Blood Leverage (Bloodstone Chronicles Book 1) (3 page)

Unlike me, Nicky is considered a catch and flirts accordingly. To our audience I was just another of his conquests, but my silence on the matter serves my interests. If I knew my neighbors—and I did—half of them were betting on when I’d finally get pregnant. However, as virgins, it’ll be a long time before anyone wins that bet.

True to her word, Amy left to take her mother home, leaving Nicky and me to join our parents at the dinner. After a pointed look from Luigi, I helped myself to roast beef and stewed prunes for the extra iron, along with some broccoli for vitamin C to help the iron better absorb.

Despite the conversations swirling around me, it took all my focus to chew my prunes without gagging. Fortunately, my mom was too occupied with Luigi to notice. In fact, if I wasn’t mistaken, something was happening there.

There were little things I might not have noticed if I’d been my normal, talkative self. The tilt of a head, the touch of a wrist. It looked almost… flirtatious?

The idea of my mother and Gigi together was something I’d
have to give some thought to.

CHAPTER
THREE

THE next two days dragged by in a blur
of naps. Despite gag-worthy amounts of spinach, beef and eggs, I felt weak and sluggish. I’d continued my classes but the long walks through the tunnels were tiring and I returned late both nights.

Robert’s rage reached an all-time high with words exchanged in public on one occasion. Unfortunately, I was too tired to get any zingers in. It took me seventy-two hours to recover, which was just in time to watch my mother fall apart.

My mother is an admirable woman—full of intelligence, ingenuity and common sense. Unfortunately, none of this stopped her from being a wreck the days before her departure. This left me to tolerate her endless lists and schedules with as much patience as I could muster.

I felt happier than ever with my decision to stay, primarily because of Luigi. Something had started there—or at least I saw the potential for something to start. If a summer alone didn’t push them into a relationship, nothing would. Assuming I kept my mother sane enough to leave.  

“Okay, that’s enough.” As gently as possible, I tugged her fountain pen away. “What’s bothering you?”

She exhaled and rubbed her forehead, oblivious to the ink she smeared. “Sorry, honey. It’s easier to fuss over you than worry about my trip.”

It was rare to catch my mom in a moment of vulnerability. She sounded younger. She even looked younger, with pale wisps of hair waving over her cheeks and brown ink smeared above her eyebrow.

I dampened a rag at the sink and attacked the ink smear. “There’s no reason to worry. You’ll be with Luigi, and I’ll be fine.” My soothing tone contrasted with my vigorous rubbing.

Despite my reassurances, my mother persisted in her obsessive planning. By the day of her departure, I was prepared to launch her into Gigi’s truck with a catapult if necessary. Happily, it looked like she was finally embracing the adventure.

Long distance traveling is such a novelty that half the square came to see my mother and Luigi off. Skip had even brought hot sandwiches to sell.

While Luigi finished loading mother’s bags and mom chatted with the mayor, I considered buying a sandwich since I’d skipped breakfast. I’d begun making my way to Skip when mother returned to say goodbye.

After a final hug, she smiled her first genuine smile in days. “Thank you for covering my classes. You’ll be fantastic. I think we’ve planned for anything, but if anything comes up financially you have my banker’s contact information.” Her expression warned me to avoid that option and I mentally vowed to stick to my budget—as detailed in list seventeen on our refrigerator.

“We’re due back by mid-September. If I don’t return by Halloween, my bank accounts will transfer to you.” I pulled back, startled, and she laughed. “Everything should be fine, but it’s wise to have the plans in place. I love you and we’ll be back before you know it.”

“I love you too, Mom. I’ll take care of everything.” She finally released me and walked to the side of the truck.

Gigi opened the door with a flourish and boosted her in before coming to collect his own hug. “You okay, bambina?” I loved the way his eyes crinkled. If my mother were to ever take a husband, she couldn’t do better than this man.

“I’m fine, Gigi. Have a wonderful trip. Keep each other safe.” I fought to hold my voice steady.

His hug lifted me from the ground and I clung briefly, giving him a loud smack on the cheek. He put on a stern expression. “You look after my boy, you hear? Sometimes I think all that pretty hair sucks out his common sense.” Everyone laughed and I agreed to do my best.

