“He’s sitting alone and looking grumpy.”
“You just described how he always is.”
“But hedoesfeel something for you, although he has a rather childish way of showing it.”
“It’s not mutual.”
“I should hope so, but he’s still your colleague.”
I glance at Otto, who doesn’t touch his food. He’s sitting under a different tree, still wearing his beige uniform and getting it dirtier the longer we ride. I already changed mine into regular clothes so I can have a clean set for when we reach High Hope. He glances my way, then quickly looks away.
I sigh and go sit close to him. “We’ll sleep in real beds tonight.”
He frowns at my words, but he still says, “I’d appreciate a normal bed. I’ve never been to Rifle before. What is it like?”
“A pretty little town, right by a river. They have a good mayor, and he likes it when Hivers stop by.”
“Well, you’re hardly a Hive… sorry.” He shakes his head. “I don’t enjoy being rude to you.”
“Could have fooled me.”
He crosses his arms. “I might have been a part of one too many conversations where somebody criticized you and your boss.”
“Then maybe you should hang out with a different crowd.”
“Assembly Member Lock isn’t exactly a crowd. He was meant to be the head of the assembly before Dino snatched it from him.”
“You mean legally elected, right? And I’m sure that Lock and his good buddy the general will survive the disappointment.”
He chuckles, then he quietly says, “Listen, I know it’s not my place, but you’d be better off staying away from Caden.”
I’m too stunned to speak.
Otto hurries to add, “I just think that someone like you—who is clearly ambitious—shouldn’t let someone who is considered bad luck drag you down.”
I’m no longer stunned, just angry. “I didn’t ask for your opinion, and that bad luck would risk his life so you could keep yours.”
I get up and walk back to Timothy, trying to keep my blood from boiling. Bad luck my ass. I would have been dead and buried if it weren’t for him, and so would many others. Caden frowns at me, asking silently if I’m okay. I manage a stiff nod, not wanting to make a big deal out of this. He tilts his head at Otto and makes a slicing gesture across his throat, as if asking if he should kill him. I shake my head.
Maybe later.
I use the downtime to go for a walk, wishing to clear my head before we continue our journey. I don’t get far before I hear footsteps coming from behind. I turn around, my hand on the holster of my gun.
Caden raises his hands. “Easy there, sharpshooter.” He comes over. “What got you riled up?”
Before I can stop myself, I blurt, “You shouldn’t let anyone say you’re bad luck.”
“Well, since I can’t control what others think or say, I try not to let that bother me.”
I see his point, and I shouldn’t get upset on his behalf. “Fine.”
“Good. And next time Otto says something that upsets you, Iwillslice his throat.”
He turns to leave, but I move faster and hug him. He wraps his arms around me, resting his chin on my head.
“Does talking about slicing someone’s throat make you all mushy?”
“Maybe.” Or maybe I’m just tired of sneaking glances at him all day.
