Page 11 of Manors & Mischief

“You need to get this fixed,” I tell her.

“I mean, you, of all people, should have known there was a hole there.”

“It’s a hazard.”

“I think I’ll let you stay there, just like you let me.”

I grin. Despite myself, this conversation is fun. Endearing. “How long were you stuck here? Asking for research purposes.”

“Not long.”

“But if you had to put a time to it.”

She shrugs and gets herself to her feet. “A half hour or so.”

I chuckle, the sound deep and carefree emanating from my chest. “Maybe we should make it a competition.”

“Have at it. I have to Google more handymen.”

“Good luck.”

She’d started to walk away, but she returns back to my line of sight. “Don’t tell me you have the cornerstone on that market, too.”

I shrug. “Small towns.”

She groans, then her face immediately lights up. “I’ll help you out if you at least listen to my ideas.”

“Is this blackmail?”

She twists the handkerchief in her hands. “I suppose it is.”

“Interesting tactic.”

“You can hear me out, or…you can rot there.” She lifts her chin but smirks. “You bring out the worst in me.”

“Thank you.”

“It wasn’t a compliment.”

I take stock of my situation, which is hard to do while she’s staring at me. “I think I’ll be able to handle this,” I tell her. “And then I’ll be on my way.”

She smiles. “Alright then, see yourself out. Call if you need anything though.”

“Oh, I won’t.”

“I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t come if you did.” She waves her blue handkerchief. “Bye, Devon.”

She steps around me, and then closes the door, the sound thudding in its finality.

Alright, now how to get out of here…

5

EMBER

Ipeek through the curtains, and then hold in a cough when years of dust poof into the air. I wave it away with my hand, clearing the air in front of me so I can spy on Devon trying to free himself from the hole.

Serves him right. Him and his pompous attitude. Frosty for sure, and now I’m going to add Mr. Downer to the list.