After a final squeeze, Gigi climbed up beside my mother. With a cheerful beep, they waved as Luigi drove away. As the sound of the motor faded, I felt a tingle in my stomach. On my own at last. 

Grinning like a fool, I turned to leave, making a point to thank people for coming. Unfortunately, my manners cost me my lunch and I watched in annoyance as the mayor’s husband purchased Skip’s last sandwich.

On the bright side, I had several hours before class so I went looking for Amy. She loved to work outside, claiming her own clothes served as advertising. I passed a small congregation of sacred vessels lounging in the sun as their offspring terrorized one another—receiving three dirty looks in the process. Offering a wide smile in return, I spotted Amy beneath a maple tree across from the bakery.

Her mouth tipped into its lopsided grin when she spotted me. As usual, her hair fought to escape its uneasy architecture but today’s up-do was anchored with brightly colored pencils instead of knitting implements.

“Rory, hi! How’s your first day as a responsible adult going?”

“It’s not like I was a maniac before my mother left,” I said mildly, settling on her old wool blanket. I might have gone on, but the wide, tatted lace in her lap caught my attention. It was a gorgeous peachy pink and I all but drooled. “Is that, ah, something new you’re working with?” It took an effort to keep the covetous tones from my voice.

Amy looked at me askance, snickering. “Noticed, did you? It might look good,” she paused to pull her sketchpad from her bag, “in something like
this
.” The dress had a bodice made from bands of lace and an airy lace skirt that stopped inches above the knee.

I groaned. “Have you no mercy? So much for my summer budget.” 

Amy grinned. “Nyah, I was hoping for more of a trade. I have some things I need from Nicky and Luigi, and I’ve noticed how
somehow
your requests always jump to the front of the line.” She nudged me slyly.

“Make a list and I’ll see what I can do.” I felt guilty accepting such an effortless trade. Still, as I couldn’t discuss why it was so effortless, I hunkered down to my own work.

For the next few hours I outlined a new article proposing council member term limits until I had to leave. I was packing my bag when an adolescent voice made me leap to my feet.

“Hot sausage buns with cheese and mustard! One dozen, fresh from the oven!” 

The sacred vessels lumbered in Skipper’s direction, but I was a bit closer
and much lighter on my feet. Much to Skip’s amusement I bought all twelve sandwiches and the disgruntled glares I received only added to their deliciousness.

By the end of class, I regretted my gluttony. Of course I hadn’t consumed all twelve. I’d given four to Amy and had left four in the fridge for tomorrow’s breakfast, the thought of which now made me queasy. I’d devoured the remaining four during my walk to 5416, two more than any adult (responsible or otherwise) needed.

With a smile that felt more like a grimace, I said goodnight to the 5416 tunnel gatekeeper, wondering if maybe this was how it felt to be forever pregnant.

Despite this, I made excellent time and was pleased as I climbed Robert’s steps. Since I’d made it home before sunset, I didn’t have to go through my usual entrance audition. I called my name as I knocked, waiting a moment for courtesy before letting myself in.

Shutting the door behind me, I noticed I’d interrupted Robert in a game of solitaire and almost giggled. Of course Robert played solitaire; poker or bridge would require his having
friends
. Filing the thought away for future snarkiness as needed, I was too slow to realize the intent of Robert’s movements until he’d blocked the door to the hallway.

Stopping abruptly, I teetered off balance to avoid trampling his feet. The instant I regained equilibrium, I
widened the distance between us. “Robert. Is there a problem?”

He offered me a piece of paper. “A little something before you leave.”

I thrust my hands behind my back. “No demerits tonight. I have twenty minutes to spare and if you give me that, I’ll go straight to the mayor to prove I wasn’t late.”

Though I’d grown immune to Robert’s ‘angry face’ his smile unnerved me. Not only had I never seen it before, he resembled an animal baring its teeth more than anything friendly. I took another step back.

“Don’t you worry,” he said, smile still in place. “The mayor already has a copy. I expect you’ll want to discuss it tomorrow, seeing as you have an appointment.”

“Appointment? The mayor? Robert, you’ve been playing games by yourself for too long.” By now he’d all but shoved the paper up my nose and I snatched it away, annoyed. “What the hell is this?”

