Alcohol & Economics - Lucifer's Delusion - Part 3

“But you’re her aunt; shouldn’t you know this kind of thing?” Spade was becoming impatient. Deceit hadn’t been heard from in three days, and any attempts to contact her had either failed or exploded, which was never a good sign.

“I haven’t the slightest clue where she’s been, Spade.” Etna took a violent swipe at a line of potatoes, thoughts of just how selfish her eldest niece could be swirling. “You act as if she tells me that sort of thing.”

Spade took no notice of Etna’s theatrical pouting. He was a bit preoccupied by the blue haired girl staggering through the door. Whatever Deceit had been embroiled in for the past few days, it was bad. Not even Merci had a smart remark at her sister’s unusually haggard appearance. Spade didn’t know what possessed him to cross the room, but before he knew it the tile gave way to harsh wooden floors, soaked from the rain Deceit wore. It hadn’t rained anywhere near the Inn in over a week, but he pushed the thought aside and took her bag from her shoulders and proceeded to pass off the growling pile of drenched canvas to a speechless Jonathon.

“I assume you’re not going to tell us where you’ve been for the past three days?” Etna asked, disapproval bleeding from her expression to her tone. Deceit didn’t meet anyone’s eyes, and the silence was almost deafening. Newt replaced his tea on its saucer and gave Etna a withered look.

“She’d like to correct you; it’s been four days.” He received a wooden spoon to the face in response as Etna’s temper flared.

“Everyone, out. Now.” Etna’s sudden take charge attitude left no room for questions, and a few moments later the kitchen was almost deserted.

‘Someone’s angry.’The thought wormed it’s way into Merci’s mind, and she was unable to tell if it was her sister’s fault or Newt’s. ‘Stupid telepaths.’