“You’re here bright and early.”
Ever smiled briefly at Logan before concentrating on not putting the table down too hard on the footpath outside. His side wasn’t hurting as much now, but he still felt it protest when he lifted heavy things. He went back inside with his boss following.
“How was Mimi?”
Ever put the chairs down on the inside tables, facing away from the serving area.
“Good.”
“Good?” Logan echoed. Ever could practically see the raised eyebrow on his face.
“Yeah.” Ever turned around. “She took me for a walk.”
Logan’s quizzical look cracked into a lopsided smile. For the first time, Ever noticed a shiny tooth on the top-left row of his teeth. “Usually people take dogs for walks, but fair enough. You didn’t have a leash. So she just ran ahead and you followed?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“Where did she take you to?”
Ever swallowed. “Her owner’s house.”
“Ah yeah? So you met her owner then?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“So… Mimi’s back with her?”
“Yes.” This part was the truth… sort of. Ever had ended up calling emergency services after reaping Mary. He’d put his number down as the contact person and told them that Mimi was OK staying at the house. Ever clasped his hands tight behind his back.
This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
“So… she’s out of our hair now?”
“Out… of our hair?” He glanced at Logan’s grey-silver locks, unable to keep the confusion off his face.
Logan’s eyes lost focus. He tapped the Bluetooth headset on ear. “Hello, Logan speaking.” He walked out of the ice cream shop and down the street.
Ever exhaled deeply.
*Mentor, why is it so hard to lie?*
It’s not hard to lie, Death said. You just don’t always have to tell the absolute truth. A half-truth still contains truth.
Ever would argue that if it contained a lie, then it was a lie. He didn’t want to get into a spirited discussion with his mentor just as the day was about to start, so he left it at that. His eyes fell on the plant pot by the window. That’s right. He went over to the sink they used for washing tubs and scoops, filled up a tub then went back to swirl water through the soil. Nothing had sprouted yet. Was it getting enough sunlight? Gaia hadn’t really said much more about how to make it grow.
He looked out the window; Logan was leaning against the brick wall, separating Pagoto’s and the shop next door, having a smoke. He’ll be coming in soon. Ever went to the cupboard next to the fridge. Opening it and squatting in one motion, he peered inside. The plastic box from Mid-Summer Nights was still there, with all the business cards inside. He took it out, opened it up. The one he was after was right on top.
Zoe Regali
Vets R Us
Head Veterinarian
Mimi had insisted that her snout was fine, but Ever had insisted that he take her to get it looked at. In the end, he told her that he knew a good vet and that seemed to ease her a little.
He stared at the business card, turning it over. It had felt so long since she came in. Would she still remember him? Ever pulled out his phone. Hesitating for a moment, he dialled the number on the card and put it up to his ear.
It started to ring.
