Banished: Book 1 of The Grimm Laws (17 page)

“You’re a coward,” Ruben seethed, his eyes filling with rage. “A coward that must be dealt with. I have gone to great lengths to get us to this world. The kingdom is within your grasp, and you throw it away. It slips through your wretched fingers like sand. Because you have failed to do as I asked, we have lost the element of surprise. Do not think it will be so easy to eliminate him the next go around. He now knows that someone is out to get him.” He balled his fists. “This must be answered.”

“Yes,” Huntsden answered quietly. His dad’s wrath knew no bounds, and it would be answered. The first blow hit him square in the gut, knocking him breathless. Huntsden doubled over, but his dad was just getting started. He pounded him again in the side and in the back. He tried to be strong, but the words issued forth, and he couldn’t call them back. “I’m sorry,” he cried. “Dad, I’m sorry.” Hot pain shot through his body, and he groaned in agony. He tried to back away, but he was no match for his dad who was screaming obscenities at the top of his lungs. Huntsden couldn’t stop the tears from flowing down his face. He fell to the ground in a crumbled heap.

Ruben gave him one last kick in the ribs. “The next time I give you an order, you’d better follow it, you worthless piece of garbage. I won’t be as merciful the next go around,” he muttered, walking away.

W
hen they pulled
into the parking lot of The Chocolate Fountain, Wisteria gave the place an appraising glance and then raised an eyebrow. “You’re practicing here?”

“Yep, Elle’s aunt, Adele, owns the place, and she’s letting us use the attic.”

“I see. Won’t the noise disrupt the business?”

Rush shrugged. “Not according to Adele. She assured us that she would take care of any problems.”

Wisteria wrinkled her nose. “That’s a bit odd, don’t you think? It seems like she would be worried about her customers.”

Rush blew out a breath. Even though he’d practically said the same thing to Adele, he didn’t like hearing his mother say it. “Why do you always look for the negative in everything?”

“I’m not looking for the negative, I’m just stating a fact. You and I both know that the noise from your band is going to carry through that old house like a megaphone. Mark my word, the customers are going to be annoyed. If this woman
Adele
has
an ounce of sense in her brain, she’ll realize that, and you’ll be looking for another place to practice.” She gave him a sympathetic look. “I just don’t want you getting your hopes up, that’s all.”

“It will be fine,” he said, trying to keep the irritation out of his voice. Rush grabbed the door handle. “You know, Mom, you really don’t have to come with me. I’ll be perfectly safe. It’s not like the boogie man’s gonna jump me while I’m inside.”

She gave him a look that could kill. “Enough, wise guy, I’m coming.”

“Fine! Suit yourself! But no criticism,” he warned, throwing open the car door. He began grabbing his guitar, music stand, and all of his other gear.

“Here, let me help.” Wisteria took the music stand from him.

“I’ll have to make a few trips to get it all. Let’s take this inside, and I’ll come back for the rest.”

“Quaint place,” Wisteria said when they stepped inside the front door.

Rush spotted Adele in the far corner of the room, standing beside a table, laughing and talking to a young boy and girl, who were eating brownies. He paused, unsure as to whether he should take the equipment on upstairs or stop and say hello to Adele. Luckily, she saw them and came over.

She gave Rush a warm smile. “Good to see you again.”

“Thank you. Um, this is my mother, Wisteria.”

Adele held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you … Wisteria.”

Wisteria clasped the older woman’s hand. “Hello, it’s nice to meet you.”

Adele peered over her glasses and looked Wisteria up and down. “Still as beautiful as ever, I see.”

Wisteria gave her a quizzical look. “I’m sorry, have me met?”

Adele flashed an enigmatic smile. “It depends on what your definition is of
met
.”

“So we know each other?” Wisteria prompted.

The guitar was starting to feel heavy in Rush’s hands. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to go up and put these things down.”

Adele waved an arm in the air. “Yes, dear, you go right on up. Everyone else is already here. Your mother and I will stay down here and get better acquainted.”

“Oh, I was going to go up and watch them practice,” Wisteria protested.

“There will be plenty of time for that,” Adela said, placing her arm around Wisteria.

“But—”

Adele gave her a searching look. “You seem different … kinder maybe, in this world, dear.”

Wisteria shook her head. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know what you mean.”

“I see … it hasn’t come back to you then. I had thought that when the chain of events started that you would start to … well, naturally.” She adjusted her dress. “I just assumed because you were so powerful that you would …”

Wisteria leveled a glare. She didn’t know what this woman was getting at, but she didn’t like the feeling that she was being played. “That I would what?”

“Ah, the bite is still there. More subdued, but still there.” Adele looked at the ceiling and then shook her head. “Merek, I’m impressed. Hadn’t counted on her not remembering anything. Nope, hadn’t counted on that at all.”

