Tag Archives: betrayal

The Shape of Family – Part Fifteen

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It’s Tuesday! Captain Claire Claymonte continues leading the charge against the Bandersnatch in today’s entry by… taking a bath? We’re so close to the end, you guys. Can you feel it?

<- Part Fourteen – Pieces

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The Shape of Family

Part Fifteen – Bond

by Rick Cook Jr

The tension should have drained from Claire as she eased into the tub. Maggie waited on her hand and foot, scrubbing her back, washing her hair, cleaning her wounds. Claire wasn’t sure she loved this woman, but it was a near thing, and every minute that passed without Claire confronting her on what she knew of this sun cult, the cords of her neck strained. The ale in her stomach churned. She wanted to vomit. She held it in.

Maggie said, “I can just hardly believe it. A monster, and those poor twins. What’s the world coming to?”

Claire stiffened, the sweet scent of the soapy water cloying when usually she would lavish in it. Now she felt dirty letting Maggie touch her. She said nothing.

Maggie asked, “What will you do?”

Claire wiped tears from her eyes before Maggie could see them and cleared her throat, feigning a cough. “Give us a drink, will you?” Continue reading →

The Shape of Family – Part Nine

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Tuesday is here! It’s time for Part Nine of The Shape of Family, where we’re gonna follow Claire and her Winged Riders a bit longer.

<- Part Eight – Betrayal

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The Shape of Family

Part Nine – Rally

by Rick Cook Jr

“How long for the Kingsguard?” Claire asked Private Hughes as she stepped out of the inn, Maggie trailing behind her, linens still clutched in her hands.

Hughes saluted. “I sent Tanner along to rouse them. We can head over now and they’ll be ready.”

“Good. Saddle the horses and bring them around.”

“Already on it,” she replied, turning to fulfill her orders.

“Wait.” She needed to do this first. She reached into the pouch at her side and drew out an insignia. “Lift your lapel.”

Hughes cocked her head at Claire but obeyed, staring at the pin. Claire fastened the small metal and smoothed the lapel down.

“You’re acting Sergeant until this is over, Hughes.” Continue reading →

The Shape of Family – Part Eight

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Tuesday is here! It’s time for Part Eight of The Shape of Family, where we’re gonna see what Claire’s been up to in Jeffrey’s absence.

<- Part Seven – Reveal

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The Shape of Family

Part Eight – Betrayal

by Rick Cook Jr

Claire and Private Hughes tended to the girl’s wounds while she was unconscious, and then put her to resting in the bed Claire had vacated this morning.  Hughes dropped into a chair, bundling up the bloody cloths and bandages.

Having removed the girl’s jacket and shirt, Claire saw two things: the new wound was not as bad as it looked through the layers of clothing, and this wasn’t Marie.

“This is Renee,” she said after the girl was settled and resting fitfully.

Hughes started. “What?” Continue reading →