71

That misbegotten Saucerhead. He didn’t bother using the gate even though there was nobody there to contest it. He came over the wall, down the lane. I noticed when a major tree branch suddenly dipped its chin in the dust. It popped when Tharpe let loose.

He was carrying somebody.

How does the man do these things? He isn’t human. I limped over. “What you got?” Like I hadn’t figured it out at first glance.

Her mother had told me that she looked like her only with less wear. I promise you, Maggie Jenn turned them to stone in her day. The kid made it plain why Teddy went goofy back when.

“Spotted her when we was sneaking out. I figured it wasn’t right we went to all that trouble, so many folks got hurt, you didn’t get a crack at what started it all.”

His shirt wiggled, heaved. Something made an ugly noise. I had a bad feeling.

Saucerhead worsened it immediately. “Oh. Yeah. I brung your bird. I stuffed him in my shirt on account of he wouldn’t shut up.”

I brandished a fist at the sky.

The breeze in the boughs sounded like divine snickers.

Saucerhead asked, “You want the bird or the girl?”

“Looks like I got the bird already.”

“To carry.” He did understand, though. “The chit, she don’t really want to come.”

“No. And you with your sweet tongue.”

She hadn’t said anything yet. She didn’t now but did flash me a cold look that made me glad she couldn’t do what she was thinking.

“Give me the talking feather duster. I can’t manage anything bigger.”

“Suit yourself.” Saucerhead had kept the girl on his shoulder, sack of grain style. He asked her, “You want to walk? Or do I got to keep carrying you?”

She didn’t answer. Saucerhead shrugged. He hardly noticed her weight.

The others joined us, drawn by our voices. Spud fussed over the bird. Morley had rigged himself some crude splints. I gestured at the parrot. “My pal had to do me a favor.”

Morley tried to chuckle. Pain got in the way. I asked, “Can you manage?”

“Just won’t play bowls this week.”

“Poor Julie.”

“We’ll work something out.” He offered a glimpse of his wicked grin. “Let’s roll. Before Relway realizes he’s played it wrong and wants us to explain.”

“What happened to Winger? Anybody see?”

Nobody had but Morley opined, “She got away. She has her own guardian angels.”

“She gets Relway after her she’ll need them.” We walked as fast as we could with wounds and burdens, the Goddamn Parrot denouncing the whole bleeding world for all the indignities he’d suffered. Even Spud’s patience became strained.

Sarge sneered, “Least it ain’t blamin’ everythin’ on you no more, Garrett.”

Morley eyed that jungle chicken like he was considering abandoning the vegetarian life-style. I told him, “Thank Saucerhead. I left it for Relway. They’re perfect for each other.”

Nobody laughed. Sourpusses.

“Was that the Rainmaker you was chasing back there?” Saucerhead asked. He spat a wad of sourgrass he’d been chewing. He remained indifferent to Emerald’s weight.

“Yeah.”

“That runt? Hey!” The girl was wiggling. “Knock it off.” He swatted her bottom. “I always thought the Rainmaker had to be nine feet tall.”

“With hooves and horns. I know. I was disappointed, too.”

Morley snickered. “He sure was.” I gave him a dirty look. He never let up, pain or no pain.