She smiled. ‘Thanks, Ivy.’ She paused. ‘Anyway, how was your day?’

I dismissed her question easily. ‘Same old, same old.’ I grinned at her. ‘You know me. And, before you say anything, don’t worry. I’ve not forgotten that you’re away tomorrow.’

‘You’re sure it’s alright? I’d take him with me but…’

‘You don’t want to advertise that you’re a witch.’

Eve grimaced. ‘Not in this case. It’s going to require a delicate touch. I’ll only be gone for four or five nights.’

‘I’m more than happy to look after your familiar, Eve. Honestly.’ Cats I could manage, especially when they weren’t my own furry little bastard.

‘I’ll owe you big time.’

I only just stopped myself from suggesting that she cleaned my flat as payment. We entered the main door and Eve headed straight for the stairs, casting a glance over her shoulder in my direction when she realised I wasn’t following.

‘I’ve sprained my ankle,’ I told her. ‘Old sports injury. I’m going to take the lift.’

She frowned. ‘That’s sounds painful. Let me know if you want any bandages. I know a great physiotherapist, too.’

I waved her off. ‘I’ll be fine. But thanks.’ I nodded towards the stairs. ‘You go on.’

‘If you’re sure…’

Good grief. I had to come up with some better excuses. I was actually starting to feel guilty. ‘I am.’

‘Well, take care.’ Eve smiled brightly and started to sprint up the first flight. ‘See you later, Ivy!’

I punched the lift button and slumped against the wall. It was hard work watching Eve.

***

As soon as I got inside the door, I dumped my bag and lurched for the sofa, flopping down face-first. Bliss.

From somewhere above me, there was an irritated hiss. ‘Food.’

I strained my head upwards. ‘Hi, Brutus.’

His yellow eyes stared down at me, unblinking. ‘Food, bitch.’

I sighed. ‘I’ve told you time and time again. If you call me that, I’m not going to feed you.’

‘Food.’

‘Give me a minute.’

‘Food.’

‘I’d like the chance to get a cup of tea first.’

‘Food.’

‘Piss off.’

‘Food.’

I muttered a curse, got up and hobbled to the small but perfectly formed galley kitchen. The remnants of this morning’s breakfast lay on the counter. I swept all the dishes into the sink and turned on the tap while Brutus kept up his nagging. ‘Food. Food. Foooooooooood.’

I sighed, found a clean bowl and opened a tin, gagging slightly at the familiar scent of processed tuna. I scooped some out with a spoon and presented it to him. Brutus stepped up and sniffed delicately. I turned away to close off the tap.

‘Food.’

I gritted my teeth. ‘I just gave you food.’

He pawed at the bowl and looked utterly disgusted with tonight’s offering. I gazed at him in exasperation. ‘You liked this one last week.’ His head turned away. He wouldn’t even look at it. ‘Brutus…’

A low growl reverberated from deep within his throat. I crossed my arms. He wasn’t giving an inch. ‘Foo…’