Queens of Tristaine by Cate Culpepper

Author:Cate Culpepper [Culpepper, Cate]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fiction, Lesbian, Contemporary, Romance, Family Life
ISBN: 9781933110974
Google: 3DQXGQAACAAJ
Amazon: 193311097X
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2007-10-22T00:00:00+00:00

“It was a necessary kill.” Jess heard Dana behind her. “Well done, Jess.”

Jess stared at the ebony sheen of the blade, a gift from Dyan. She rose and sheathed it in her belt. “Are we injured?”

“We’re whole, Jesstin.” Kyla put her arm around Brenna and squeezed her shoulders, and Brenna was able to offer her a tremulous smile. It had been very close.

“This kind’s not likely to run to the police for help.” Dana nudged the leg of the bearded man with her foot. “I don’t think we need to worry about pursuit.”

“Then let’s fi nd our brother.” Jess stepped over the dead man, and they left the alley and its silent denizens behind. y

Their shadows slid across the cracked plaster wall of a utility substation. Brenna crouched in the high weeds beside Jess. “Do you think that’s it?”

• 122 •

Queens of Tristaine

“Aye, seems likely.” Jess tossed a dead bush aside so she could see the tinny length of the trailer that stood a stone’s throw away. The land it stood on looked barren and parched, but splashes of color from a carefully tended fl ower garden pleased the eye.

“Can you see any security system?”

“Guard dog.” Dana nodded toward a small white puppy high-pawing across the fenced yard, sniffi ng the air industriously.

“I can take him.”

Jess touched Brenna’s knee. A screen door on the trailer was creaking open, and a large man backed carefully down the two rickety steps. She twirled her fi ngers sharply, and the others rose with her.

The area was fairly deserted, but Brenna knew Jess wanted them inside as quickly as possible. They ran as one body, and Jess vaulted the low fence in one easy leap, sending the puppy into a frenzy of alarmed yaps. “Jodoch.”

The man had been bending over something, and now he spun into a defensive stance. Jess skidded to a halt, obviously startled by the wild light in her gentle brother’s eyes. “Jode, it’s me.”

Jode gaped at the four women who had magically appeared in his backyard, and his body relaxed. A smile wreathed his acnescarred face. “Jesstin!” He took two steps and clapped his burly arms around Jess.

“Jodoch!” Jess grinned, returning the embrace. “Get us inside.”

“Jeeze. Yeah, sure.” Jode released her, looking around the empty lots adjoining his. “Come on in.”

“Hello, Jodey!” Kyla, holding the squirming puppy, rose on her toes to kiss Jode’s cheek.

“Hey, my sweet little sister!” Jode ushered them quickly up the wooden steps into the trailer. “Uh, Pam? Company for dinner!”

Light splashed through the small windows, but it took a second for Brenna’s eyes to adjust to the relatively darkened interior. Jode’s home was tiny but clean, cluttered only by the

• 123 •

CATE CULPEPPER

pleasant disorder of daily life.

“Kee-rist, is that Jess?” A short, stout woman with a beautiful sway to her hips tossed a dishcloth over her shoulder, smiling. She bounced on her toes and peered past her. “What, did you bring the entire tribe? We’re having Jell-O.”

“Pamela.” Jess bent down and kissed her cheek. “Forgive us our ambush.

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