Crowbones

CHAPTER 95

Julian

Thaisday, Novembros 8

Julian stopped arranging a display of new books when Michael Stern walked in. “Want to sign a few copies of your latest?”

“Sure,” Michael replied.

He studied the man who had been a friend in his youth. “But you didn’t come in to browse.”

“No. Well, that wasn’t the only reason.” Michael looked around. “Mostly used paperbacks?”

“This part of the store is more of a used-book exchange. Most of the new books are in the back.”

“That doesn’t make good business sense.”

“It does if you notice the names of the authors. Although I think it’s time to bring those books to the front.” Julian removed a dozen copies of Michael’s newest book and brought them over to the island.

“I’m not poaching,” Michael said.

“Since books aren’t rabbits, taking one is called theft, not poaching,” Julian replied. But Michael didn’t seem in the mood for teasing.

“I’m not sure if it’s clear to Vicki yet, but I can see how you feel about her. I don’t intend to be competition. It’s just . . . It’s time to leave Ravendell, and as a writer, I can live anywhere.”

“And you’re thinking of relocating here.” Now this conversation was starting to make sense. “And you’re thinking of staying at The Jumble.”

Julian felt a twinge. Not jealousy, exactly, but he carried scars and a lot of emotional baggage. Michael carried neither. A steady, stable man who should be a better fit for helping Vicki with her own baggage.

Should be. But wasn’t.

“You do realize Vicki only provides breakfast?” Julian said.

Michael grinned. “I got that part. And pizza and salad on cop and crime nights. I also got that the kitchen is a communal space and guests are free to make their own meals as long as they clean up after themselves.” His grin faded. “I’m not sure I’m cut out to be a long-term resident of The Jumble—or this village, for that matter. But there’s a good energy here, and some fresh inspiration. That’s why I came in the first place, to have a chance to observe the Others up close.”

“Got more than you bargained for.” Julian opened the books in preparation for Michael signing them.

“I did. We did.”

Julian thought about that for a moment. “Is Ian thinking of relocating too?”

Michael shook his head. “He’s more rooted because of his existing commitments, but he would like to spend some time in Sproing. There’s a need here, Julian, and Ian has a feeling he can help a few people.”

A bitter smile. “Like me?”

“Maybe. Mostly he’d like to continue helping the Sanguinati and the Crows who were traumatized by what happened here.” Michael hesitated. “You wouldn’t fit in Ravendell anymore. I wondered why you didn’t come back after you left the police force, but seeing you in this village, among these people? I don’t wonder anymore. We were friends once. I’d like to think we still are. But the close friends you have now aren’t people who write about characters who make brutal choices and carry them out. Your close friends are the people who make brutal choices and carry them out. And you’re like them. That’s why I wanted to know if you’d have a problem with me staying here over the winter, maybe longer.”

“No, I don’t have a problem with that,” Julian said as Michael signed the books. “If you and Vicki can’t come to an arrangement for renting one of her cabins, you can check with Ineke Xavier. You’ll get meals at her boardinghouse. And there may be an opening at the Mill Creek Cabins. I heard the Sanguinati are implementing new rules for the universities that are renting their cabins.”

“A lot of things to think about,” Michael said, signing the last book.

Yes, Julian thought as Michael walked to the back of the store to look at the new books. A lot to think about.