The Sea in Darkness: An Urban Fantasy Thriller: (Harker & Blackthorn - Book Six) by J.A. Ironside

Author:J.A. Ironside [Ironside, J.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Blue Stone Press
Published: 2022-02-07T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen - Damaged

Early the following morning, I’d just finished in the bathroom when my phone rang. A glance at the screen confirmed what the Touch had already told me. Eddie. I winced and tentatively accepted the call.

“Hey, Edz,” I said warily.

“I’m not calling to shout at you. Relax,” he replied.

“Is Grimalkin okay?”

“The cat is fine. Miffed that he doesn’t have an entire museum to lurk in right now, but otherwise he seems happy enough.” Eddie paused. “Although....”

“Yes?” I felt the faint stirrings of alarm.

“Is it normal for a cat to just sit on your chest and stare at you until you wake up?”

“Er…honestly, I don’t know,” I said. “They can be spooky little buggers though.”

“I’m half expecting Grim to just speak,” Eddie confessed. “There’s this look he gets that’s soooo…”

“Human?” I suggested.

“Knowing,” Eddie said. “As if he knows things I don’t.”

“Still sounding mostly like a typical cat to me,” I said.

“Maybe you’re right.” Eddie laughed. “It’s actually nice to have the company.”

“Okay. Good. So...um...what can I do for you?” I said.

“Can’t I just be calling to chat?” Eddie said, sounded put out.

I glanced at the clock. “It’s seven in the morning. Unless you drastically changed your habits in the last three months, you’re usually barely coherent at this time. Anyway–” I broke off.

“Anyway, I haven’t exactly been Mr Chatty recently? Or for some time before that?” Eddie said drily.

“Your words, not mine.”

“Yeah. I’ll get to the point then,” Eddie let out a breath. “I’m really, truly sorry, Jinx. I’ve been thinking and I’ve had a few days to get some perspective. At first, I was just angry. Mostly I was looking for someone to be angry with who wasn’t me. I’m sorry you got both barrels. But I can see I’ve been a shitty friend lately.”

“Thank you for saying that,” I said, then snorted a laugh. “Even if you did pick first thing in the morning to say it.”

Eddie chuckled. “Are we good? Or can we be?”

“Yeah.” I sighed. “It’s not like I don’t understand why you ditched me. Maybe I would have done the same if I’d been in your shoes.”

“I appreciate you saying so, Jinx, but somehow I doubt it. You’re crazy loyal.” Eddie cleared his throat. “And I must have known that deep down, or why would you have been the first person I came to for help.”

“Maybe just crazy, then?” I said glibly.

“Definitely eccentric,” he said.

We both laughed a little again.

“I don’t want to be a dick or anything, but I have to be clear,” I said. “I’m not getting involved in whatever happens between you and Meg, okay? I love you both. I want to be a good friend. But I’m not taking sides. No matter who I think is in the right.”

“I’m guessing that wouldn’t be me in any case,” Eddie said drily. “Hang on, are you suggesting I’m apologising to you so I can get you to act on my behalf?”

“The thought crossed my mind,” I said apologetically.

“I suppose I had that coming,” Eddie said grumpily.

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