Shiver(53)

“I know, but they haven’t told me yet.” They hadn’t even started talking to him until he’d seen that wolf tonight. His fingers itched to grab a pencil.

“Isn’t that a little weird?” Chickadee asked.

“Dee,” Fiona scolded.

“Look at the source,” Lynx said, grunting as he received another elbow to the gut from Eva.

“What happened to your manners?” Eva asked Lynx with a scowl. “Besides, I think this is really cool. Aidan, how do the characters come to you?”

“Uhm…” He really didn’t talk about this. He didn’t do interviews, do any blogging, or attend writers’ conferences. Which had actually played in his favor. Gave him a mystique. Nobody even knew what he looked like. Guess he’d chosen to live off the grid too, just like his father. That was sobering. “Uhm, they just talk to me. I don’t know how to explain it.”

“It is the way of the storyteller,” Coho said, who had been quietly eating. “The Great Spirit speaks, and you are the vessel gifted to tell the tale.”

“Well, I haven’t read them, yet, but they sound fascinating,” Eva said. “Dee, when you’re done, can I take a look?” She received a frown from Lynx that she ignored.

“Sure. But talk to Fox, he has them all if you want to start at the beginning.” Chickadee looked at Fiona. “Can I be excused? I had plans to Skype with a friend.”

Fiona regarded her. “A boy?”

Chickadee bit her lip. “Uh-huh.”

“Who?”

“Just a guy, Mom. He lives in Fairbanks. Don’t worry, we go to school together and it isn’t like we can get into any trouble online.”

“Remember that I monitor your computer.”

“I’m not about to forget.” Chickadee rolled her eyes.

“Load your dishes in the dishwasher then,” Fiona said. “I’ll be up to check on you later.”

Chickadee said goodbye to everyone and flew out of the room.

Aidan figured this was a good time to let the adults know what had been going on at Earl’s place. “Someone broke into Earl’s cabin, looking for something.”

Lynx snorted. “The man’s dead and people want to cause him grief. Shows you what kind of life he led. Karma’s still trying to catch up.”

“I just thought you should know. It doesn’t look like they found whatever they were looking for, so they might be back. Wouldn’t hurt to get the word out. If the person is here in Chatanika, he’ll know we’re watching. If someone new is about, we’ll hear about it through the network.”

“Good idea,” Fiona said. “I’ll inform Pike. He’ll get the word out.”

“And have us all packin’ too.” Lynx snorted.

“What’s with you?” Eva asked.

“What do you mean?”

“The snide comments, the insults. Ever since Aidan showed up, you have been ornery as a bear with an empty stomach. I don’t like it.”

“Then make him leave.” Lynx pointed to Aidan,

“No. He has work to do here. Important work. I don’t care how much everyone in this town hated Earl Harte, the man was still his father.” Eva rose ungracefully from the table, her hand caressing her swollen belly. “If all the stories are true about Harte, Aidan needs our sympathy.”

“I don’t want it,” Aidan interjected, getting a scowl from Eva for his troubles.

“Too bad. To grow up with a father like you had and to become the man I’ve gotten to know is impressive.” She turned to Lynx. “Get over whatever it is you have against him. I like him.” With that, she waddled out of the room.

Coho chuckled. “You married yourself a wolverine, Lynx. She’s right.” Coho wiped her mouth with her napkin and gracefully set it beside her plate. “Make nice, Grandson.” With a final look she rose and regally left the room.

Silence followed in her wake. Fiona stood and gathered up Eva’s and Coho’s plates along with her own.

“Fiona, do you mind if I stay the night?” Aidan asked.

“Your room is still your room.” She gave him a warm smile. “I was hoping you would be back.” She took the dishes to the dishwasher and then addressed Lynx and Aidan, “Looks as though you two could use some time to talk.” She gave both of them a pointed look and left them alone.

Aidan had no expectations where Lynx was concerned. So he concentrated on finishing the food on his plate. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d eaten this good.

“Well, shit.” Lynx pushed his plate forward and folded his arms, leaning heavily on the table. “I’m going to have to make peace with you.”