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Welcome to stories from among the stars. You're listening to the book eaters by sun yi dean. Narrated by katie eric.
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Chapter 30 happily never after 10 months ago, the prince heard a voice and thought it was familiar. He advanced toward it and as he approached, Rapunzel recognised him and, crying, threw her arms around his neck. The Brothers Grimm, Rapunzel. It had been so incredibly long since something had gone right. Devon hummed happily all the way from Eastleigh to Southampton, was still humming when she caught a straightforward train to Brighton with Kai in tow. She endured a call from Ramsey at noon, railing about obvious victims left in hotel bathrooms and police who sought a woman of her description. She promised to do better and shrugged it off. They were already on the move. What was the fuss? I don't like travelling. Kai had scarcely looked up from Mario, preferring to hide himself in the safety of the game, but he'd put the console down long enough to frown out of the window. Where are we going now? To the seaside. Salem would have wanted to go to the seaside, she thought disconnectedly. Shells and sand. You'll like it even better than where we were before. He pulled a four year old's pout and said in an old man's voice, can I have a lager? I miss having a lager with my lunch. Erm. No less than an hour later, Brighton rolled into sight with its mix of souvenir shops and authentically archaic buildings. The tail end of February was not a popular time to visit and the streets were eased of the burdensome tourists. She paid an exorbitant amount of money for a hotel room, this time by the sea. And then, because neither she nor Kai had ever seen a beach before, let alone the ocean, they walked down to have a look. It was en route to the pier anyway. Beaches in books were soft, friendly, sandy places, warm and deliciously tropical. Devon's fiction fed imagination had prepared her with such imagery. Brighton defied that utterly. Instead of sand, the shore was comprised of pebbles and rocks that bit Devon's feet, just small enough to get stuck between her toes while still large enough to dig deep. The sky was a smear of rotten grey, the ocean a cold soup of bitter salt that left a silty residue on her skin. Amazing, devon murmured, and Kai nodded emphatically in agreement. It was the most beautiful place they'd ever seen. Raw, real, authentic, hard edged and unpretentious. In another life she might have stayed here forever, lingering on that boundary between sea and earth, the kind of place you could get lost and find yourself. If ever they made it anywhere safe. Devon hoped it would have a rocky beach to wander on. Despite the unfriendly weather and lack of tourists, the boardwalk was populated with small carnival rides, each plagued by a handful of human children in coats and shoes. She and Kai wore only jeans and short sleeved T shirts, and Devon realised this stood out in a bad way. They'd need coats as the weather got colder if they wished to fit in. Can we go on the rides tomorrow? Kai said, awed and oblivious to her self consciousness. Almost no trace of the old man when he was excited, a thing she found curious and hopeful. Aye, why not? They walked along the waterline for a while, ambling slowly toward the palace pier. A handful of swimmers braved the sinking light and single digit temperatures. Devon scanned every face that passed. None were her Easterbrook prints. Shouts and laughter from elsewhere on the seaside peppered her peripheral hearing. Groups coalesced and dispersed. The tide washed low, leaving strips of pebbles for them to clamber on beneath the pier in wet shoes and spray lashed jeans. Devon paused beneath the beams, inhaling the tangled scents of salt and wood rot, lapping water through wet echoes around the pier's cavernous underside. Somewhere in the city, a cathedral clock struck a late hour. No sign of Jarrow. I'm bored now, kai said. Can we go sleep or watch the telly? He had stopped asking to go home in recent weeks, having finally understood that Easterbrook Manor was lost to them forever. Yes, she said. Well go back to the hotel. Devon pivoted, crunching up the rocky sand. If Jarrow did not show, then she would simply manage on her own. Hadn't she always in the end A glimpse of movement caught her eye, too fast and fleeting for a human, and she paused. Devon saw perfectly well in the dark, but here beneath the palace pier, where the wooden beams rose like a branching forest, it was difficult to get a good line of sight. Why are we stopping? Kai wheedled, tugging at her hand. His childish lisp was particularly strong just then. Corrie'll be on the telly soon. I like catching a bit of Corrie. No, the old man liked Corry. You've never seen a single episode, she retorted, then regretting the careless words immediately when his eyes filled with tears. Not his fault. None of it was his fault. Sorry, I didn't mean that. We'll head back so you can catch Corrie. Aye. She wasn't even sure what the show was, just some kind of soap opera thing. But so what? She