CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
J eremy
--------
T he floozies had left as many blankets as they could spare, but comforters could only do so much against this painfully hard floor. Jeremy woke up sore in a half-dozen places Sunday morning and grimaced as he pushed himself up. Jean glanced over at the movement before turning his attention back to his phone. There was only one person he d be texting this early in the day, but he didn t look tense from bad news. Gossip and general updates, then; Jeremy could live with that.
Good? he asked, just in case.
Andrew had surgery last night. No complications, so he will be released this morning. Jean set his phone aside and kicked free of his blankets. The movement was enough to make him wince, and Jeremy didn t miss the sullen edge in his, Forget the motorcycle. I will sell the car for a bed.
Assuming Cat s right about its worth, you can afford both.
If she was, Jean would be the only one getting any rest around here. It could be weeks before Laila and Cat saw a payout from their renters insurance, and longer for Gary s court case against the arsonists to produce any money. Cat s parents would send what they could spare in the meantime, and Laila s would wire money over on Monday, but for now they were all strapped for cash. Yesterday s priorities had been outfitting the bathrooms and kitchen, and then enough shirts and jeans to get them started. Furniture would have to wait.
Maybe we ll get camping cots, Jeremy suggested as Jean staggered to his feet. Jean made an awful face as he pressed both hands to the small of his back, and the agitated sound he managed had Jeremy rethinking how badly he wanted to get up. The decision was made for him when Jean offered a hand, and Jeremy braced himself before catching hold. Jean hauled him up before folding the blankets into tidy squares.
Stretching did nothing for him, so Jeremy gave up and said, Coffee?
Coffee, was the ready agreement.
Morning light streamed harsh and bright through the living room windows, putting an uncomfortable heat into the air. Curtains were a priority around here, as much for that as to afford some privacy while they changed. The living room windows faced apartments, but Laila and Cat s bedroom window was aimed at a neighboring office building. The girls had to change for bed in the bathrooms last night.
Cat had tried sticking to basics yesterday, focusing on pots and pans over the splendid array of appliances she d once had access to, but she d made sure to buy a coffee maker. They had exactly four mugs in the cabinet, so Jean set them out on the counter while Jeremy got the pot started. On any other weekend, there was no chance Cat would stumble out of bed until at least ten, but they had a mile-long list of things to do today, and she needed to come along for part of it.
Jean put together an easy breakfast. Cat joined them only seconds after the coffee maker beeped, scrubbing at her eyes with clumsy fists. Jeremy glanced past her toward the bedroom door, and Cat only shook her head at the silent question in his stare. Even if Laila was awake, she wouldn t be joining them. Jeremy quietly put her mug and the fourth plate away.
There was nowhere to sit, so they propped themselves against the counter to fuel up for the day. Jeremy ceded the first shower to Jean while he cleaned up the mess, and Cat poured what was left of the coffee between their two mugs. She considered the filter a moment as if tempted to start a second pot, then turned a serious stare on him.
She s not going to let you come back.
It wasn t a question, and they both knew the answer anyway. Jeremy drained his coffee in one go and set to work washing the mug. Cat leaned against his back, winding her arms around him in a slow, fierce hug. Her plaintive protest was muffled where she buried it against his back: It s not fair. Tell her we d feel safer if you were here with us. Jeremy didn t have to say anything; Cat s fingers went bruising as she added, I know she doesn t care, but...
It s just for a few weeks, Jeremy promised, with no confidence.
We need you more than she does. She doesn t deserve you.
She s my mother, Cat. Cat grumbled something incoherent and held on tight. Jeremy put his mug on the drying rack and draped his arms over hers. They stood in silence until Jeremy heard the bathroom door open. Cat withdrew when Jeremy gave her wrists a gentle tug. As he turned away, he said, I ll let you know when we re on our way back, okay?
Yeah, she agreed, unenthusiastic. I ll be ready.
Jeremy washed up as quickly as he could, and he and Jean set out. The drive over to Jean s doctor was startlingly quick from this new address, and although Jeremy wouldn t be staying, he parked and followed Jean up to the fifth floor. They sat together in the waiting room until Jean was called back, and then Jeremy got up and left. He collected his car from the parking garage and set off northwest.