Wisteria looked up, but all she saw was an antique ceiling fan. Rush had neglected to tell her that Elle’s aunt was crazy. No wonder she wasn’t worried about the noise. She was starting to have some serious doubts about letting Rush and the other band members practice here.

Adele gave her a reproachful look. “Your lenses have become clouded, dear. You have only to remove the grime to learn that the craziness we see in others is merely a reflection of our own misunderstanding. I figured you of all people would remember that.”

Clouded lenses? What was she talking about? “I’m sorry, but I must be missing something. You seem to know me, but I don’t know you.”

Adele chuckled. “All in good time, dear, all in good time.”

Wisteria stopped. “Wait a minute, there is something familiar about you.” She put a finger to her lips. “It’s right there, but I can’t grasp it.” She shook her head. “I lost it. Maybe you look like someone I know.”

“Yes,” Adele agreed, a trace of amusement on her face. “That must be it. Come, there’s much I want to show you.”

“
A
gain
!” Rae said. “We must do it again!”

Elle let out a groan. When it came to band practice, Rae was a tyrant. They’d gone over the same song five times already, and now Rae was insisting they go over it again. She was about to complain, but luckily, Jack beat her to it.

“Hey Red, lay off, would ya?”

Rae made a face. “Don’t call me
Red
. And yes, we’re gonna practice it until we get it right! Tryouts are a week away, and we’re not ready!” She pointed at Jack. “You’re half a beat behind on the chorus, and Elle stumbles every time we change chords. Elle, we’re counting on you to set the root for each chord. You have to play it like you mean it!”

“Yeah, Elle, play it like you mean it,” Jack said. “We’re counting on you. Tryouts are a week away,” he mimicked.

Elle let out a snigger but snuffed it out when she saw the dark look on Rae’s face. “Sorry,” she mumbled, glancing over at Rush to get his reaction. He rolled his eyes and looked away. A wave of frustration covered her, and she wanted to rip that smug look off of his handsome face. He was ignoring her. He’d made that very obvious in English class. In fact, he was taking great delight in ignoring her, and why it irked her so, she didn’t know. She should be glad he was ignoring her—one less problem to deal with. Yes, she was glad, she decided. She and Edward were patching things up, and she certainly didn’t need Rush lurking around on the roof and complicating matters. Last night, she’d felt so guilty that Rush saw her with Edward. What did she have to feel guilty about? It wasn’t like she and Rush had ever been a couple. She shook off the thoughts and tried to focus on the bass guitar. Thankfully, it was coming back to her … a little. As much as she hated to admit it, Rae was right. She was floundering, but she was doing the best she could. She blew out a breath as they started the song again.

They were halfway through it when the door opened and Adele walked in with Ms. Porter. Elle about dropped her guitar when she saw Rush’s mom. It was bad enough that the woman was her English teacher, but to have her come to practice too? It was too much. Adele and Wisteria walked over to the sofa by the window and sat down. Elle avoided making eye contact with Ms. Porter, although she could feel the woman’s accusing eyes boring into her. She tried her best to change chords smoothly, but despite her best effort, she botched it.

When the song was over, Adele began clapping. “Bravo!” She looked sideways at Wisteria. “Don’t you agree?”

All eyes went to Wisteria as they waited for her response. She looked at Rae. “Your voice certainly helps to elevate the song … and the other members of the band.”

Jack let out a cackle, and Rush looked like he wanted to crawl under the rug. Elle’s face flamed, and she wished to be anywhere but here, performing for this wretched woman.

“Having said that,” Wisteria continued, “you did go a little pitchy on those high notes near the end.” Rae’s eyes went wide, and then her shoulders fell, but Wisteria wasn’t finished. “Rush you were a little overpowering during the chorus. Turn the amp down a notch.” She gave Elle a scathing look. “And you …” She drew her fingers through her hair. “Well, you just need to practice,” she sniffed. “You’re bumbling all over yourself on those simple chord changes. Heaven forbid if you have to play something complicated.”

Suddenly, it became too much. “What I need is to remember how to play this stupid thing,” Elle slung back. She could feel the tears pressing behind her eyes.

“Give her a break, Mom,” Rush said, a warning edge to his voice. “She’s doing the best she can.”

Wisteria met his glare full on. “Well, it appears that her best isn’t going to cut it. Not if you hope to make it though the cut in tryouts.”

Adele put her hands to her mouth. “Oh, dear, this isn’t going well. Oh, dear.”

Elle couldn’t hold back the tears. A hot fury coursed through her veins. She jerked the strap off her shoulder and plunked down the guitar on a nearby table. “I’m through!” she said and then fled the room.

Rae and Jack just stood there, speechless. Rush threw a hand in the air. “Are you happy now, Mom? See what you’ve done?”