thought. It mattered to him, and it cost her nothing to indulge his interests regardless of their source. Ok. He sniffed and wiped his nose on her sleeve, mollified for the moment. They picked their way up the pathless gravel beach. This time, when that same flicker of movement tracked in the corner of her vision, she didn't stop or look sideways. Definitely not human. In a handful of minutes she was off the shorefront across the road and bundling Kai up a set of stairs. So they're expensive in cost but cheap in furnishings room. She turned on the television, helped him find his silly program while he sprawled on the bed. I need to go back out, she said, careful to sound casual. I think I've dropped my phone on the beach. Will you be all right here? His gaze flickered briefly at the mini fridge. I'll be fine. Devon frowned. For the last bloody time. You're barely four years old. You don't need and cannot drink any lager. Touch that fridge and I'm chucking out the Game Boy. Okay, okay. He scowled. I won't have any. Good lad. Back out to the promenade, the sweetly darkening streets speckled with lights and laughter. Brighton did not want to sleep. The beach, however, had emptied of people. Humans had enough sense to retreat from a cold, dark ocean that they couldn't safely swim in. Devon huddled into herself, a habit she'd acquired over recent weeks in a bid to look shorter, and slouched down to the shore front beneath the palace pier. She stumbled across the rocks in her unnecessary human sandals, the hems of her jeans already damp from trailing over wet ground. Jarrow was waiting. No hiding or skulking this time. He simply stood at the water's edge, hands in pockets, almost motionless. The hoodie was gone, replaced by a nondescript bomber jacket of an out of date style, better suited to a man twice his age. His curls were shorn into a military buzz cut, the beard was new and unruly. He also wasn't alone. Next to him stood a tallish woman, feet bare. Her dark hair was bound in a Victorian bun, and she wore a crocheted shawl like a Jane Austen heroine, albeit with Mediterranean colouring. This, surely was Victoria, the invisible presence whose vivacious personality had been stamped all over the games room at Easterbrook Manor. Hey, gero said without turning around. Been a while. Devon opened her mouth to say something sensible and burst into tears. Nearly four years since that fraught bedside goodbye, and she was again unable to speak, this time hiccup, crying into her sleeve. Everything circling back, cycling round the months of planning and silence, her uncertainty over his commitment, mutual courage, shared resolve the long separation. And in that time, what had she become? Seen? Done? Did he still know who she was? Did she still know who he was? Their relationship was so fractured and disparate that she hardly dared call it a friendship at all. Pull it together, Devon told herself, and wiped her nose on an already soggy sleeve. Sorry. How are ya? I'm really sorry. Don't know what you're sorry for. Jarrow scooped up a stone and skipped it badly across the uneven saltwater. We're just enjoying nature. A nice peaceful chat, aren't we, Vic? Victoria Easterbrook nodded. Her gaze looked out over the sea. She seemed perpetually lost in thought. This is my sister, by the way, he said. I've told her about you and she was happy to come. Pleased to meet you, Vic. Devon cleared her throat, composure regrowing second by second. Dark brown eyes met her gaze, then flicked away. Victoria said with obvious effort, evening. We have good days and bad days, jarrow said. But she's feeling better than she did a few years ago. That's what she says, anyway. I'm glad to hear you're feeling better, devon said, addressing the other woman. Privately, she wondered whether today was good or bad, and what the reverse looked like. To Jarrow, she added, how's exile Princeling? He groaned. Boring and privileged. Stifling. I do IT stuff. They still let me play games. Mostly, though, I get to see Vic. That's the main thing. It Is that some kind of drink? What? No. It stands for Information Technology. Computers and the Internet and shit. The families are trying to get hit with Voice to Speech programs. It's a way of writing without writing, you know. Devon shrugged. She didn't know. I'm glad you're here. The nights are intermittently watching. I hope you don't get in trouble. Me too. Jaro bent and gathered a handful of two sharp pebbles in both hands, rattling them absentmindedly. Sorry I didn't call sooner. Got the package. Didn't open it. Forgot about it. Finally looked in it and then Took me a while to work up the courage to call once I found your message and realised you were the sender. Also. Took me time to find a phone. He sighed, tumbling the pebbles back to the beach. Victoria, despite her silence, angled her shoulders in their direction, listening intently. It doesn't matter, devon said, the agony of past months already washing out of her. You're here now. I'm grateful. I promised I'd get in touch. Couldn't leave you hanging. Bullshit. You absolutely could have. And no one would have faulted you for it. I'm your brother's