“You got a name, sassy britches?” I take a few steps closer to the beast. As near as I am, I can see a few stark white hairs blending into his chestnut fur.
Percival Prodders,he states proudly. It almost looks as if he lowers his head a bit in introduction.
I’m taken aback that such a little guy would have such a big name. “It’s nice to meet you, Percival. My name is Frankie.” I extend my hand out toward him, palm down and fingers relaxed. His nose twitches as he sniffs me. After an extended moment, he moves closer and actually bumps his cheek against my knuckles a little like a cat might.
“Well, at least he likes you,” Felix comments.
I’ll reserve judgment on that.
I snicker at Percival’s comment. He’s about as friendly as a honey badger. He actually reminds me a lot of Mickey—old and grumpy.
Aren’t you going to ask me about the window?
“Uh, sure. What can you tell me about the window?” I swear it looks as if he rolls his beady little eyes.
The meat bag didn’t use it,Percival deadpans.
“I kind of figured that. It’s too small for him. Do you know how he got in?” I inquire.
No, I was sleeping. All the commotion upstairs is what woke me.
“What’s he saying?” Remy questions.
“He doesn’t know how the victim got in. Did you see or hear anyone else?” I ask Percival after answering Remy.
Just the caretaker.Percival turns and scampers back toward the window.
“The librarian, Belinda? Where are you going?” I call.
To gather my things.Unless you’re homeless and we need to reside here.He says the second part skeptically, like he may have been teasing but now he thinks it might be true.
“I’m not homeless,” I defend. “I have an apartment.” I don’t know why, but I look at Remy and Felix as if they were the ones who asked. When I look back down, Percival is gone. I’m assuming he went in through the window.
“Pretty neat that you found your familiar. It’s like you’re meant to be here.” Felix shoves his hands into his front pockets and gazes at me. I don’t know how to respond to that, other than I like his comment a little too much, if the giddy butterflies in my stomach are any indication.
“Too bad he’s as mean as Remy’s aunt.” I tip my head toward Remy with a grin. “I bet they would be the perfect match.”
“No wonder you tried to warn me,” Remy mutters.
Chapter 16
Some days, the supply of curse words available is insufficient to meet my demands.
We wait around for a few minutes before Percival pokes his head out of the broken window. I wince at how close he is to the sharp glass.
Are you going to put these two to use and help me gather my things, or do I have to do everything myself?he asks impatiently.
“How was I supposed to know you wanted help? How much stuff are we talking about here? It’s not that big of an apartment,” I confess, not looking at the guys.
I hear a string of mumblings I can’t make out, but I don’t think any of the words coming from the mink are flattering. “We’ll come inside. Would that work?” I inquire, trying to sound kinder.
“What are you three doing?” Dad asks with a little huff from walking up the hill. “I was on the porch waiting for you.”
Oh great, it’s Casanova. Now I know where you get it,Percival spouts.
“Get what?” I should learn to keep my mouth shut.
The lasciviousness,Percival quips. He rises onto his back legs again and scents the air.Father, right?
