Things We Lost

Whistle Past The Graveyard

There had been no answer to his repeated knocks at the Peppers' front door. Either Kay was avoiding him or no one was home, and since Aji didn't come barging out to give him a black eye, he assumed the latter. The Pepper Paradiso was only a few minutes' walk away. She'd probably gone there to talk to her parents.

Which meant her parents probably knew. Maybe her sisters too.

His steps slowed. How wise was it to go walking up to this particular family at this particular time?

He frowned, shaking the thought out of his head. These were the Peppers. They'd always been good to him-most of them anyway. He had, however, been an idiot with his approach, and Kay deserved a huge apology.

Up ahead he could see the restaurant's front doors. Dulcie was flipping the Closed sign over on the other side of the glass. Arthur picked up his pace, waving to get her attention.

She spotted him, her head lifting as her face brightened. She gestured around the side and turned, darting for the back.

Arthur took a turn around the side of the building, aiming for the back door in the alley. As he approached, the door slammed open and Aji came out swinging. He jerked back, her fist missing his face by an inch. Her second shot went lower, gutting him of air. He reeled, trying to take a breath. She grabbed his prosthetic, twisting hard and releasing a shower of sparks. He screeched as the implant wrenched inside his shoulder.

She grabbed him by the jaw, yanking his face close to hers and hissing, "Do you think that stunt was funny? My sister came back sobbing. So much for trusting you'd understand. I knew you were full of crap. At least she sees it now too." Sharp points dug into his skin from her fingertips, and he struggled to pull away. "Feel that? Does it hurt? Breathe a word, type a letter, use your stupid phone to tell a soul. I dare you. I'll be right there, ripping your throat out faster than you can blink. I promise."

"Aji!"

Aji released him, turning to glare behind her. Mrs. Pepper stood at the door, Dulcie right behind her. "That's enough. Take your sister home."

"Are you going to do something about this?" Aji demanded. "Or are you just going to let him screw with Kay like that?"

Mrs. Pepper's eyes were hard as she repeated, "Take your sister home. Now."

Aji spun on her heel, making for the street without another word. Dulcie slipped out from behind her mother and scampered after Aji, pausing just long enough to hug Arthur before turning the corner out of the alley.

With Aji gone, Mrs. Pepper's posture dissolved into an exhausted slump. She leaned on the doorframe, eyeing Arthur. "I could use some help with the kitchen. It's been a long day."

Arthur rubbed his stomach, wincing. He was going to have another bruise by morning. He glanced at the street.

"Kay is gone. She went out with her father. Please." She stepped aside, gesturing inside.

She looks like she hasn't slept in weeks either.

He ducked his head and shuffled in. The prosthetic sparked again, and he groaned. It wasn't responding. He'd have to take it off and work it over back at the shop.

"You know where the bathroom is. Go deal with your arm and face, I'll be in the kitchen when you're done." Mrs. Pepper closed the side door and headed for the kitchen.

My face? He eased into the bathroom. What's wrong with my-oh.

Five small puncture wounds bled along his jaw and cheek.