"The previous owner was an old man who let things go for some time before finally moving in with his family. There's been some work to do—especially with the roof," Vex puts particular emphasis on that last word, as though it's been a problem for her in particular.

What does she know about roofing?

"But we got it for more or less nothing. Helping him move the shit he wanted to take out and getting rid of the rest."

Percy knows her well enough to understand how much cheap would be a motivating factor.

"And since we're on the wall, we have windows facing both in and out of town. Always good to be able to make a quick exit."