The early hour could only mitigate weekend traffic so much, but Jeremy had made this drive enough times he knew he d be back about the same time Jean finished. The spot directly outside of Jenny Spader s house was taken, but he managed to squeeze in a half-block down. He knew the code for her gate, so he texted her a heads-up before punching it in.
Dr. Spader was waiting in the doorway for him as he headed up the path, hip propped against the frame and arms folded across her chest. Jeremy knew by her expression he wasn t going to wriggle out of this as quickly as he d hoped, but it was still worth a try. He offered her his most disarming smile, knowing she d never been fooled by it, and followed her into the foyer. There was room on the rack for his shoes, so he toed out of them and locked the front door behind him.
Good morning, Jeremy, she said as she led him down the hall to her kitchen. Two glasses of iced tea were across from each other on the counter. One was beside the envelope he d come for, but he reached for his drink first. Spader collected her own before saying, Please give my condolences to your friends for their loss.
At the side-eyed look he sent her, she arched a brow and motioned over her shoulder. A small TV was mounted to the end of the counter, currently on but turned down to an indistinct hum. I do watch the news.
So does Mom, he said, and swallowed every biting word that wanted to follow that. That she and his mother could watch the same station and come away with entirely different knowledge about what was going on in his life was impossibly cruel, but this wasn t the time or place to get into it. The measuring look Spader sent him said she could guess where his thoughts were spiraling without him voicing it.
Jeremy looked away and asked, Where s Lily?
If she pressed him, he d probably answer her honestly, but this wasn t Jeremy s monthly session. After a brief pause Spader allowed the change in topic and only said, She s been admitted again. Her father is with her today.
It was the answer he d feared, so Jeremy offered a quiet, I m sorry.
Thank you.
Little Lily Spader had been in and out of the hospital since her birth; her health was the main reason Spader tried referring all her clients to other therapists two years back. Jeremy was the only one left, in part due to his mother s stubborn interference and mostly because he d found a workaround that suited them both. Spader still billed his mother for weekly sessions, but she refunded one to Jeremy in cash each month. It was easy side income for her while she cared for her youngest, and it gave Jeremy spending money his parents couldn t track. This was earlier than Jeremy usually collected it, but she had agreed to have it ready for him.
Jeremy drained his tea before tucking the envelope into his back pocket, but his thanks got stuck in his throat when he glanced Spader s way. Kevin was on TV, but for once he was the less important face on the screen. Jeremy banged his elbow on the counter in his hurry to snatch up the remote.
Sorry, he said, I m sorry, can we-? The rest was forgotten as he got the volume up high enough to hear, and Spader moved so she could watch the news as well.
Kevin was offering a practiced statement regarding his teammates injuries, but Jeremy didn t hear a word. Theodora Muldani was standing at his side outside the Foxhole Court, racquet slung across her shoulders as she waited for him to be finished. Her pastel makeup was unmistakable, as was the 14 emblazoned on her loose Houston Sirens t-shirt. Jeremy scooted around the island to get a better look at the small screen.
Someone important, Spader guessed. She d started following Exy only after he became her patient, but she was loyal to the Trojans first and foremost. She didn t have the time or energy to invest in any professional teams, much less the national Court.
Maybe, Jeremy said. A former Raven, but she shouldn t be in South Carolina.
Right on cue, the reporter tilted his microphone toward Muldani and said, The most unexpected development of the weekend might be your presence here at Palmetto State University. Care to explain what you re doing here?
I do not need your permission to travel.
Kevin flicked her a disapproving look, but Thea stared him down until Kevin huffed with displeasure and looked away.
It s just curious, the reporter said, unflappable in the face of her rudeness. This soon after the Ravens and Foxes went toe-to-toe, how else can we interpret your visit but as a show of solidarity?
With this joke of a team? Muldani asked. I would rather slit my throat.
Kevin waved her off. They ve gotten- idiot .
The camera spun to see what had caught Kevin s eye. A Maserati had pulled up to the curb nearby. Jeremy understood Kevin s anger when he saw Andrew in the driver s seat, except the man who climbed out on the passenger side was also Andrew. The second had one arm in a sling, which at least cleared up the who s-who of the Minyard twins. One of the back doors opened moments later to reveal Neil. He tested the doorframe as he weighed the best way to get out, then grimaced in pain as he went for it.
Kevin stalked toward them with a curt, Excuse me.