The moment I saw the words my sandwiches threatened to make a reappearance.

Apparently I’d been wrong about Robert having no companionship in his games, as the document in my hands required the signatures of ten percent of the square’s adults. His laughter followed me as I bolted out the door, still clutching the piece of paper which boldly stated words I’d never thought to see: “
PETITION FOR COMMUNAL BANISHMENT: Aurora Strong
”.

*     *     *     *     *

I had no memory of arriving home or unlocking my front door. My first coherent thought was that four sausage and cheese sandwiches taste a hell of a lot better on the way down than they do on the way back up. Fortunately, I reached the kitchen sink before reaching this brilliant conclusion.

My hands trembled as I cleaned the sink and filled a glass with water. Banishment petitions were usually a last resort, reserved for serious offenses only. I could only remember three in my lifetime, the most recent against a man accused of rape. The council had lacked evidence to convict, but the population had delivered their own verdict. A confirmed petition for banishment meant nearly
a hundred people
disliked me enough to want me gone and I fell asleep at six AM still trying to guess their names. 

CHAPTER
FOUR

THE pounding on my front door began at
nine, and I buried my head under the pillows. My appointment with the mayor was at noon and damned if I’d go a minute sooner.  

My tormentor gave up after a minute and I closed my eyes with the satisfaction of a job well done, but the knocking resumed at nine thirty and again at nine forty-five. At ten, I leapt out of bed but no one was there.

Baffled and annoyed, I turned around only to be startled by Amy exiting the kitchen. She’d let herself in and I marveled at my stupidity. Of course she’d come; news of my proposed banishment must have spread at warp speed. I couldn’t imagine what people were saying about—

“Rory!”

I jumped and realized she’d been speaking. “Sorry, not altogether awake yet. What’s going on?”

Her face fell as she realized she’d awakened me, and she gestured toward a basket on the coffee table. I’d passed it without noticing.

“Peace offering? I’m sorry I woke you. Barb gave Skipper some strawberry muffins for you. You should have seen him; he’s all worried. Looks like he might have a little crush,” she confided. Her mouth quirked and I began to feel as though my life might not be a complete train wreck. It’s hard to stay grumpy when Amy smiles.

“Anyhow,” she said, “when you didn’t answer I said I’d check on you.”

Willing to be consoled by carbohydrates, I snagged a muffin. Mercifully, Amy allowed me to eat in silence. While I ate, she went to the fridge and retrieved a bottle of orange juice she must have brought. It had been generous of Amy to splurge on greenhouse orange juice and between us we polished off every last bite and sip.

“What a wonderful treat! My thanks to you and your mom—and hey…” I looked around as though Ms. B. might be under the table. “Where is she?” 

Amy dabbed at her lips with a napkin. “Mom spent last night at Beverly’s. It a good deal for everyone. Mom helps Beverly with her herbs and I get a little break. I slept for twelve hours.” Her smile faltered. “If I’d been awake I would’ve been waiting here last night. Want to talk about it?”

I shrugged. “What’s to say? I’m supposed to meet with the mayor at noon, so I guess I’ll hang out here until then.”

Amy’s eyebrows knit together. “You certainly will not! There’s no way you’re hiding in here. Go get dressed while I clean up.” Dismissed from my own table, I went upstairs to follow orders. I’d rarely seen Amy so agitated, but considering her situation I understood why I’d hit a nerve.

It took a while to choose my clothes, knowing everyone would be watching. Eventually I chose a pale dove gray that appeared neither timid nor conspicuous. Ms. B. had transformed the tissue-thin turtleneck by creating a square neckline, and its matching trousers were modest without being shapeless. In a small rebellion against my lack of color I added a red leather belt and matching red flats. Maybe they’d cheer me up.

Amy had cleared the table and was waiting by the door.

I locked up behind us. “You’ve heard more than I. What’s our strategy?”

She didn’t even stop to think. “We go thank Barb for the muffins. She’s furious about the petition and a great person to have on your side.”

This was a polite way of saying Barb had the biggest mouth of everyone we knew.

