Chapter 12

“No, there’s some stuff I want to check out in the observatory now, see if your theory about dimensional threading is correct.” Dana made her way to the door. “I’ll be in touch with what I find out.”

“I’m eager to hear it.” By the time he turned his attention to Lily, she had turned back into a little girl and thrown her arms around his neck before planting a big, sloppy kiss on his cheek.

“I’ll miss you, Grandpa!”

Cyrus wiped his cheek and shoved her away. “Yeah, yeah, I answered your questions, now get the fuck out of my home, you spawn of Satan.” He opened the door for them. “Oh, and say hi to Mike and Death for me. We’re supposed to have tea next Tuesday.”

Lily blew him a kiss and skipped down the hall ahead of Dana, her braids bouncing off her shoulders. She had taken advantage of the old man’s kindness and gotten exactly what she wanted.

Somewhere, deep down inside, a part of her felt bad. With very little effort, she squashed it away.

***