Page 35 of Death Card

Around me, some people nod in agreement, but Gramps’s frown only grows deeper.

“Mr.Broussard,” the moderator says, “it’s your turn to introduce yourself and your vision for the city.”

Gramps clears his throat and stands tall. He looks sharp in a purple bowtie and white button-down. “Many of you in this crowd likely already know me from my years of public service as a court-appointed attorney. For those of you who are unfamiliar with me, my name is Ezekiel Broussard. My vision for this city is simple: to create opportunities for everyone to thrive. I have a keen focus on those who have historically been marginalized and cast to the fringes of society. My opponent talks about the ‘epidemic of homelessness’ in the same breath as crime, as if being unhoused isn’t a fate that could befall any of us. I believe we need to provide more opportunities and ensure the health and safety of our community.”

Gramps turns to stare down Mike Dupree. “Less regulation isn’t always a good thing. Just ask communities that have had their air and water polluted by greedy corporations.”

“A business’s main priority is to generate income by providing needed services,” Dupree snaps. “It seems Mr.Broussard would rather tie their hands behind their backs until they can’t function, thereby damaging our economy.”

“Now, now, let’s be civil,” the moderator says. “There’s an order to this debate.”

As my gaze passes over the room, I find Britney already watching me. She doesn’t look away; instead she folds her arms over her chest as a slow smirk stretches across her face.

It’s clear that Gramps has a battle ahead of him, and he can’t afford to split his attention in so many different directions. He’s been responsible for the coven since Gran passed, but in the end, it isn’t his place. It’s mine. I’ll go after the Hightowers, and I’ll put an end to this mess.

15

Saturday, the smellof bacon tickles my nose. I tossed and turned for most of the night, so I crept downstairs sometime before dawn to sit in Gran’s worn armchair. Being close to her in a sense helped me to finally drift off. Someone’s thrown a blanket over me, and the shades are still drawn to keep most of the light out. I fold the blanket and stroll over to the windows, pulling open the shades and allowing the golden light of the morning to spill into the room.

I’m feeling confident today. I found the Hightower girl all on my own and uncovered two of their secret hideouts. Gramps and the rest of the Council need to know. I can’t wait to rub Aunt Lorraine’s nose in it.

The sounds of breakfast cooking hit me as soon as I push through the swinging door of the kitchen. Bacon sizzles on the griddle next to two thick globs of pancake batter and chocolate chips. Orion’s got his back to me at the stove, loading up an omelet with cheddar cheese, chives, and peppers.

I walk up behind him and tug on one of his mini twists. He must’ve woken up on the right side of the bed, because he doesn’t swat me away or scowl. Instead, he laughs and points his spatulatoward the platter of food on the counter. “Morning, sis. I hope you’re hungry, because I made way too much.”

“I could hear my stomach before I even opened my eyes.” I snatch a piece of bacon off the plate on the counter and take a bite. Perfectly crunchy. If there’s one thing Orion inherited from our gran, it was absolutely her skill in the kitchen. I, on the other hand, can’t manage to make toast without burning it to a crisp.

“I already made myself an omelet. Just gotta heat it up.” Orion gingerly folds over the egg in the skillet. “This one is yours. Hot and fresh.”

I pinch his cheek. “Aw, you made mine last. So, you do love me, then?”

He swats me away. “I was taught to be polite,” he retorts.

“Uh-huh, yeah, then why are you still such a gremlin all the time?”

He stabs the spatula in my direction. “Keep running your mouth and I’m eating both of them!”

Oh, I love getting under his skin. Just as much as he likes getting under mine. That’s what siblings are for, after all.

I take the orange juice out of the fridge and pour us each a glass. Once Orion takes the pancakes and the last strips of bacon off the griddle, we stuff our plates (and our faces) with food. Orion drizzles syrup over everything and digs in, but I work my way around my plate in a methodical circle. Omelet first, then bacon and a handful of grapes, before tackling my pancake.

When we’ve both satisfied our stomachs, I rinse the plates and load up the dishwasher. Despite the temporary joy thatbreakfast provided, the stress of life worms its way right back in. “Thanks for the breakfast, but it doesn’t make up for you being MIA the other day.”

“When?”

I roll my eyes. I’m still heated at the fact that his phone was off the day I followed Aria to Crescent Moon.

“I needed your help Wednesday, and I couldn’t reach you!”

He sighs and tips his chin up to stare at the ceiling. “It obviously wasn’t that big of a deal. You lived.”

Fury ignites within me. Every inch of my skin is flushed with searing heat. “Yeah, sure, I did it without you, but there might come a time when I really need you, Ri. People are dying, and I’ve got to figure out how to save them before I—”

I can’t bring myself to finish the sentence.

He’s silent for a long moment. A frown works its way onto his expression as a muscle in his cheek clenches.

“I’m going to lose my sister, and it doesn’t seem like there’s much we can do about that.” He reaches up to grasp the back of his neck. “Visions are set, aren’t they? As much as you and Gramps want to believe that you’ll be able to stop it from happening, I’m not going to sit around and pretend. So, excuse me if I need to take the edge off every now and again.”