I had a lot to consider as we made our way outside. An official banishing required a vote from three-fourths of the adults in the square, nearly eight hundred people. Though I could see Robert finding a hundred votes, especially with Jenny’s help, eight hundred sounded absurd. Despite Jenny’s fight against mandatory education, I’d taught hundreds of local children. Surely their parents wouldn’t banish me for tardiness and snarky retorts.

The scent of strawberries pierced my inner monologue and I realized we’d reached the bakery unimpeded. Amy shrugged my amazement away. “Your zombie routine kept everyone at bay so I saw no reason to interrupt what looked to be strenuous mental effort. Come up with anything?”

“Nothing particularly useful. It’s hard to imagine Robert finding eight hundred people to vote against me, but he must think he has a decent shot.”

Amy nodded. “The public hearing can sway people in either direction if they’re on the fence. Your only option is to keep as many people on your side as you can.”

“It’s a damn campaign.” I smoothed my hair and entered the bakery to begin. 

Ninety minutes later I walked to the mayor’s house, relieved at the reception I’d received throughout the square. Though I’d seen no shortage of snickering, a surprising number of people had made a point of showing their support.

I knocked on the mayor’s door feeling slightly more confident. Mayor Morrisey answered promptly and I stepped inside. “Good morning, Mayor.”

Though I wasn’t certain, I thought she sighed. “Good morning, Rory. Sit down.”

She took a seat at her kitchen table, where a pitcher of water and two glasses sat waiting. I filled both glasses to keep my hands occupied.

“Thank you, Rory.”

I inclined my head, opting to skip the pleasantries. “What happens now?”

Her second sigh was unmistakable. “Do you remember anything about the last banishment petition? Were you old enough to vote?”

“Yes, but I remember the reason for the petition more than the actual hearing.”

Mayor Morrisey smiled wryly. “I’ll bet. As stressful as this must be for you, I’m grateful your situation lacks the drama of that one. It all but ripped the community apart.”

“Is there any way to have the petition dismissed? I’ve done nothing of a caliber similar to other banishment cases. I’m not a criminal, Mayor.” Despite my best efforts, my voice quivered.

“Please, call me Diane. There’s no need to be formal today. This petition is nonsense, but the allegations were legally filed.”

“What allegations, that I’m occasionally late?” I felt my face grow hot.

Diane arched an eyebrow. “
Occasionally
might be an understatement, but Robert alleges that your attitude toward the rules represents a danger to the society we’ve built here. I can stall, but most hearings take place within forty-five to sixty days and you’ll need to start thinking about what you want to say when you address the community. As a teacher, you’re probably used to speaking in front of a crowd, but still, I’m told it can be rather daunting so you might want to practice.”

“And there’s no way to avoid the hearing?”

Her face showed sympathy, but she still shook her head. “The only way for you to avoid a hearing would be to accept a voluntary banishment beforehand and leave of your own accord. Which would be the equivalent of giving in to Robert without a fight.”

I was grasping at straws. “Isn’t there any way I can file a counter charge against him for abuse of power, or maybe get him transferred? I mean, this business between Robert and my mother has gone on for years.”

To her credit, Diane appeared to consider it, but then she shrugged. “While I agree that Robert’s bias toward your family is a detriment to his performance, a gatekeeper has never been removed for disliking someone. If he tendered his resignation, I’d certainly accept it, but other than that, there’s not much I can do. In the meantime, I suggest you avoid giving Robert further opportunity to penalize you.”

She pushed her chair back in an obvious invitation for me to leave. “Now, I believe you have class at 7891 in a few hours. Though I’m an advocate of education, perhaps you should limit tonight’s discussion and
leave early.”

*     *     *     *     *

Though I’d been prepared to cut my students short, no hands rose at the end of class. Maybe everyone felt awkward about my proposed banishment, but I didn’t bring it up. I wanted to go home.

When I returned to Robert’s with ten minutes to spare, the mayor sat waiting for me. Though it was a relief to have Robert on his best behavior I nearly cried when she told me she wanted to speak at her place. I was so tired.

When I heard her reason, I was glad I’d stayed awake. Diane had spent her afternoon compiling the written record on all previous banishment hearings. “As the ‘accused’, you’re entitled to this information. I thought we could take a moment to review it. Off the record, you understand.”

I not only understood, I was grateful.

Four hours later, Diane was rubbing her temples and I felt dead on my feet. Still, I thought we might be becoming friends.  

