Edge of Dawn by Melinda Snodgrass

in a wait-one-moment gesture and was gone with a swiftness and grace that reminded the older man of quicksilver and lightning. He returned in a few moments clutching a plate and utensils. Somehow he knew of Grenier’s ad hoc kitchen, which had Grenier wondering how much else Richard knew about his habits.
    Richard began scooping out Tip’s famous teriyaki fried rice and added a large dollop of pad Thai and an inordinate amount of ginger beef. Grenier tried to curb his annoyance. Clearly he failed, because those ice-blue eyes, brimming with amusement, stared challengingly into his.
    â€œYou don’t mind if I bogart part of your lunch? There’s enough here for four,” Richard said.
    A flush swept up Grenier’s cheeks. “That was cold.”
    â€œBut true.” Richard took a bite of noodles, chewed and swallowed. “You know, I really wish you’d grow back your beard. That many chins just aren’t natural.”
    â€œDid you come here solely for the purpose of irritating and insulting me?” Grenier snapped. “But you are correct,” Grenier continued. “I ordered too much food, and I would have eaten it all if you hadn’t shown up.”
    â€œI think you’re gorging because you lost your magic. Trying to fill the void,” Richard said.
    Grenier found the remark smug and condescending, and he struck back. “So says the man with daddy issues.”
    There was a flash of anger in the amazing blue eyes. “Okay, I’d say we’re even on the exchanging-insults front,” Richard said.
    Grenier gave him a thin smile. “Don’t try to outpsych me, Richard. Two can play that game, and I’ll always win. But let’s start with your statement. I did not lose my magic, as you so euphemistically phrased it. You robbed me of it, and took my hand in the process.”
    â€œYou were trying to kill my father and Angela.” Once again the pale cheeks were awash with color.
    â€œThe merest touch of the sword is enough to destroy a person’s power,” Grenier shot back. “You didn’t have to cut off my damn hand!”
    â€œYou had spent the past two days having your thugs beat me up, then topped it off with you running electricity through my balls. At that point I wasn’t feeling very charitable.”
    There was no good answer to that, and Grenier didn’t try. Instead he voiced the question raised by Jorge. “People wonder why you let me stay here.” Then he added a poisoned dart. Looking down at his desk, he shuffled papers and casually added, “It makes them question your judgment.” He looked up quickly to catch Richard’s reaction, and was pleased when he saw doubt cloud those eyes.
    Richard shook it off and gave Grenier a challenging look. “Would you like me to kick you to the curb?”
    â€œI’d rather you not. The Old Ones have long memories.”
    â€œBesides, you know why you’re here,” Richard said.
    â€œActually, I don’t. Why do you keep me around, Richard?”
    â€œYou know how the Old Ones and human quislings work together, and you can recognize signs of those unholy alliances—”
    Grenier held up an admonishing finger. “Ah, religious allusion from the newly minted atheist.”
    â€œFirst, it’s been two years since Kenntnis and Cross showed me how the world actually worked. And sometimes you can’t avoid the occasional dear God or good heavens. But back to the subject. I like to keep you where I can watch you.”
    â€œSo you don’t trust me?”
    â€œWould you?”
    â€œNo,” Grenier admitted, and tried to cover the emotional hurt with a rueful laugh. He decided to launch one more poisoned dart. “But you also need me here. I’m the daddy figure you cannot do without.” He watched it land with bitter satisfaction, because while Richard had initiated the break, the estrangement from the man