The camera followed him while the reporter gave a quick, As you know, rundown of the Foxes injuries and the estimated timeline for their return. Jeremy was more interested in whatever Kevin was saying, but the Queen knew to keep his voice down. That didn t keep the impatience off his face or out of his sharp gestures as he tried to exile his injured teammates from the stadium.
Kevin turned on Andrew next, who ignored him in favor of raising a pack of cigarettes to his mouth. It was easy work to tip a stick between his lips, but Andrew didn t light it. He bobbed it this way and that for a few moments, then broke it into pieces and cast it aside. Irritation tugged hard at the corner of his mouth, and the deadly look he turned on Kevin was enough to kill the argument. Kevin was obviously still angry with them, but he stepped back so Neil could finally close the car door behind him.
Context? Spader asked, taking advantage of the lull.
Jeremy only managed a, Did you watch- before Neil hobbled past Kevin and said too-loudly, Oh, Thea. Welcome back.
The implication she d been there before had the camera swinging back toward her with dizzying speed, but Muldani only stared Neil down with obvious contempt. She batted away the microphone when it tipped toward her: a grave mistake in retrospect, as it meant the reporter turned his full attention on Neil instead. Neil didn t acknowledge the camera, but he obediently stopped when the reporter said his name.
Not her first visit to the Foxhole Court, the reporter guessed.
The court? Unknown. Neil gave a careless shrug he immediately and obviously regretted. He pressed a hand to his injured side and sucked in a slow breath through clenched teeth. She stopped by last spring. When was that? Neil asked Andrew, but didn t wait before adding, April? Jean came down in March, so it had to be after that. I know she visited them both while she was here.
Neil didn t give the reporter room to speak but glanced at Kevin and pointed toward the court. Coach here? Okay, then we re heading in.
He and Andrew set off. Kevin waited until they disappeared through the door before turning back on the camera and trying his best to salvage the conversation. Thea is here because I invited her. I wanted to talk about the Ravens latest developments with someone who would understand.
What Ravens? Muldani demanded, expression dark. It was enough to startle a quiet Oh, from Jeremy, but Muldani wasn t finished. A Raven who cannot play is no Raven. These disgraceful creatures do not deserve the uniforms they wear.
Victory, she stressed, heavy with rage and indignation, and she finally turned on the camera like she could stare through it to her former team. Supremacy on the court above all else. That is our calling and our purpose, but you have irrevocably destroyed it. You ve ruined everything he gave you and stained his legacy beyond repair. He will never forgive you for embarrassing him like this.
Our calling , as if she hadn t graduated years ago. Jeremy took a step back from the TV.
Muldani spat to one side to emphasize the point, then motioned to Kevin. I have nothing more to say about these cowards. Let s go.
Kevin said nothing for a moment, as if considering what else he could add. All he came up with was a pleasant, Thank you for checking on us. We appreciate your support and concern.
This will not end well, Spader said as Kevin and Muldani walked away. The camera followed them, and the reporter was giving a hurried closing statement, but Spader muted the TV and turned a serious look on Jeremy. You told me what happened to the Ravens after they lost championships. Being shamed by one of their own on the tail-end of a canceled season will have disastrous consequences for them. I hope they have access to the help they need.
Jeremy thought of the Ravens short careers, Reacher s gaunt appearance, and Jean flinching every time Tetsuji Moriyama s name was uttered. I don t think they ever have. Edgar Allan has never prioritized their longevity or sanity, only their reputation. He clapped a hand over his pocket to try and muffle his phone; the flurry of alerts said at least two teammates and Rhemann had caught the news. I need to get to Jean and warn him.
Let me know if I can help, Spader said.
This helps, Jeremy promised, patting his pocket where he d put her cash. Thank you.
She saw him to the door, and Jeremy got back across town as quickly as he could. Staying for the interview had cost him precious time, and Jeremy parked right as Jean s session should be ending. He texted Jean a quick, On my way up, as he took the stairs at a run. Jean was sitting tense in a chair in the waiting room when Jeremy arrived, and Jeremy smiled apologies as he held the stairwell door. Sorry, had to step out for a bit to meet someone. We need to talk, but it can wait if you need a moment.
We have a problem, Jean guessed as he followed Jeremy down.
We don t, Jeremy promised, but waited until they were at the car to say, Muldani turned on the Ravens.
Jean froze with his hand on the door handle. No. No, he said again, sharp and incredulous. She fought too hard to join the line. She would never turn on his team.
