I Knew Her As August

twenty-four: gus

Gus was there in ten minutes. Nicki was surprised he didn't crash as he slid into the parking lot, the wheels kicking up a cloud of dirt. He stepped out of the car without turning the engine off. He stomped over to Nicki with his chest out, ready to fight if necessary.

"Are you okay, Nicki?" he called out. He put his hands on her shoulders gently but pulled her closer to him in a protective way. Nicki could see he was keeping an eye on Jex, who was smoking his vape while he watched Gus with great amusement.

"I'm fine. Jex made sure I didn't get into too much trouble." Nicki was half joking but it was also true. Gus eased off his fight-or-flight mode but still glared at Jex with a deep-seeded hatred.

"Well, how noble of you, Jex," Gus spat his name like it was venom. Jex smiled back at him warmly, more flattered than insulted.

"I trust you can handle it from here, human? The princess isn't easily contained." Jex had a smug grin, giving Nicki another teasing wink. She couldn't help but smile, but quickly shooed it off with a disapproving glare.

"C'mon, Nicki. Let me take you home," Gus said only to her. He started to make his way back to the car but let Nicki choose to follow for herself. She turned back one more time and caught Jex's already watching gaze.

"Thank you," she called out, trying to make her genuine appreciation for him catch onto the wind and reach him. He shrugged it off like it was nothing.

"Don't mention it. If our destines are lucky enough, then we shall never see each other again. So, it's been an honor, your majesty." He gave her a short bow before turning and disappearing back down the dark trail, the shadows engulfing him like an old friend.

"You understand why that was a bad idea, right?" Gus stressed. He'd driven them back into Salt Lake City, but the tall buildings now felt strange to Nicki, like she had never seen them before.

"I get it, it was stupid to go by myself," Nicki admitted. She'd listened to Gus's scoldings with only half of her attention; the night had been so eventful that she didn't know what to focus on first.

"Why didn't Conrad tell me Wyatt was married?" Nicki urged, ready for her turn of questions. Gus flicked ash off his cigarette and out the window; he'd chain-smoked the entire car ride with a shaky hand. Nicki didn't understand why he was so stressed.

"Maybe she didn't know. Conrad's head is so far up her own ass that she can't even tell if it's night or day," Gus scoffed.

Nicki let the cold wind blow against her chickened skin and tried to organize her thoughts. Part of her wanted to throw up just so she could start with an empty plate.

"I heard something about Conrad tonight that doesn't make sense," Nicki murmured. Gus kept his eyes on the road.

"What's that?" He finally asked.

"Has Conrad ever used demon's blood?"

Gus slammed on the brakes, stopping at a red light. The street was empty at this time of night, only the frequent homeless person shuffled on the sidewalks.

"What makes you ask that?" Gus asked coldly, not meeting her eyes.

"It's a simple question." Nicki urged. Gus sighed, rubbing his hand over his eyes. The light turned green, and the car slowly rolled forward.

"There's something I should show you," Gus said.

"What is it?" Nicki pressed.

"It's easier if I just show you," Gus pleaded. Nicki gave in and was quiet, watching out the window without actually looking at anything.