killer, after all. The last bit, she said with a wrench of bitterness. A satisfied smile ghosted Victoria's face, though it faded quickly. I don't believe that rumour for a second, jarrow said. That said, if you feel like telling me what really went down, I wouldn't mind hearing it from the horse's mouth, so to speak. She did mind, but he deserved the truth. Reluctantly, she talked about that night in a voice so quiet that the outgoing tide almost drowned out her story. Basic facts, simply stated. Nothing more. Around them, the ocean clattered rocks together in slow, angry surges. The air was so thick with salt and damp that Devon thought she might pickle. Victoria listened, too, edging closer to Devon, though she still kept Jarrow in front like some kind of body shield. When the story finished, Jarrow said, matley's death was announced a couple days after you left. The nights have gone awol, far as we know. The Easterbrooks blame you for everything. Are you okay with what happened? The brothers hadn't got on, she knew. Still, family was family. It's two years ago. I've made my peace since then. We weren't exactly close, in any case. Jaro rubbed his nose with the heel of his hand. Speaking of relatives, where's your son? I saw you walking with him earlier. He's really grown back in the hotel, she said, adding, it's not his fault. The stuff with Matley. Don't be angry with him. I'm not angry. Told you I made my peace. Jarrow began to pace back and forth with noiseless steps, but a sting operation going after the Ravens cars. He shook his head. It's like a low budget action film. The Ravens cars are very real, she said. And so is their cure. If they still have it, or use it. Why would they even deal with you? Why would. Oh, forget all that. Jarrow caught her arm gently. None of this matters, Dev. Let's just leave it all behind. And their rubbish politics. She blinked, brushing windswept hair out of her vision. Leave it behind? You mean run away? Confusion creased his features. Isn't that what you called me down here for? To talk about how to run away? He gestured at his sister. Vic and I are ready to go tonight if need be. Today. Right now. She laughed, even though nothing was funny. Oh, Jarrow. Where would we go? Victoria had gone very still, her face pensive. Island, like I suggested before, he said immediately. Doesn't have many people, and the family has no reach there yet. That doesn't Work, she said. My son has been fitted with a surgically implanted explosive. If I don't check in regularly, Ramsay will kill him from a distance. Oh, he said. Shit. Ah, shit indeed. We can get around that, jaro said, rallying with a speed that impressed her. If you know what kind of device it is, we should be able to interfere with the signal. Faraday cage or a transmission blocker. Devon wanted to hug him for that. Instead, she said quietly, I have no doubt you're correct. But in many ways, that device is the least of my problems. My son also needs feeding every month. Soon every fortnight. Eventually he'll need someone every week. Even if we block that signal permanently and go live somewhere remote, where will we find food? For him? A person a week for the rest of his life is no small matter. All good points, victoria said softly. Her brother gave her a surprised glance. Running away will get him killed, devon said. Remote areas don't feed my son. However, if I do what the knights ask, Ramsay will still not let me live. There's no way out of this trap. There's no happy ending for me or my children. She kicked at the beach, sending sand and pebbles flying. Do you see the bind I'm in? Then that leaves one alternative, Jaro said. You know what I'm going to suggest, don't you? A raw wind scoured the shore, scattering water droplets, and Devon said, no. I won't abandon Kai. Why not? He flung his arms wide, making his question as big as the world. At least consider it. Living remote would be easy for you and me. No special considerations. No drugs, no human victims. We could be in Ireland by tomorrow if we left tonight. I said no. I'm not going to Ireland without my son. Or anywhere else, for that matter. I'm not leaving this city without him. I'm not abandoning him to starvation or taking him away just to watch him become a monster. Even if it kills me. Jarrow stared. How can one child be worth the loss of everything else? How can you justify this cost? Victoria drew her shawl tight around herself. Her gaze was focused, thoughtful, weighing the pair of them. Devon sought her compass, fingers curling tight around it. Love doesn't have a cost. It's just a choice you make, the way you choose to keep breathing or keep living. It's not about worth and it's not about price. Those concepts don't apply. A space of two breaths passed her tense, him coiled. Elsewhere in the city, the clock struck 10pm on the palace pier above. Lights were dimming, some going out completely fun had Ended for the evening, then. I can't help you. His temple throbbed, veins strained against skin by high blood pressure. I kept my promise. I came to see you, never minding the risk to me and Vic. But you won't save yourself and you can't save your