Book Eight: Chapter 67

“What if I told you it was an emergency?” Mike snatched Emory by the legs before he could fly off. “That was a joke, Emory.”

“My apologies!” The homunculus looked forlorn as Mike set him down.

“There’s nothing to apologize for. Have you made breakfast yet?”

“I was getting ready to.”

“Can you include bacon?” Mike reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver dollar. He handed it to Emory, who accepted the gift with shining eyes.

“Of course,” said the imp breathlessly. He tucked the coin away beneath one arm and fluttered into the kitchen. The homunculus busied himself with a cast iron skillet that he set onto the gas stove. With a click, the gas was ignited. Emory already had a bowl of eggs whipped and ready to be scrambled, but ignored it in favor of going to the fridge to retrieve some bacon first. In minutes, the cabin was filled with the sound and smell of sizzling meat.

The master bedroom door opened and Beth wandered out in a long flannel s