Page 35 of Mile High Ruin

“I doubt that.”

“He told me.”

“Boris speaks now?”

“Yes.”

“That is concerning.”

She grins.

Marek, from across the room, mouths something about my dignity.

I ignore him. “Where is your mother?”

“Mama says I can call you because you promised.”

“I did.”

“You forgot yesterday.”

“I was working.”

“You always work.”

“I know.”

“That’s boring.”

“It pays for the horse.”

Her expression brightens.

“That is bribery,” Marek mutters, too loudly.

I turn slightly so Anya can’t see him.

“What is bribery?” she asks.

“Something you are already alarmingly good at.”

She considers this. “Can I have a pony instead?”

“No.”

“A little pony?”

“No.”

“One that stays outside?”

“Anya.”

“Okay.”

She goes quiet for perhaps two seconds. Then she holds Boris closer to the camera. “His ear is broken.”

I can see the seam coming apart. “I will have someone fix it.”