children. There is nothing I can actually do. I don't know why you bloody got in touch. Victoria reached out and laid a hand on her brother's arm. Jarrow, be calm. I am calm, he groused. She's the one being ridiculous. Is that it then? Devon's cheeks stung from the wind, but her eyes were dry as a library shelf. You'll just go back to family life. Live like a peon shunted from manor to manor, complicit in trafficking, forced marriage crimes. It's better than dying, he railed terribly loud on that barren beach. It's better than watching you die on a quest you can't win for a monster you can't save. I have Vic to look out for and you're. You're a lost cause. Do you hear me? I have a fucking limit. I don't, devon said. The family took my limits away. Or motherhood did. I'm not sure. Your defining trait, he retorted, and she'd never heard him sound so bitter, so calcified. Being unwilling to abandon your kids is why you're here and it's why you'll die. Ramsay knows you won't abandon them and he's bloody using it against you. On the contrary. I think I can win this, Jarrow, victoria said again, louder. She sounded exasperated. Just a sec, Vic. Listen, Dev, for the love of fuck. This is not and never will be a game you can win. So let's exit the game, Devon said. Stop being a piece. Change the rules. Jarrow threw up his hands. You just said that it was impossible. Unless, she said. We do what Ramsey wants to a point. Find the ravens cars like he wants. Kai needs them anyway. Then we build your signal blocker, or your Faraday cage, whatever you called it, and take off into the night with drugs for my son. That's the most ridiculous plan I've ever heard. He glanced at her dusky skin flushed with fury. There are a million sodding variables that need to fall into place. And I refuse to be Jarrow, victoria said, almost shouting. We must help her. She let go of her shawl entirely to shake her brother's arm, indifferent as the crocheted drape fluttered off her shoulders, tumbling across the beach. What? He said, astonished. Vic, you can't be serious. I am utterly serious, she said, emphatic and deliberate. We must help your friend because no one ever helped me. Her words might as well have been a sucker punch. Jarrow seemed to deflate, looking suddenly much older than his years and very tired. I hear you. Victoria swiveled up toward Devon, hair fraying loose in the persistent wind. I hear you, Devon Fairweather. I and I know you are right. Love has no cost for our children, living or dead, here or gone. No cost, devon agreed and extended her hand. After a moment, Victoria took it. Her grip had strength. Gods and demons, help us. Jarrow scooped up a razor sharp shell, running his thumb along its shattered edge. All right, Dev, I'm listening. How are we going to play this? By taking one step at a time. Devon flicked the compass open, turning slowly till the needle faced north, the sea at her back with all its endless strength. Talk to me about signal blockers. Chapter 31 no more secrets Present Day Almost a year since that meeting on the beach, and Devon was again walking to a crossroads of water and earth in search of Jarrow. She and Kai had slept well despite the stress of the previous days, or perhaps because of it, and had risen very late. She insisted on a shower for both of them before going anywhere. The bath was well stocked with expensive, if very out of date, soaps and shampoos. She poured a few bottles into the water, sluicing days of embedded grime off her skin. Bath done, emptied and refilled for Kai. Devin went poking around the wardrobes. None of the jeans or trousers were cut to her size, something to shop for while in town. She made do with a tartan skirt, floor length on most women but just below the knee on her. It looked ridiculous, something an American tourist might wear and didn't have any pockets, but it was clean and that was enough for now. Morning was tipping towards noon by the time she had set out with Kai, the pair of them ambling hand in hand through the gates of Traquair and down the single main road toward the town of Inner Leven. Winter still clung to the land in strips and patches, thin fingers of frost grasping at the barren fields and speckling the leafless branches with ice. It was abnormally warm, the sun eroding yesterday's sleet, yet the sky predicted more snow, typical English weather. As the River Tweed came into sight, Kai said, what did you say to the ravens cars about us coming out here unsupervised? I told the truth. I'm going shopping in town. Devon checked her wristwatch. A little past 11am and we will go shopping because we have some things to purchase for our escape tonight. We'll also happen to drop by the island and pay a visit to Jarrow first. What about Hester? What about her? She knows where our room is, devon said uncomfortably. She could have come by all morning and didn't. I thought I'd leave her in peace and not be a nag. The main road led them to the shores of the River Tweed. A low, wide bridge banded the rushing water, the road leading over and onward toward the town of Inner Leathan Proper. Over there. Kai pointed at the bridge. No, we're going