It is not his team anymore, Jeremy pointed out. That was her argument. Come on.
He should have texted Cat that they were on the way back, but Jeremy wanted to make sure he and Jean got through this before she joined them. The ride back was too short to hash it all out, but by the time Jeremy parked at the Lofts Jean had stopped arguing in favor of staring at him. Jeremy finally messaged Cat, then turned as best he could in his chair to study Jean s blank face.
She really came to see you in South Carolina, didn t she? Jeremy said.
Jean waved that aside. She came to confront Kevin. She did not know I was there until after she arrived.
But she saw you, Jeremy pressed. She knew what they-what he -did to you.
Jean glanced away. Yes. Jeremy thought he would leave it at that, but Jean flexed his hands and felt the line of his knuckles. Jeremy had seen him check his ribs often enough to know Jean was chasing phantom pain. Jean finally explained, but the answer dragged out of him slow as molasses: But she thought it was someone else. The last time she saw me in such a state, it was. I am not surprised she got it wrong.
Grayson, Jeremy guessed, except Jean wasn t reaching for his throat like he did every time the man came up. It should have been reassuring, but Jeremy only felt sick to his bones. Jean had left Edgar Allan with a string of horrific injuries this spring. Finding out it had happened before, and that neither Riko nor Grayson were to blame, was unbearable. He wanted to demand a name, but he knew Jean would deny him.
Jean, he started anyway.
Cat pried open the back door with a loud, Holy shit, boys. Tell me you saw that.
I did, at Dr. Spader s, Jeremy said. He shifted so he could dig the envelope out of his pocket and offered it to her over his shoulder. She let me come get this early.
Cat hesitated before tucking it into her purse. Thank you. I mean it.
Cat obviously wanted to gossip about this new development, but Jeremy didn t know how to get to her uncle s motorcycle dealership. She tried juggling directions and chatter for a few streets before giving up on the latter, and finally Jeremy could pull up to the curb outside the front door. Rhemann had beat them here and was waiting on the sidewalk.
There was no point getting out, so Jeremy wished them a cheerful good luck. Let me know how it goes!
Cat leaned between the front seats to kiss his cheek before following Jean out of the car. Rhemann turned the keys over to Jean s waiting hand, pointed to where he d parked the Raven car, and lingered to exchange a few serious words. He only moved toward Jeremy s car when Cat ushered Jean inside. Jeremy peeled away from the curb as soon as Rhemann was settled in the passenger seat.
Thank you, Coach, he said. They could really use a pick-me-up.
I can imagine, Rhemann said. I assume they re still at the hotel?
No, Jeremy said, dragging it out as he thought. Figuring out how much to say was easy; Rhemann had known about the FBI since the police first cornered Jean at the Gold Court this summer. The coach listened in dead silence as Jeremy explained their visit and the pressure to move into a specific building, and Jeremy finished up with, They re probably safer now than they ve been in months, but I don t like it. Agent Browning said they won t bug the apartment itself, but ...
Rhemann considered that, then asked, Any updates from the Dermotts?
They re still looking into it, last I heard, Jeremy said. No news yet.
And your parents? Rhemann asked.
Jeremy drummed an agitated beat on his steering wheel as he turned into Rhemann s neighborhood. I m not safe with Laila anymore. His mother s decision, and it stuck in his throat like a stone. I thought about telling Mom the FBI is involved, but I think that would rattle her even more. I ll just keep my head down until she changes her mind. Maybe she ll feel better after my LSAT exam.
Without Jean s car in the driveway, it was easy to pull in behind Rhemann s ancient ride. Jeremy put the car in Park and said, I ll let you know if anything else exciting happens.
Let s take a break from excitement for a few weeks, Rhemann said dryly.
No arguments from me, Coach.
He waited for Rhemann to get inside before finally turning his car toward home. William had the door open for him before Jeremy even reached the porch. As Jeremy moved past him, the butler said, Your mother is at work until seven. Mr. Wilshire is on a conference call in his office, but he asked to see you when you arrived. He locked the front door behind Jeremy and took his keys. I will let you know when he is off the phone.
Great, Jeremy said, with no enthusiasm.
William spoiled the surprise for him: They are going out of town on Tuesday. Arnold has invited his sons to attend a fundraising gala with him.
