Oliver Crum and the Grim Menagerie by Chris Cooper

Author:Chris Cooper
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: Dreadful Media
Published: 2019-10-03T04:00:00+00:00

“And what do you do for a living?” Bev asked Asher, who was in midchew of a blueberry muffin.

“Not sure exactly,” he replied. “Ruby always called it ‘performance art.’”

“Performance art?” Bev wrinkled her nose. “How does that pay the bills?”

“Pays them quite well, actually. We typically have a full house on the weekends. Between the absinthe tastings, psychic readings, and reanimated animal exhibits, we do all right.”

Bev’s mouth hung open as she struggled to come up with a response.

“Don’t grill him, please.” Oliver stood at the kitchen counter, stirring a spoonful of sugar into his coffee.

Oliver wasn’t prepared to explain the mechanics of Asher’s abilities to his mother and still didn’t quite understand them himself. He had coached Asher to leave out the more colorful details about his life so far, although Asher slipped now and then.

“I think I have a right to know who’s spending time with my son,” she shot back defensively.

“Maybe when I was ten,” Oliver replied.

“It’s all right. I don’t mind. Shall I tell her how I reanimate the dead?” Asher smiled.

Oliver shook his head.

“You will not make a fool of me,” Bev said, rising from the table. “I’ll be in my room.” She stormed off and thumped up the stairs.

“That went well, don’t you think?” Asher asked, returning to his muffin.

“Maybe fewer details next time,” Oliver replied.

“Are you going to tell her?” he asked.

“‘Yeah, Mom, Asher here can reanimate dead animals, and his blood has magical powers. We’re hiding him here because some evil force is trying to kidnap him. Another splash of coffee?’ Remember, Ruby and Caleb are different. Most people wouldn’t be able to handle the whole Unnatural thing.”

“Fair point. I’m sorry. I’m just so worried about Ruby.”

“Don’t apologize. I’m worried too. I wish there was more we could do to help her.”

Izzy walked into the kitchen and pulled a mug from the cabinet. “Already making friends, are you?” she asked Asher. “Whatever you said to Bev seems to have put her in a mood.”

“Just telling the truth,” he replied.

Oliver was eager to change the subject. “I was thinking of showing Asher the hives today. Thought it would be good if we both got some fresh air.”

Asher clammed up. “Do you think it’s safe for me to go outside? Ruby said not to.”

“I’ll grab the beekeeper mask from the garage, just in case. No one comes out this way. Izzy’s house isn’t exactly a popular town destination. A stroll through the hives might help get our minds off of last night.”

Asher looked worried at the prospect of leaving the house.

“It will be fine,” Oliver added. “Just trust me.”

The air was crisp, and the cold weather had calmed the bees. Still, Oliver pulled two masks from the garage and two sets of white gloves, just in case.

Asher refused to step through the back door until the beekeeping gear was on and Oliver had verified the coast was clear.

As they walked toward the hives, Asher swatted at the few bees that buzzed by his mask.

“They can’t hurt you,” Oliver said.

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