along the bank, devon said. But there isn't a road by the shoreline, he said. We follow that bike trail, see where it leads to that field ahead of us. We can follow it to those islands. They left the bridge behind and trekked through high grass, steep hills to their right covered in a patchwork of trees before finally reaching a chained up fence. The bike trail splintered off into a fisherman's footpath leading straight to a steep bank. Devon stopped at the edge. Below them the Tweed tumbled fast and frothy between tree lined shores, tricky for a human but easily fordable for her and Kai. Ahead she could finally see the riverine islands. The smallest of them was little more than a soft raised mound of sand around which the water diverted. The largest had a sandy shore, however, with a small wood of densely tangled trees and foliage. I don't see anyone. Kai shaded his eyes, standing as tall as his low stature would allow. Aren't they supposed to be up here already? He'll be there, she offered a hand up on my back. You're small for this river. Her son obliged and Devon stepped off the bank into the water, which came up to her thighs. The current streamed against her legs as she forded across, spray flecked and foamed. But the islands, when she slogged wetly up their shores, were empty. No sign that anyone had been recently, much less stayed on sight. They crisscrossed the tiny patches of wooded land, the whole area roughly the size of Traquair's downstairs floor space sandwiched by rushing water on either side. Could it be a different trio of islands? Kai scratched at the eczema on his elbow. It's definitely these islands. There's nothing else even resembling a trio in these parts. A trickle of doubt crept up on her. Could she have got it wrong? Normally she wouldn't have worried, but in this case the consequences for such a banal mistake were enormous. Then they left early, Kai trying to be helpful by loading her with more things to worry about. Or they got caught up in London last minute. Or crunch. Crackle. Against the rustle of trees and the rush of nearby water. Those footsteps echoed loud to sensitive Bucky's arrears somewhere off to the northwest of them. Devon cupped her hands together. Hello, it's me. Jarrow Easterbrook pushed through the last set of brambles coming into view as he picked his way toward them with Victoria at his side. She gave a wave and even a smile. Apologies for the tardiness. He grins that same sheepish grin. We stayed overnight at a local B and B and overslept this morning. Devon thought he looked like a displaced 60s grunge singer on a budget holiday. He wore hiking shorts that did not suit him and hiking boots that did. His beard had gotten out of control and a trace of early grey marked his temples. She was also wildly, deeply, unabashedly glad to see him and couldn't stop smiling. Hello, Devon. Victoria seemed calmer and more confident since they'd last spoken. It's been a long time. Im so glad to see you both, devon said, the words heartfelt. It has been a long time. Getting sentimental in your old age, eh? Jaro leaned in to hook her and it was as awkward as it was unexpected, a kind of lopsided stiff clasp to the chest. Devon laughed and returned the gesture. Victoria hung back. She was staring at Kai now, who squinted at her with frank wariness. Glad you could make it. Jarrow held her at arm's length in a swift inspection. Interesting skirt. Never had you down as a tartan person. Oh well, when in Rome, eh? Right. Just so. Jarrow shifted that piercing gaze to her son. Hey kid, you've grown. Last time we met you were this big. His hands spanned a roughly baby sized length in the air. Let me introduce you to my sister, Vic. She's your aunt by marriage. Victoria's lips moved soundlessly. She swallowed, tried again. I have two sons somewhere. Kai was speechless, transfixed by their appearance. For all that the Easterbrook siblings had varied in temperament and nature, they shared many of the same features, darkly curling hair, dusky skin, and hints of a Mediterranean heritage. It was a heritage that Kai now bore to some degree, and if Devon had been a stranger looking at the two of them, she might well have been forgiven for assuming Jaro and Kai were father and son instead of second cousins. I still have your Game Boy, devon said, rescuing the boy from his tongue tied state. Or rather, Kai has it. He's very fond of Mario. Her son turned bright Red and mumbled something incomprehensible. Well, that's something, jarrow said. If the lad is here, then I suppose you must have finally come clean about what's inside him. Yes, he knows everything now. Glad to hear it. Jaro took a seat on the nearest flat rock, pulling out a crudely made black plastic rectangle roughly the size of a large mobile phone. All right, real talk. I've built you a signal blocker. You can thank me later for eating dry, nasty manuals about bombs and RFIDs. Devon had to refrain from snatching it out of his hands. And it definitely works, kai said simultaneously. What if the batteries run out? Smart lad. Jaro took out a second, near identical black device holding both out. I've built you a spare which