“I’ll give you two if I can leave.” As kennel master, he carefully controlled supply and owners. It was part of his contract.

“Two? Now that’s tempting. Done. Deal. You may leave.”

Marduke had won. He glanced at the adjoining door. “What about Merry and Miguel?”

“Apparently not your problem.”

“Are you going to get someone to guard them?”

“It’s almost Christmas. Do you know how hard it is to find someone who hasn’t made some desperate plans in an attempt to pretend they actually have a meaningful existence?”

“Um, not many?”

“You. I had you. And you would rather go back your dogs. So shoo. Vamoose.”

“What about Merry?”

“She’ll probably die and end up in my court before New Year’s.”

The very idea had him uttering a stark, “No. I can’t let that happen.”

“Stop with all that caring, right now, mister. I will puke.”

“I don’t care.”

“If you say so. Not that it matters. Her soul will soon reside in Hell.”

“What of the boy?”

“Hell, too.”

The idea they’d both die bothered. “I won’t let that happen.”

“Look at you caring again. Gag.”

A glower went with Marduke’s muttered, “No, I don’t.”

“Whatever. Stay. Go. I don’t care. I’m leaving the decision up to you.”

“Me?”

“You’re a strong, capable man. I’m sure you’ll do the wrong thing. Come, Junior. Let’s go toss condoms full of glitter on those miserable suits working Wall Street.”

The devil left.

Marduke went to call a portal but stopped. Should he say goodbye? He’d rather not, as that could easily get messy. Leaving without a word, though, seemed slimier.

With a heavy sigh, he opened the adjoining door and beckoned Merry. She sat in a chair watching over Miguel, who lay under the covers, the dog draped over his feet.

She kissed the boy’s forehead before silently joining him. She closed the door most of the way before saying, “Thanks for the room. I’ll be sure to pay you back the cost once we get settled.”

“I don’t fucking care about the price. Stay as long as you need. Think of it as another present.”

He couldn’t hide from the blooming rainbow of happiness that transformed her face.

“Thank you!” She sounded genuinely grateful. Perhaps this wouldn’t be so bad.

“I have to go.”

“Okay.”

“As in leave. Forever,” he reiterated in case it wasn’t clear.

“Of course, you do. Busy man like yourself.” She grabbed his hand and uttered with earnest fervor, “Thanks for your help, Marduke. God bless you and Merry Christmas.”

11

She’d not only used the other lord’s name, she’d also named the day that should not be named. Marduke winced.

She apologized. “Was it something I said? Oh my, are you Jewish? Happy Hanukah. Or do you celebrate Kwanzaa?”