Jeremy knew better than to get his hopes up, especially when William looked so serious. They wouldn t take Jeremy with them, but neither could he expect freedom in their absence. They d called him home knowing they wouldn t be here to keep an eye on him. Testing his obedience, he assumed; it wasn t the first time, and it wouldn t be the last. He swallowed a sigh and said, I ll be upstairs until then.
I will start some coffee, William promised.
What would I do without you?
He expected William s usual response, but the man only said, Let us not find out.
Jeremy interpreted that the only way he could: his parents were in a fouler mood than usual. He swallowed every protest that none of this was his fault and took the stairs up to his room two at a time. The bed he dropped onto was heaven after a night on the floor at Laila s new place, but comfort came hand in hand with grief. He didn t want to be here, and he didn t want to be there, either. He wanted the cozy home he d built with Cat and Laila and Jean.
We ll make a new one, he promised himself, but it was hollow comfort in this arctic space.
He didn t mean to doze off, but William woke him an indeterminate time later with a hand on his shoulder. Jeremy scrubbed the grogginess out of his eyes as he sat up, and William handed him a mug of coffee once he was on his feet. Jeremy buried his thanks against the rim as he preceded William out of the room. He probably could have drained it before he reached Warren s office, but facing his stepfather empty-handed rarely turned out well. He rapped on the doorframe, waited two minutes for Warren to acknowledge his arrival, and let himself in.
There were two chairs on this side of Warren s mahogany desk, but Jeremy knew better than to sit without an invitation. He stood between them instead, holding onto his mug for dear life, and waited for Warren to finish his busy work. The squeaky scratch of Warren s pen was nearly as aggravating as the too-loud second hand of Warren s expensive watch. Jeremy tolerated it as long as he could, then sucked down half of his coffee in a noisy slurp. It worked as intended; his stepfather put his work aside to fix him with an irritated stare.
You wanted to see me, Jeremy said.
Your mother and I are flying to Boston tomorrow morning, Warren said. I trust you will conduct yourself appropriately in our absence.
Jeremy affected surprise. Implying I can ever meet your standards? That s new.
I m only going to say this one time, so listen up, you little faggot. Warren sat back in his chair and folded his hands across his stomach. Jeremy went still as stone to stare at him, coffee forgotten. The attitude goes, or you do. You are on thin enough ice as it is right now; the next time you fall through I will stand at the edge and watch you drown. Do you understand me?
This is my mother s house, Jeremy said. You can t tell me to leave.
Call my bluff, Warren invited him. Jeremy opened his mouth, closed it again, and held onto his mug for dear life. Warren gave him another minute to come up with something before saying, If I get one call or text from anyone that you are acting out, you will regret it. Now get out of my office. I don t want to see you again until dinnertime.
Jeremy did a sharp about-face and left. He was halfway to the stairs when William flagged him down. Jeremy tried to wave him off, not in the mood for conversation, but William stepped neatly into his path and said, You have visitors out front. Rather than explain, he put out a hand and said, Mug?
Jeremy drained the last bit before turning it over, and William got the door for him. The relief that seized his heart when he saw Jean and Cat sitting at the fountain almost took him to his knees. Cat turned at the sound of the door, but Jeremy didn t trust his expression to hold. He looked back at William, buying a few critical seconds, and said, Thank you. I ll make sure they don t stay long enough for him to notice.
William nodded and eased the door closed, and Jeremy went to join his friends. Cat sprang to her feet to strike a dramatic pose, and Jeremy followed her outstretched arms to the pair of motorcycles parked a few feet away. They appeared to be a matching set, metallic black with silver highlights.
What do you think? Cat asked in lieu of hello. Fancy, right? I m going to have to get mine painted, though, so I can tell em apart better. Jean, show it off!
He can see it, Jean said, but he was already drifting to the nearer bike.
When he took too long to extoll the virtues of this model, Cat launched into a rapid-fire explanation. What little Jeremy heard went way over his head; he knew nothing about motorcycles, and Jean was more interesting by far. The Frenchman was tracing a slow line from the handlebars to the seat cushion with one gloved hand. The light in his eyes was unfamiliar but enough to kick Jeremy s heart up a beat. Satisfaction , Jeremy thought, or perhaps quiet pride. Something a little too hungry to be pleased, like Jean couldn t believe this was truly his.
Jeremy realized too late that Cat had gone quiet. I m glad you found something you like. They look very nice.
