Page 104 of East

It’s because I’m numb from head to toe.

Why didn’t I tell Aus what just happened at the door? He probably knows lawyers, people who can help me.

But right now, there’s something he isn’t telling me.

Fine. If he wants to keep secrets, so will I.

Whatever he saw on his computer right before I came into the kitchen rattled him hard.

And I’m going to figure out what it is.

AS DOROTHY GAZED UPON THIS IN WONDER AND FEAR

As Dorothy gazed upon this in wonder and fear the eyes turned slowly and looked at her sharply and steadily. Then the mouth moved, and Dorothy heard a voice say:

"I am Oz, the Great and Terrible. Who are you, and why do you seek me?"

It was not such an awful voice as she had expected to come from the big Head; so she took courage and answered,

"I am Dorothy, the Small and Meek. I have come to you for help."

L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

38

AUS

“Welcome to your new home, Aus!”

Rouge has just led me up a ramp of shimmering golden carpet to a revolving door. We walk through and I’m nearly blinded by the colors. The neon of Vegas has nothing on this.

“Everyone!” Rouge claps her hands. “I would like you to meet Aus Waverly. He will be serving as the Jade Sanctum disc jockey and will also be second in command when I’m not present.”

A group of people assembles around us. Two men, one spindly and fidgety and the other broad and dark, and a woman old enough to be my mother.

“These two men are our barkeeps of the East and the West. The Blackwood brothers.” Rouge gestures to the skinny one. “This is Kin, and this”—she turns to the other—“is Wick.”

I shake both of their hands. “Interesting names.”

Wick exhales sharply. “Funny coming from a guy named Aus.”

I narrow my eyes. Am I not this guy’s new boss? Shouldn’t he be speaking more respectfully? Maybe he’s joking.

I force a laugh. “It’s short for Austin. Are your names short for something?”

“Wickliffe.” He nods to his brother. “And Kinsley.”

I paste on a smile. “Your parents had more imagination than mine. Nice to meet you both.”

Rouge smiles. “Wick here is legend. He makes the most exquisite whiskey sours. And Kin makes a martini that’ll knock your socks off.”

I’ve heard that Aces Underground, Rouge’s main club, makes great drinks, so that means something.

The older woman cuts in front of the men and extends her hand. “And I’m Nora. Pleased to meet you, Aus.”

I shake her hand. It’s warm, soft.

Nora’s already my favorite.