Gideon's Spear by Darby Karchut Read Free Book Online Page B

well.”
    â€œWhat are we going to do?”
    Pausing in the doorway, the Knight looked back over his shoulder. He smiled coldly. “Remind them why they should fear the Tuatha De Danaan.”

Eight
    T he truck was already idling in the driveway when Finn locked the front door and jogged down the steps and across the yard. Careful to shut the gate, he tightened one of the bronze wires before hurrying over.
    â€œAll set,” he said, clambering into the passenger seat. As Finn pulled the door closed, it creaked, then bounced open again. Grabbing the handle, he yanked it again. It flew open. “Son of a goat,” he muttered. He leaned out and grasped the handle with both hands.
    â€œYe gods, Finn. Put some muscle into it.”
    â€œI’m trying, but the stupid thing won’t latch.” He slammed it with a rattle. It sprang open again. “We need a new truck.”
    â€œBoyo, the list of things we need would strain a year of our monthly budgets.” Putting the truck into neutral, Gideon climbed out and walked around to Finn’s side. With a grunt, he rammed the door with his shoulder, then eyed it as if daring it to open again. Shuddering from the impact, the truck gave a sigh and began rolling backward down the driveway.
    â€œThe brakes,” Gideon shouted, making a dash for the driver’s side.
    Finn scrambled across the seat. Toe pointed, he stretched for the nearest pedal. The engine revved futilely when he stomped on the gas.
    Picking up speed, the truck shot tail-first across the street and bounced up against the curb on the far side with a crashing jolt, just missing the Steels’ mailbox. Finn’s bottom left the seat. His head hit the roof. Tears sprang to his eyes when the impact snapped his jaw shut. With a moan, the engine died.
    Cursing under his breath in Gaelic, Gideon jogged over. He peered through the open window. “Are you all right?”
    â€œAh beh meh ‘ongue.” Eyes watering, Finn pointed to his mouth.
    The Knight grimaced in sympathy. He yanked the door open and motioned the boy out. After climbing down, Finn spat a glob of bloody mucus to one side and shook his head. “Son of a goat—that hurts.” He wiped his lips, leaving a reddish smear.
    â€œGoodness, what happened?” said a female voice.
    Master and apprentice turned. Dressed in a white lab coat, Dr. Susanna Steel stood at the end of her driveway, purse and keys in hand. Her dark eyes widened at the sight of Finn’s red-stained chin and their truck parked halfway up on the sidewalk.
    â€œSusanna Steel.” Gideon dipped his head, an old-fashioned courtesy. “It’s a pleasure to see you this fine morning, madam.” He gestured toward the vehicle. “The brake slipped, nothing more.”
    Mrs. Steel frowned, her high cheekbones and ebony skin giving her a regal air. Her heels clicked rhythmically as she walked closer to inspect Finn’s bloody face. “How did you get hurt?”
    â€œOh, I bit my tongue when the truck hit the curb. I hit the gas instead of the brakes. But it’s okay now.” He spat again. “See? Barely any blood,” he said, pointing down at the wet spot.
    Gideon cringed. “Finnegan MacCullen. We do not spit in front of ladies.”
    â€œOh, that’s quite all right. I am a doctor, after all.” Susanna Steel’s brows puckered. “So, why were you driving the truck?” A look of skepticism crossed her face as Gideon explained. “Well, I suppose that makes sense,” she said slowly. Glancing at her watch, she clicked her tongue. “Late already. Finn, we’ll see you at supper tonight, then.” With a nod, she hurried back up the driveway to the open garage door.
    They watched as she drove away, Finn waving cheerfully. After her Volvo station wagon turned the corner, they sighed in relief. Exchanging glances, they climbed back in. This time, Gideon closed