your mother can carry on her person. Keep batteries on both of you. Always have one on you when you're replacing batteries on the other. The closer this gets to crunch, the more likely Ramsey is to use his trigger. To Devon, he said, yes, it will work. I've tested and tested this signal blocker across the past six months. Swear on my grave, Dev, no satellite signal or mobile signal will get through that. Make sure he keeps it on his body or very close by at all times. He held out the blockers, one to each of them. Kai flicked the switch to on and inspected it closely. Devon did the same. She willed her hands to stop shaking, and when that didn't work, she settled for squeezing the signal blocker tightly. It was extremely unlikely that Ramsey would set the thing off within the next few hours. Not unless he wanted to alert the Ravens cars that something was drastically wrong. But she felt miles better for having the blocker in place all the same. As for the other things we've talked about, it took me almost eight months, but I've learned to drive and got a fake license at excruciating cost. We can take off for Ireland. I couldn't get you on without a photo. Aye, it's fine. I knew that was unlikely, but it's easy enough to get you and Kai across to island itself. Hide in the car and we'll take the big ferry from Cairn Ryan to Belfast. Only person they'll check at the border is me. This is incredible. She was welling up. What you've done, I'll never be able to pay you back. Love doesn't have a cost, he said and gave her a squeeze around the shoulders with one arm. You taught me that devotion. Nothing's owed. No debt. What's the phrase you Northerners say? Oh, I remember it'll be reet, she finished, and they both smiled. What is our schedule? Victoria hovered with nervous energy. Sorry, Schedules? Yes. Devon ran a hand through her short hair. Ramsey will be here around 11pm Just sure of that. Aye. He texted to confirm time and location yesterday, and I've replied to him with Kai's help. She tapped her mobile phone. The Redemption for Kai will be ready at 7pm courtesy of a human assistant who works in that house. A human? Jarrow raised a doubtful eyebrow. Are you sure that's a good idea to involve other people? If he doesn't come through, I'll sort things myself. But I do believe he is motivated to assist us, devon said. Its a long story, that one. So you'll have to trust me. Take things on trust from you. What else is new? Jarrow said wryly. Yeah, yeah. Anyway, I hope that we can all be leaving once we've picked up Redemption. If you could pick us up with your car at the bridge back there, I'd be grateful. She hesitated. And if things go wrong, if we don't turn up, then don't wait. All right. I'll hang around till dawn or till I see some sign of nights, he said gently. Whichever comes first. No later than that. But I will give you every chance I can. You already have, Jarrow. She rose to her feet. Im sorry to leave, but I have some things I need to buy in town before our journey. We'll get going and see you tonight, if that's all right. Jarrow stood too. See you tonight, my friend. Are you worried? Kai said as they trunked along the road into Inner Leven, feet still wet from the river. For real, I mean. I know you told Jaro you weren't. Worrying is my way of life. It keeps me alive, and you too. But we deal with one thing at a time, and right now I'm worried about buying all the things we need. I want to pick up books for the journey, clothes that don't make me look like an idiot. And shoes, for heaven's sake. Can't keep going everywhere. Barefoot, she clambered up the bank to increasingly drier ground, angling a route across an unkempt playing field. This way, love. Town's up to the east. Oh. Kai poked her side, needling at her ribs. What about your girlfriend? She isn't my girlfriend. I've only known her two days. I think we should buy her a card or something, he said doggedly. You don't have a lot of friends. It's not smart to let them go so easily. Who raised you to be such a cheeky sod. Just saying. Sure you are. She ruffled his hair in revenge to wind him up. Maybe if I see something suitable. The path evolved into a concrete sidewalk as they followed into town, buildings springing up like weeds. Inner Leathans. High street wasn't much of anything. A church, some stalls, a few houses scattered between, and essential things like bigger shops or specialist services. It would do. She bought shoes in the first place that sold them, ignoring the baffled expressions of the store staff. Good solid boots for that heavy faux human tread. Just the way she liked them. Clothes were easy enough. She raided the men's section of a charity shop for black jeans and a black shirt, putting them on in the changing room afterward. She was pleased to be rid of the tartan skirt for Kai. She also chose a small backpack, something to store his books and clothes, and now his signal blocker. When that was done, they bought food, magazines and sci fi books for him, thrillers and gory crime for her. Commercial fiction had a kind of sugariness she always found addictive. What was that book you picked up? Kai said. Carmilla, or