Page 41 of Zombies, Satyrs and Vampires, Oh My!

“Yes and no. She left shortly after the incident.”

“I’m sorry,” I say.

He shakes his head. “Don’t be. I’m not. We were all wrong for each other. Right on paper, I suppose. She’s a fellow music professor. Brilliant in her own right, but we didn’t love each other.”

Should that make me feel better? That he got hurt right after being turned into a satyr? Because I’m not gonna lie, it does make me feel better. I like knowing he didn’t love her.

I realize that doesn’t mean he loves me. But couldn’t it mean that the possibility exists?

“In fact, I compiled all my research and what I would use if I could testify on your brother’s behalf. I sent it to Lynn.”

I inhale sharply. “You had no right to do that. What if she uses any of that and twists it on behalf of the other party? Jace.” I shake my head and grab my phone sending a text to my brother.

ME: Hey you. How are things today?

STEVEN: Good. This song is all vibrance and heat.

ME: You’re composing?

STEVEN: Yes. It should be ready soon. I think it’s about you. It’s like a pink flame.

I swipe at my eyes. God, I love my brother.

ME: You should call it Harriet’s theme.

STEVEN: We’ll see.

STEVEN: Did you hear from my attorney?

My stomach drops and a wave of nausea rolls through me. I shoot a glare at Jace. I shouldn’t be angry with him. I asked him for help. Begged him. I know that he can’t very well clomp into a courtroom outside of Screaming Woods. Doesn’t matter how brilliant Jace is, he could never do what I asked of him. Yet, he still tried to help.

“I’m sorry I yelled. I know you were just trying to help,” I say.

“I get it. You’re protective of your brother,” he says, turning to walk out of the kitchen.

I send another text to Steven.

ME: No. Why?

STEVEN: Evidently some expert presented a solid explanation of how the plaintiff’s claims were false.

STEVEN: They dropped the case.

ME: Oh my God, Steven, why didn’t you call me? We could have celebrated.

STEVEN: I am celebrating. Harriet’s theme, remember?

ME: Yes. I love you, little bro.

STEVEN:

STEVEN: Thank you for whatever you did for the lawsuit. I know you had something to do with it.

ME: Any time.