneath the desk. My heart thudded so loud I was sure the cop must be able to hear it, but he kept swearing and swinging at Quoth. I scrambled for a door on the other side of the room, and shoved my way through. It led to another long corridor. At the end way a room labeled ‘breakroom.’ I peered inside. It was deserted. Two rows of large windows faced the fields for the local school.
I flung a window open, clambered through, and dropped into the bushes beneath, pausing to catch my breath. A few moments later, a black dot soared across the moon, trailing the angry cries of the officer behind him.
The raven dropped into the bushes beside me. A second later, Quoth materialized in the flesh. He grinned when he noticed my lack of clothing. “Isn’t it a little soon for matching couples outfits?”
“I had to use my clothes to create a Mina-shape in the bed, in case they checked on me.”
“Good thinking. Plus, I like the view.”
I punched him in the arm. “Thanks for the distraction back there. How’d you get the keys?”
“That was easy. I grabbed them off his belt while he climbed out of his car. Bloody fool never even noticed.” Quoth grabbed my hand. “Are you ready to run? You’re going to be conspicuous in your underwear.”
“Can’t I just ride on your back while you fly me to safety?”
“Bloody hell, that would be fun. I wish it worked like that. Follow me. We’ll take the back way – less chance you’ll be spotted. I’ll stay close so you can see me. ”
Quoth gritted his teeth as the feathers shoved through his skin, and his bones snapped and twisted into place. A moment later, he took off, soaring low so I could see his outline against the grass. Rubbing my hands over my goosepimpling arms, I glanced both ways for onlookers, and plunged after him.
The police had confiscated my shoelaces, so my boots flapped about on my ankles as the soles sank into the soft, wet grass. I sprinted for the line of trees separating the police station from Donahue Road. My eyes swept the ground in front of me, but with my dwindling vision I could barely make anything out. I listened for the rustle of the leaves on the tree line, to the wind rushing over Quoth’s wings.He’ll guide me.
The air hung damp and heavy, with a biting chill that burned in my bones. But at least it wasn’t raining anymore. Branches scraped at my skin as I followed Quoth along the tree line, heading down Donahue, past Helen’s cottage and toward the lane at the rear of the bookshop.
Ah, to be free, where the air didn’t smell like stale urine.
Quoth hopped into the middle of the deserted street. I peered up at the line of shops, but the only lights I could see were from the upper story of Nevermore Bookshop. I sucked in a deep breath and sprinted across the road, my boots slapping against the damp asphalt, splashing icy water up my legs. The backdoor open just as I reached it, and a rough hand clamped around my arm and dragged me inside.
“Why are you running around without clothes?” Heathcliff demanded, slamming the door behind me. “You’ll catch a chill.”
“Because she used her clothes to create a Mina-shape in the bed so no one would notice her missing for a few hours.” Moriarty chimed in from the front room. “Obviously.”
“H-h-how did you know that?” I asked, my teeth chattering.
“Because you’re clever, Mina Wilde, just like me.”
“She’s nothing like you,” Heathcliff growled.
“Hey, I’d like to th-th-think I’m at least a little bit clever,” I protested. Cold chills ran through my body. “Can one of you lend me some cl-cl-clothing?”
Morrie jumped up and took the stairs two at a time. Heathcliff led me to his chair and pushed me down. He shrugged off his coat. Quoth was already carrying over a teapot, holding the tray just so to hide his genitals.
He must be freezing his nuts off. I bet that’s why he doesn’t want me to see.
I wrapped my hands around the hot cup of tea, marveling at how Quoth – who’d known me for three days – got it just right, while Ashley had never been able to remember whether I had milk. Morrie appeared in the doorway with an armload of clothes.
“Since you’re a woman of refined tastes, I skipped Quoth’s closet and Heathcliff’s cesspool of stench and procured these garments from my own wardrobe.” He handed me a pair of buttery-soft grey trousers. I pulled them on. Morrie bit his lip as I rolled the hems up and stuffed them into my boots. He handed me a long-sleeve black silk shirt and a fine wool jacket.I wish I had a mirror. I bet I look dapper as fuck.“I found you a belt, too, since these will fall off that tiny waist of yours.” He handed me a supple belt of fine leather and I threaded it through the loops.
I struck a pose. “How do I look?”
“Not a ridiculous as Morrie,” Heathcliff answered.
“It’s nice to see you again, too, Your Honor,” I grinned.
“I’m a lawyer, not a judge.”
