“That’s a great idea,” I enthuse.
I follow Otis into his office. He opens a drawer in his desk and pulls out a red, leather-bound book and lays it on the desk. “All my important addresses and contact numbers are in here.”
“Thank you,” I say, “I’ll phone her as soon as you’ve gone. What have you got on today?”
“A big meeting with all my deputies. Last night I finished the coding on the devices we’re going to smuggle into Sparkle.”
“How will you get them up there?”
I sense Otis hesitate. “Jax will place them.”
“Jax! It’s too risky for him to go into central Sparkle.”
“We have a strategy, Clem. He’ll be wearing the portal cape, so he’ll be invisible…” He pauses. “He knows how to keep himself safe…”
“Oh yeah? Excuse me if I’m not confident about that, based on his past record. How exactly, Otis?”
“He’ll be here to tell you himself shortly.”
I narrow my eyes. “Knowing Jax, he’ll find an excuse.”
“He will be here,” Otis responds firmly. “I promise.”
After Otis leaves, I sit down at his desk and leaf through the address book. I find the number for the Trojan pack. I guess that’s the right one to call.
My hands shake a little as I dial. I hope the wolf who answers is polite.
After three rings a deep, gruff voice says, “Howdy.”
“Oh, um, I-I’m ringing to speak to Sammy Buggins.”
“Who’s calling?”
“I’m her friend—best friend, actually. Clem Summers.’’
“Summers, eh?” the gruff voice replies, with maybe a hint of… what? Interest, amusement even. “Any relation to Jax Summers?”
“Erm, he’s my brother. You know him?”
“We’ve met a few times, yes.”
“Oh. I see.” I don’t, of course, but I’m not game to ask any more. The wolf on the other end says, “I’ll get Sammy for you.”
I guess he didn’t sound unfriendly.
I wait, trying to slow my breathing.
And then I hear my bestie’s voice and I relax.
“Clem!” she squeals. “I’m so happy you called.” She sounds fine, chirpy even, and relief floods through me. “I was going to contact you later today, but you got in first.”
“Otis gave me your number. How are you settling in?”
“I’m fine, great in fact. It’s different here, a little more rough and ready than on level one. But everyone’s very welcoming and kind, and we have our own den in the complex that I’m setting up to be like home.”
“That’s so good to hear. I’ve been thinking of you lots.”
We chat for a while, about the different food and way of life of wolves. They seem to live more communally with small dens to sleep in. It sounds… okay. And Sammy sounds relaxed and happy.
