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One of the suits turned toward her, fury on his face.
“Did you do this!” He accused. He took a step toward her, like he was going to attack her, and suddenly Gary was between them.
Becky looked just as surprised as the suit did.
“Did I make a new lake? Are you serious?” Becky’s voice was dripping with incredulity. “How the fuck would I even…? Is he serious?” This last bit she aimed at Gary, who was still standing a little in front of her.
“She’s right,” Gary said. “This–this ain’t vandalism. It’s an act of God.”
“Don’t speak to me on God!” The man roared. “It wasn’t like this yesterday, someone–someone in this shithole did it!”
“Can you prove that buddy?” Becky said with a laugh.
The man tried to lunge at her, and Gary was there, grabbing the man’s arm.
“SIR,” Gary barked. “If you don’t calm down, I will be forced to take you into custody.”
“Finally some real policing,” Becky whistled. “Gary, your momma will be proud.”
The suit sputtered in anger and stormed off.
Becky laughed, patting Gary on the shoulder before she turned back to face the water.
There was no way she could see him, but as she gazed at the lake, Will hoped she knew that he’d kept his promise. That her uncle’s farm, with time, would recover. He could feel those roots, touched by the poison, but not soaked in it. They would come back.
When Becky finally turned to head back to the store, Will reached for Itori. He came close and kissed Will.
We really did it, Will said as they sank into the water.
It enveloped them, cool and safe. They went down and down, deeper than a man could reach. Their bodies twined together, all scales and claws and toothy kisses.
When Itori pulled back, he met Will’s eyes under the water. His glowed a beautiful, ruby red down here.
We did. Are you ready to go, Willowtree?
He was.
Chapter 20
“Do you think she’ll like it?” Will asked, holding the bracelet aloft for inspection.
“She'll love it,” Itori said, giving Will’s hand a reassuring squeeze.
Will’s initial interest in learning to make jewelry was to make Itori a matching courting necklace. Except he’d found the entire process harder than it looked.
Since, Will had made five necklaces and half a dozen bracelets in practice. Most of them had ended up junked, the rope not as tightly braided as he wanted or the shells loose or cracking from his inexpert drilling.
But finally, under the deadline, he’d finally finished a piece worthy of giving.
“And you’re okay that I’m giving one to her first?”
“Yes, dear heart.” Itori said, leaning in to kiss his cheek. “You’ll make me one when you’re ready. And this gift really can’t wait, can it?”
No, it really couldn’t.
Will and Itori were crouched in the shallow waters of the lake beside Becky’s apartment complex. It was a tiny set of buildings, aged and hung in moss from the old trees around them. Becky’s red Jeep was just in front of them in the parking lot, stuffed full of boxes and bags.
It was early morning, still dark, and nothing else moved.
