12. Chapter 12
Chapter 12
Bastion and I borrowed a Coven car to get to Mum’s address, which he fastidiously checked over for bugs or transmitting devices. When he was sure we were all good, we drove off. I was behind the wheel for a change and Bastion was in the passenger seat, keeping an eagle eye out for any tails or any danger. I had about as much chance of spotting a tail as a first-week acolyte had of completing a batch of final defence. We each have our skills in life, and it’s important to embrace them.
As we drove, I felt a familiar presence join us. I looked up and Fehu swooped down obligingly so I could spot him even against the inky night sky. I guessed Bastion had summoned aerial backup.
Luckily, backup wasn’t needed and the drive was uneventful. We stopped outside the safe house and parked behind Oscar’s stationary vehicle. Bastion got out first, opening my door and covering me with his body as we hustled inside.
Charlize let us in with a warm smile. ‘Hi, Dad, Amber. Come on in.’
The lounge was spacious but still a little packed with all of us in there. I worried that we might stress Mum, but one look at her standing next to Meredith set my mind at ease. She was talking animatedly, busy showing off her latest artwork. Mum and Meredith had once known each other quite well, and I could see that they were happy to see each other.
I looked hopefully at Oscar but he gave a slight shake of his head; Mum might know Meredith today, but she didn’t know Oscar and probably wouldn’t know me. I tried to shove down the bitterness.
Frogmatch was busy tying the laces of Ria’s Converse boots into intricate knots, much to her amusement. Fido lounged on the toes of her shoe, watching with mild interest.
Benji rumbled over to me and gave me a cold hug. ‘How was your flight?’ he asked solicitously.
‘Wet and cold,’ I grumped. I didn’t mention the bubble-bath thing; Bastion probably wouldn’t want that sort of thing coming out and ruining his reputation. ‘Have you seen Lucille?’
‘She’s next to Oscar.’
‘Great. Can you find me a plate then meet me in the hallway?’
‘Of course, Am Bam.’ Benji headed to another room – the kitchen, hopefully.
I waited until Oscar met my eyes then pointed to Lucille and nodded to indicate he should bring Mum’s familiar into the hallway. When he picked up her small body, I hated how frail she looked cradled in his arms. She used to be so full of gambolling energy, and it was just wrong to see her so motionless, so lifeless. My breath caught.
Bastion went to speak to Charlize and the other two griffins, Apollinaire and Haiku. Oscar and I went into the hall with Lucille. ‘Lay her there,’ I told Oscar, gesturing to the bottom stair.
He set her down carefully whilst I rooted around in my bag for the vial. When I found the right one, I opened it and carried it over to the limp ferret. ‘Hey Lucille, I need you to drink this, okay?’ She blinked sleepy eyes at me but gave a distinct nod.
Benji joined us, carrying a small side plate and a large dinner plate. ‘I wasn’t sure what size you needed. ’
I smiled gratefully and took the smaller plate from him. ‘Thanks, Benji.’ I poured some of the potion onto it and set it down next to Lucille. Her small pink tongue poked out and lapped, slowly at first and then suddenly much faster as energy started to surge into her limbs.
I poured a little more until my gut said that would be enough for now. She lapped at it enthusiastically and, when the plate was clean, she gave a chittering laugh. She scampered rapidly around my feet before she flew under my skirt and tangled around my legs.
I laughed. ‘It’s good to see you’re feeling a little better – but still no going under my clothes!’ I said as I fished her out. She wriggled in my arms and leapt up to wrap herself around my neck. My smile felt like it would never fade. I stroked her little head and she batted against my fingers.
Happiness was bursting in my chest. I hadn’t been too late! I might have failed Meredith, but I hadn’t failed Lucille. And hey, Meredith was still alive, so I was chalking up today in the win column.
‘Let’s take you to see Mum,’ I suggested to Lucille. ‘She’ll be so happy to see you’ve got your va-va-voom back.’
Sitting on my shoulders, she chittered excitedly. As I walked in with her, the room quietened. ‘That’s strange,’ Mum commented with a confused frown. ‘Lucille doesn’t usually like strangers.’
Her words hurt, but I tried hard not to show it and keep my face blank. ‘I have a way with animals,’ I said tightly.
Lucille knew how hard it was for me and she nuzzled me comfortingly. Then she leapt down from my shoulders and careened across the room to Mum.
‘Lucille!’ Mum laughed and clapped her hands with delight. ‘Well, I can see you’re feeling better! She’s been a little under the weather lately.’ Lucille ran up to where she was sitting, leapt on the sofa and ran circles around her.
Mum laughed again, and my happy glow was back. She was pleased, and that was all that mattered.