They re awesome, she agreed. Makes you wanna come for a ride with us now, right?
As unsettling as the prospect was, Jeremy was briefly tempted. Thanks, but it s not a good night.
Some of the joy went out of her as she glanced past him toward the house. Figured. Her subdued tone was enough to distract Jean from his contemplation, and he turned a heavy stare on Jeremy. Jeremy kept his eyes on Cat until she sighed and went for her helmet. We ll be on our way, then. Just wanted to christen them with a good first ride and thought we d hit you up on the way.
I m glad you did, Jeremy said, and Cat swung past him for a fierce hug.
He watched them zip away, stamped down on his regrets, and turned back toward the house.
-
O n Monday afternoon , Jasmine Lane took her life.
Jeremy heard the news as he and Jean left their pottery class. Loathe as he was to break the news when Jean still had a lecture to get through, he couldn t let him get blindsided by anyone else. Jeremy texted Shane a quick warning before pulling Jean aside outside of Hoffman, and Jean listened in stony silence as Jeremy relayed the latest tragedy. He tried to brush it aside, deflecting with assurances that he and Lane had hated one another, but Jeremy could read the tension in him when he left to join Shane.
By the time Jeremy got home, Brayden Williams and Cameron Winter were gone.
I thought they d be under watch, Cody said when Jeremy called. There was a bite in their voice not unlike Jean s conflicted grief: the cousins despised each other, but Cameron was still family. Cody didn t know what to feel or do about this unexpected tragedy. You can t tell me Edgar Allan wasn t expecting this. I don t- Cody stopped and took a deep breath. Mom s blowing up my phone. I gotta go.
Be safe, Jeremy stressed. Call me if you need anything.
Will do, cap.
Cody wouldn t, not when they had Pat and Ananya to lean on, but it had to be said. Jeremy spent the rest of the evening staring at his textbook without absorbing a single word.
He had to stop keeping up with the news on Tuesday. The papers and stations covering the Ravens second collapse were good at feigning concern, but there was such a judgmental hunger in their approach Jeremy couldn t stand it. Cat had a stronger stomach for it, and she kept him updated throughout the day with sporadic messages.
At some point almost everyone was to blame for these deaths: Muldani and Kevin, for their heartlessness despite the Ravens public struggles; Coach Rossi, who d put a team on the court knowing they weren t ready; Edgar Allan, for not keeping a better eye on their cherished athletes; Coach Moriyama, for abandoning his team so swiftly and thoroughly after their first loss; on and on it went, with increasing heat and speculation. For once, the only name not tossed about so carelessly was Jean s.
Laila texted him Tuesday evening to ask, Do you think it s over? When Jeremy took too long to answer, she added, Those three started the fight. They cost the Ravens their season by injuring Andrew and Neil. If they ve absorbed the blame, the rest might be able to move on.
I don t know, Jeremy finally sent. I hope so. How is Jean?
A little lost, she admitted. We re keeping an eye on him, but I wish you were here.
Jeremy typed out six different responses before settling on, I m sorry. It wasn t what she wanted to hear, he knew, but it was all he had to offer. With a sigh he tossed his phone toward his bed and turned his attention back to his schoolwork. He didn t remember putting his head down, but William woke him with a hand on his shoulder sometime later.
Jeremy smothered a jaw-cracking yawn and peeled his face off his textbook. He sent a fuzzy look around for a clock before blinking up at William. Mom? he guessed. Instead of answering, William stepped to one side. Jeremy glanced toward his bedroom doorway and the person standing there. ...Laila?
I rode a motorcycle to get here, she said, chucking a sleeping bag and backpack into the nearest corner of his room. Jeremy watched them land, then turned a bewildered stare on his best friend. William moved so Jeremy could get up, but Jeremy stayed put. He wasn t convinced he wasn t dreaming. I thought I was going to die at least ten times. You are the only person I would do that for, I hope you know that.
I will prepare some drinks, William said, starting for the door.
Thank you, Laila said, shifting so he could get by.
Jeremy finally got up, and he pulled her into a tight hug when she moved to meet him halfway. What are you doing here?
If the mountain won t go to Mohammed... She propped her chin on his shoulder and heaved a heavy sigh. You said your parents won t be back until Sunday, right? We ll duck out Saturday morning with no one the wiser. Just swing us by the apartment tomorrow so we can get some clothes.
