“We can't let it get out that there's a way for humans to become infected by the Wild Magic again,” Azrael said. “It will cause a panic.”
“True 'nuff.” Austin leaned back against a column, bent a knee, and rested an arm on it. “I'll just use the old, I've got the green apple nasties.”
“Maybe don't mention apples at all,” I said.
“It just means I'm sick, V.”
“Yeah, I got that. Still.”
“How about I'm sick as a dog passing peach pits.”
That earned him a round of “Ews” and grimaces.
“Either way, I've got to go home to make the call. A text ain't gonna cut it.”
“I'll go with you just in case something, er, arises,” Azrael offered.
“Ah'rite. Let's get to getting',” Austin smoothly stood up and headed inside with Az.
I sighed as I watched them go. “I've been home less than an hour and there's already a problem.”
“At least the twins are taking a nap.” Samantha pointed to a pile of feathers just outside the play castle.
“A small miracle, but I'll take it.” I shook my head. “The terrible twos are even more terrible with wings.”
A few minutes later, a male voice came from behind me. “Vervain?”
I turned to see Jesus standing in the doorway. “Jesus!” I got up and went to hug him. “You just missed your brother, but he'll be back soon. Come and sit down. It's good to see you.”
He grabbed my hand. “V, I know how the Man got the tracing chant for the Citadel.”
I went still. “How?”
“I found bugs in my place, one was just outside the tracing room.”
“Bugs?” Viper asked. “You have bugs in your territory? Gross, man.”
“Listening devices,” Odin explained. “And insects are an important part of an ecosystem.”
Meanwhile, I asked, “Your dad bugged you?!”
“Makes sense. Jerry couldn't get into the Citadel but he could get into his son's home.” Re crossed his legs, one ankle on the other knee, and leaned back, looking casually perfect in his linen suit. He had his shoulder-length hair pulled back in a ponytail that turned his highlights into golden streaks. All he needed was a straw hat and he'd look like a rich tourist in the 20s, off to explore the pyramids.
“But how did Jehovah know that Jesus was going to visit the Citadel?” Odin, dressed slightly more casually in jeans and a button-down shirt, asked.
I was pretty sure that Re had waited to see what Odin was wearing today before picking a nicer outfit. Ever since Odin had shaved his beard and revealed a chiseled jawline that made him look younger and more handsome, Re had been competing with him. Odin, of course, was oblivious to the rivalry. Or perhaps he just didn't care. Conversely, I wouldn't have been surprised if Re had a magic mirror in his tower bedroom that he consulted every morning.
Jesus was wearing jeans and a button-down too, but they were nothing like Odin's. His jeans were bell-bottoms and his shirt was unbuttoned enough to show off a gold peace sign on a chain. He had his usual round, purple glasses on, but I could see his eyes squish behind the transparent lenses as he grimaced. “I told him.”
I flinched in shock. “You told your dad you were going to the Citadel? Why?”
“I wanted to rub it in his face.” Jesus pushed up his sunglasses and rubbed at his bright blue eyes. “I know, it was real uncool of me, but the Man's been such a downer lately, especially about Az. I told him that I supported my brother, and I was proud of what he'd done, especially the way he was trying to fix the mistakes he's made when his brain was fried on Wild Magic.”
“Oh no,” I whispered.
“I should have stopped there, but I ran my mouth. I told him that I was going to Earth to check out all the primo things Az was doing, maybe even lend a hand. It was like a protest, you know? Fight the Establishment and all that.” He looked around at my husbands. “I'm so sorry. I should have known he'd find a way to use my rebellion against Az. He was already on the edge and then I pushed him over.”
“It's okay, J.” I rubbed his back. “You were trying to do the right thing.”