Wisteria straightened in her chair. “What I’ve done?” She lifted an eyebrow. “I didn’t see Rae, or you, or Jack running out of the room when I gave you guys constructive criticism. I say one thing, and she falls apart. It’s obvious that the girl’s a ninny.”

“You caused this, Mother, and you know it!” Rush said, squaring his jaw. He removed the strap from his shoulder and put down his guitar.

“Where are you going?”

“To fix this.”

“Let her go, Son. She’s no good for you. Can’t you see that?”

“We’re not doing this here, Mother,” he said through gritted teeth as he started walking towards the door.

“She’s in the study,” Adele called after him.

He stopped. “What?”

“Elle’s in the study. When you get to the bottom of this top flight of stairs, turn left, and it’s the second door on the right.”

An awkward silence filled the room as everyone stood looking at each other. “I should be going,” Wisteria said.

Adele clasped her arm. “Oh, no. You don’t get to create a storm and then leave me to deal with the damage.”

Wisteria spun around, her face cherry red. “Excuse me? Don’t you dare presume that you know me or my son.”

Jack cupped his hand around his mouth. “Cat fight,” he called out.

Rae shot him a dirty look. “Shut up!” she whispered.

“You will stay here, and you will help these kids,” Adele said.

“I have no intention of staying here a minute longer.”

Adele smiled and looked into Wisteria’s eyes. “You will stay here and help them.”

She drew back. “I won’t!”

Adele lowered her glasses and looked deeper into her eyes. “Yes, dear, I believe you will.”

Wisteria started blinking rapidly. “No, I won’t!”

“Oh, dear, you’re a strong one.” Adele retrieved a small vial from the pocket of her dress.

“If you’ll excuse me,” Wisteria said, crisply, moving to stand.

“Wait, dear. There’s one more thing.” Adele squirted the vial, sending a mist spraying over Wisteria’s face. “You will help this band,” she commanded.

Wisteria put a hand on her hip. “No! I certainly will not! You silly old fool. I don’t know who you think you are, but if you think for one minute you can order me—” Adele raised the vial and squirted it directly into Wisteria’s face. “How dare you!” Then she coughed and sputtered. “Yuck! What is that …” She clutched her throat and made a gagging sound. Then she shook her head and looked around as if in a daze. “I’m sorry, what?”

“You were saying how you were going to help the band, dear,” Adele said.

“I did?” Wisteria cocked her head. “Really?”

“Yes, that’s what you said.”

Wisteria shrugged. “And so I did.”

“Very good.” Adele let out a weary sigh before putting the vial back into her pocket. “I’m getting too old for this nonsense,” she muttered. She looked at the ceiling. “Did you see how much tonic I had to use? She’s a strong one. Heaven help us when she remembers.”

Jack looked at Rae. “That was weird.”

“Totally,” Rae agreed.

“Oh, it’s just an herbal calmer that I like to keep on hand,” Adele said breezily. She motioned. “Rae could use some help with her voice.”

“Of course,” Wisteria said, a pleasant smile on her face.

“Oh, no,” Rae countered, “I’m fine.”

Adele peered over her glasses and looked straight at Rae. “Do you want to make it past tryouts next week?”

“Well, yes, but …”

“Wisteria can teach you things that will make you better. She’s the best I’ve ever heard … and trust me, I’ve heard a lot.”

“Why, thank you,” Wisteria said.

Adele and Rae stood eyeing each other. “Okay,” Rae grumbled.

“And Jack, you need to listen to Wisteria also. Your timing is off … with several things.” She gave him a pointed look and motioned at Rae with her eyes.

Jack rocked back. “Hey, I thought we were talking about making music.”

Adele’s eyes twinkled. “Exactly.” She clasped her hands together. “Do you know what you all need? You need some hot chocolate and truffles. I’ll get those while you practice.”

“But what about Elle and Rush?” Rae said.

Adele chuckled. “They’re fine. You just worry about singing.”

“
K
nock knock
.”

Elle looked up to see Rush leaning against the doorframe of the study. She hastily brushed away the tears using the palms of her hands. “Go away!”

He paused a moment like he would comply but then walked over to the wingback chair where she was sitting and staring at the empty fireplace. He sat down in the chair next to her.

“Did you come to finish the job?”

His eyes narrowed. “What’re you talking about?”

“Your mother did a pretty good job of cutting me down to size, I figure you’ve come to finish the job.”

He chuckled. “Don’t tempt me.”

Her eyes felt big and puffy. She hated that he was seeing her like this. “Why don’t you just leave me alone!” She pulled her knees up in the chair and clasped her arms around them. He was such a jerk, sitting there, acting as if he cared. She was sick and tired of everyone judging her—of everyone trying to make her into something she wasn’t. So what if she’d almost kissed Edward! So what! So what if she couldn’t play the bass guitar.