You hate it here, Jeremy reminded her as she wriggled free of him.
If your family isn t here, I hate the new place more. Laila caught his hand and dragged him after her. Now come on, Cat is threatening to take Jean on a tour of the second floor. She was saying something about loosening every screw on Bryson s desk and chair.
Despite that threat, Jean and Cat were waiting patiently in the foyer. Cat called a cheery greeting up at him when he appeared on the landing and collected her bags from by her feet. Jean hung back for only a moment before following her up, and Cat caught Jeremy s free hand to kiss his knuckles.
We re invading, she said. Resistance is futile.
No resistance from me, Jeremy promised, and moved so she and Jean could get by. He checked Jean s expression as he passed, looking for tension and grief. He saw neither. Maybe the ride had helped clear his head, or he was suitably distracted by the change in scenery. Jeremy was grateful either way, but he d want to keep a careful eye on his friend tonight anyway.
It was too early to sort out sleeping arrangements, so the two added their things to Laila s small pile. Cat propped her hands on her hips and spun to consider his room. Her Sheesh! was to be expected, and Jeremy could read the disapproval on her face. I forgot how boring this place is. You still have those ugly sheets? One of these days we re going to buy you a set with like... spaceships or little sasquatches on it, just to see what your mother says.
Oh, I can imagine, Jeremy said.
Unfortunately, so can I.
Jean studied the room with a slow and quiet interest, lingering longest over the pictures hanging on Jeremy s walls. Jeremy put away his homework as quickly as he could while Cat chatted about the ride over. The exhaustion that had dogged him all day was gone, scattered to the wind by the warmth his friends brought with him. They ended up on his bed while he sat opposite them in his desk chair, and Laila was halfway through a story about one of her classes when William returned.
Jeremy helped arrange the drinks along the edge of his desk, then laughed as he accepted a bowl of popcorn. You re a lifesaver.
I will add it to my resume when I next petition Mathilda for a raise, William said, tucking his tray under his arm.
Jeremy didn t miss the considering look William turned on Jean, and he gestured between them. William, this is Jean Moreau. Jean, this is William Hunter, my mother s live-in butler. He s been with our family for almost twenty-six years now. Longer than any of us kids, he added. I m not exaggerating when I say he s the linchpin of this household.
Imagine how many embarrassing stories he knows, Cat said to Jean. Unfortunately, he s too loyal to be bribed.
William smiled. I apologize for not introducing myself on your previous visit, Mr. Moreau. Please feel free to make yourself at home and let me know if you require anything while you are here. To Jeremy he said, I will be downstairs until you need me.
It s late, Jeremy said. You shouldn t be working. I promise we won t bother you.
William left with a polite good-night, and Jeremy passed the popcorn over to his friends. They d get butter on his sheets for sure, but Jeremy couldn t care. They were here; that was all that mattered. They stayed up far too late, laughing and flinging fistfuls of popcorn at each other, and only called it a night when Jeremy couldn t stop yawning.
Jeremy ceded his bed to Laila and Cat and stole a sleeping bag so he could stretch out next to Jean on the carpeted floor. He worried Jean s thoughts would catch him with no conversation to distract him, but Jean looked more pensive than distressed as he settled down for the night. Jeremy listened for Laila s breathing to even out and Cat s quiet snores to start before nudging Jean with a careful hand.
Are you all right? Jeremy asked.
Jean thought it over for a bit before saying, I carry some of the blame for this. Yes, he said, when Jeremy started to protest. I asked Coach Wymack how I could protect you, and Thea was his answer. He only dragged her into this because I asked him to, and she knew exactly how to break them. Jean gestured helplessly before offering a slow and careful, I am not sorry. Perhaps I should be. But I will choose you every time. You, and Cat, and Laila, every time. I will lose them all if I must.
Cat stirred with a sleepy query. Jean reassured her with an easy dismissal, then rolled onto his other side. Jeremy was left staring at the back of his head, heart pounding so loud Jean had to hear it. His head was an echo chamber, spinning Jean s words out of context on endless repeat. He should say something, but Jeremy was afraid to open his mouth. He wasn t sure what might come out.
At last he managed a weak, Good night, Jean, as he tugged the sleeping bag up over his head.
It d be a miracle if he got any sleep tonight, and Jeremy prayed he wouldn t dream.