whatever it was called. It looked interesting. Erm, it was just an old fashioned gothic story. Devon didn't feel like explaining to her son why she bought a novel about lesbian vampires. He'd never stop laughing. You wouldn't like it, I'm sure. Shopping done, they were making their way home when Devon walked past the vintage emporium and did a double take. Proudly displayed in the window, behind layers of thick glass and lots of security locks, was a vintage Chanel handbag in black criss cross leather with a gold chain strap. Old school, but timeless and also devastatingly expensive. Even a fringe social participant like Devin could tell from the make and brand that it was something quality. She caught Kai by the shoulder. Hold a sec. I need to buy that purse. That one in the window. He gawked at the sleek black leather in confusion. Why? You already have a messenger bag. Not for me. For Hester. She lost her handbag when we ran from the train. You know. I should get her something in case it was the last time they saw each other, she added silently. Will that make it better? He said, eyeing the handbag distrustfully. It won't make up for upending her life. No, devon said. Nothing can. Huh. Then why are you doing it? Weren't you the one just saying I should do something nice for her? She said with casual lightness. He scrunched his nose. It's so plain looking. Sometimes the nicest things are. She told him as they stepped inside and stepped out again 15 minutes later carrying a pinstripe box full of tissue wrapped handbag. Whoa. He was goggling. A thousand pounds. I don't think you've ever spent that much money on me, he pouted. And you didn't even want to give her a gift five minutes ago. It was my idea. Oi, greedy lad. I think I've done my fair share for you. Thanks. The purse was indeed a lot of money. Devon couldn't find it in herself to regret the purchase, though it was only cash. She'd get more. Besides, I decided you were right. I don't have enough friends to lose. I'm always right. He stuck his tongue out, puffed with pride. They arrived back at Traquair House, both flushed and warm from a day of walking and shopping. Her watch suggested 3pm only a few hours left till their rendezvous with Manny, and a few hours after that till the knights arrived. Can I meet you upstairs in our room? She said to her son. I want to go looking for Hester first, if that's ok. Have fun talking to your girlfriend, he said and darted away before she could flick his forehead. Hester was in the downstairs drawing room, thankfully alone and facing the window. A small pad of paper rested in her lap, on which she sketched a view of Traquair's maze and gardens. Her black and white drawing wasn't fully accurate to the scene outside. With no colour to soften its tones, the shadows looked darker and the highlights brighter. She had carefully depicted the iron gates at the maze's entrance, but omitted its exit. There was no path out of the thorns. That's really good, devon said, edging over. Are you self taught? It's not good. Hester pressed her pencil point hard into the paddle. It broke off, tiny chunk of graphite skittering across paper. I can only copy, not create, because I'm not actually creative. I guess you were right about that much. She looked up, eyes red rimmed. What do you want? To talk to you, devon said, clutching the box tighter than necessary. And although I'm probably the last person you want to see right now, I just wanted to pass along a gift before, you know, we run out of time. A puzzled frown. A gift for me? For the bag you lost. Devon offered up the box in all its tissue wrapped glory, feeling more embarrassed by the second. I couldn't replace the gun, but I could at least do this much. Hester stared in bewilderment at the flouncy packaging. What on earth did you buy did you get this from? Vintage Emporium? That place is awfully expensive. Never mind where I got it from, devon said, a rare blush creeping into her face. Look, I know this is probably the wrong time for this conversation. Was there ever going to be a right time? But if you want to come with Kai and me, we'll be at the brewery at 7pm if you don't want to come, then please, please clear out before 11. Promise me you won't hang about. Aye, the nights mean business. I Hester began dazedly. From the hallway came the sudden noise of people chattering. It sounded like Killick and perhaps some of Hester's other siblings. They both started guiltily. Remember 7pm at the brewery, devon said. Retreating to the opposite door, she added over one shoulder, I do think the drawing is creative. You know, it's your vision, your spin on it. Hester stared at her. Lips parted. Devon darted out through a side door just as Kiln and a few other men entered. Then she headed up to her bedroom, where Kai would be waiting, both of them impatient for darkness to fall.
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That's all for now. Thank you for listening. Make sure to follow Stories from Among the Stars on your preferred podcast app to get the next episode. Or if you just can't wait, you can buy the Book Eaters wherever books or audiobooks are sold.