brothers

I hesitated for a minute, but Molly had earned a certain amount of candor—and trust. “Thomas,” I said.
“The vampire?” Molly asked.
“Yeah,” I said.
“Wow, Harry,” she said, her blue eyes sparkling. “That’s odd. I mean, why would you get him a birthday present?” She frowned prettily. “I mean, you didn’t get my dad one, and you’re friends with him, and he’s a Knight of the Sword and one of the good guys, and he’s saved your life about twenty times and all.”
“More like four times,” I said testily. “And I do Christmas for hi—”
Molly was looking at me, a smug smile on her face.
“You figured it out,” I said.
“That Thomas was your brother?” Molly asked innocently. “Yep.”
I blinked at her. “How?”
“I’ve seen you two fight.” She lifted both pale eyebrows. “What? Have you seen how many brothers and sisters I have? I know my sibling conflicts.”
“Hell’s bells.” I sighed. “Molly—”
She lifted a hand. “I know, boss. I know. Big secret; safe with me.” Her expression turned serious, and she gave me a look that was very knowing for someone so young. “Family is important.”


Side Jobs, It’s My Birthday Too, Page 65-66