After I staggered home, I turned the light on in mom’s room and left her door open enough to avoid using my own lights. Even my eyeballs were tired. Groaning as I shrugged into my nightgown, I sank onto the bed, grateful the day was over. 

Unfortunately, the moment I shifted my weight, the blankets slid beneath me and I fell to the floor, scraping my hands and knees against the woven floor mats. I felt a wet trickle on my shin, but an unexpected movement prevented me from further investigation.

In my pain filled daze, I stared at the twitching mass of blankets on my bed. When they began actively moving I seized the nearest blunt object and smashed it into the closest protruding lump.  

“What the fuck, Rory?” The muffled bedding struck out and thudded to the floor like a well-padded rock. Surprising myself, I nimbly jumped out of the way. The only visible part of my assailant was a pale foot that had escaped and was kicking furiously.

“Damn it, turn the bloody lights on!” The lone foot continued to thrash and the lump of blankets squirmed and swore as I slapped the switch and then burst out laughing. 

The writhing blanket mass had spawned another foot, protruding at an awkward angle. Then a hand worked free, its tanned wrist sporting a leather bracelet I knew well.

“Dominic?” I dropped my dictionary and darted forward, dodging the flailing feet and attempting to unfurl the covered lump most likely to be his head. His kicking slowed me down, but being able to see gave me the advantage. 

Another tug yanked the blanket loose and my agitated friend came into view.
Really
into view. The blanket tumbled to his waist and I realized he’d been napping in the buff, or close to it.

“Nicky, why are you here?” More importantly, why was he in my bed?

He looked decidedly grumpy. “Your mom left me her keys for emergencies and I came in to wait. Where the hell were you anyway? I finally decided you weren’t coming home. The sofa is buried in books and using your mom’s bed was too weird.”

I didn’t argue. I wouldn’t have slept in Gigi’s bed either.

The blanket dipped another inch as Nicky worked his other arm free and I noted the absence of his favored boxers. He’d draped his shirt and jeans over my desk chair, but there were no boxers in sight. I stifled a giggle, wondering if Nicky routinely went commando and only wore underwear on bloodletting days.

Then my brain switched tracks. “Nicky, why are you here? Are Mom and Gigi okay?”

His annoyed expression softened. “I’m sure they’re fine. I heard about the damn petition and thought you might appreciate a distraction. You up for a little excitement?”

My mind flashed back to our conversation last week. “I wasn’t seriously suggesting you throw a party. Besides, inviting me would severely limit the guests who’d show up.” 

It took him a moment to answer. He was attempting to crawl back onto my bed while keeping all vital bits and pieces covered. Safely back on my bed—his bare ass was
in my bed
!—he shot me a smug look.

“I’m not talking about a party. You have no classes for several days and I wondered if you’d like to ditch all this bullshit and come scavenging with me.” 

My mom would have vetoed the idea in a second… but she wasn’t here.

“This might be the longest I’ve ever seen you quiet,” Nicky observed, pleased.

I could barely form an answer. “But what about my hearing? There’s so much I need to prepare. I mean, we’re talking about my right to stay here.”

Nicky’s expression turned surprisingly serious. “I don’t think for a damn minute that the petition will pass. I’ve already heard a few people say it’s a waste of everyone’s time. Once the initial burst of gossip dies down, more and more people will see how stupid the whole thing is. It’s just an old man being a bitter asshole. By the time your hearing comes around, Robert will have no momentum left.”

I looked at him suspiciously, wondering if he was just saying what I wanted to hear, and he changed tactics. “Besides, I know you. Even if you’re not hunched over a book, it’s not like your brain will stop working on the problem.”

For someone wanting to be convinced, it was enough. I burst out laughing and launched myself at him. “Yes, yes, wow, of course, yes!” I was all but bouncing, my bloody knees forgotten. “What should I pack? How long will we be gone? Will I need…? Oh crap.” My mental sprint hit a stumbling block.

“What do I tell everyone?” I sank back on my heels. “I don’t want to cause more gossip, and there’s no way people won’t notice my absence, not after the petition.” 

Nicky’s smug smile never faltered. “No worries. The square you left earlier—tomorrow’s their market day?”