Page 91 of Strange Familiars
Going after Isla, though, isn’t going to help matters. I know that.
I also know what I’ve got to do. And I know I should not put it off any longer.
Straightening my shoulders, I stand, forcing my breaths to slow. My fists uncurl. My jaw unclenches. Slowly, my resolve hardens.
Yes. Iwilldo it.Whenever I next get a chance to talk to Gwendolynne, I’ll tell her.
After so many years of running from the truth…
I will finally confess how I feel.
38
Gwendolynne
I take the train back down to London that very day to reclaim my now-legitimate familiar.
The pound stinks of cat pee, ten times stronger than anything I’ve ever smelled at Saint Gertrude’s—and I’ve smelled some pretty rank stuff at Saint Gertrude’s. I guess the high stocking densities and crowded facilities mean the stench just can’t be helped.
At reception, I show them the permit, then sign all of the relevant paperwork. The staff—a bunch of exhausted, overwhelmed, animal-loving volunteers—are overjoyed that I have found him.
Percy’s actual legal name is listed on the forms asLord Percival the Second, Purveyor of the Flesh of Small Defenseless Creatures, Destroyer of Carpet, Scratcher of Doors, and Usurper of Recently Vacated Chairs.
Huh, I think.He was actually telling the truth.
As soon as the paperwork is completed, the staff perform the bonding ritual, and I feel the telepathic connection between us re-open.
As soon as he sees me, Percy leaps, shivering, into my arms. I squeeze him, just sorelievedto have him back with me. I’ve missed him. I’ve really missed him. It’s not even about the fact he canchannel magic. It’s that, even though it’s only been two weeks, I’ve somehow managed to become attached to the obnoxious little fucker.
I heard that, he says, with a huff.But I shall forgive you, Hairless One, since you are indeed my valiant rescuer come to save me from despotic jailers.
I laugh as I start walking, carrying him out of the facility. “Was itthatbad? Really?”
Percy sniffs.It is most unfortunate, but I’ve discovered something even worse than tinned tuna-for-one. A substance so ghastly, so dreadful, so diarrhea-inducing that I do believe I shall never turn my nose up at your food again.
It takes me a moment to understand he’s referring to the cheap tinned cat food that the shelters seem to favor.
“We’ll see how long that lasts,” I say, while Percy bristles.
Conall, Heloise, and Pen are absolutely ecstatic to see me back. It gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling, because I’ve always felt a little like I don’t quite fit in. That no one would really miss me if I was gone. But there’s Conall, giving me a drawing he’d made just for me. There’s Pen, hanging back, nervously chafing their hands until I finally crack and pull them into a side hug. And then, of course, there’s Heloise.
Heloise is actually crying. She waits until Conall and Pen have left before she rushes at me, wrapping her arms around my neck. “I missed you so much,” she whispers into my ear.
Percy gives an indignant yowl at being squashed between our two bodies.
“Oh, quit it,” I tell him, pretending to be stern. But in reality I’m half laughing. “You should be thankful you’re legitimate now. You won’t have to hide out in my room so often.”
Indeed. I must remember to thank the Bum Scratcher when next I seehim.Percy’s obviously referring to Harrisford’s purchase of the permit.He is my true savior, since frankly…your room is hideous.
I roll my eyes, grinning. “You’re such a drama queen, Percy.”
Percy thinks for a moment, then says, in an extremely condescending tone,You may add that to my list of names, Hairless One.
Heloise is still hugging me, refusing to let go. “I’ve been so worried about you, G. How did you even manage to get a permit?”
Finally, we break apart, and I scrunch up my face, still not quite sure how—or why—it came about. “It was Harrisford. Harrisford bought one for me.”
“Harrisford?” Heli’s eyes widen. “He managed to get one that fast?” She shakes her head, astounded. “It must have cost him afortune.”
