Cruel Zinc Melodies

11

Another day, half of it wasted on morning. I wakened early, feeling good, and couldn’t go back to sleep. I ambled down to the kitchen, where I surprised Dean, though he wouldn’t admit it. He just poured tea and started the eggs and sausage. ‘‘This could turn into a habit.’’

‘‘A good one, I’m sure you’ll argue.’’

He wasted no breath responding. ‘‘There was a message from Miss Weider.’’

‘‘Um? What does she want?’’

‘‘To know why you haven’t cleaned up the world.’’ He seemed both amused and puzzled.

‘‘It’s a big place. And I don’t run so fast anymore.’’

‘‘I’m sure that isn’t what she meant.’’

‘‘That kid Penny still running messages?’’

‘‘I wouldn’t be surprised. But I don’t know how to get hold of her.’’

‘‘Figures.’’

‘‘You need a message carried?’’

‘‘I do. To Playmate.’’

‘‘There’s a new family moved in down by the corner. They have a boy who could do it. Joe Kerr. He seems like a good kid.’’

I gave him the look. ‘‘You’re kidding.’’

‘‘What? How?’’

‘‘Joe Kerr?’’

‘‘Yes? So? There’s a problem with that?’’

‘‘Maybe not. Maybe it’s just me. Is he trustworthy?’’

He shrugged. ‘‘I trust people till they give me reason not to.’’

‘‘I’ve noticed. But see if you can recruit him.’’

‘‘Me?’’

‘‘They very one. He knows you. He’d think I’m some pervert trying to pull him in.’’

‘‘I can see how he’d think that. You have that look.’’

I speared a sausage and ignored him, except to say, ‘‘Round him up. As soon as you can.’’

I met the kid on the stoop. He was nine or ten. There was nothing remarkable about him. Wild red hair. Freckles. Big ears and fat front teeth. Gray-green eyes. Ragged clothes. Nervous smile. I gave him two coppers, the message, and instructions on how to get to Playmate’s stable. ‘‘Three more coppers when you bring back an answer.’’

‘‘Yes, sir.’’ Off he went. He acquired an escort of three younger siblings before he got to the intersection with Wizard’s Reach.