I shake my head twice, trying to dispel those intrusive thoughts. The priority is to get back to the shore and pedal home.
"Want to tell me what a," he starts, his gaze scanning my form, "teenage boy is doing on my boat at this hour? Did you run away from home, kiddo?"
The moment the words register in my mind, I realize what he's seeing. A boy…a teenage boy. I sigh in relief, since I've heard that men aren't always kind to women. Lia's often told me that it's better to be sheltered than left alone in the world with no protection.
"I…" What should I even say? "I was playing hide-and-seek with some friends and I fell asleep." I quickly make up the lie, deepening my voice to sound like a boy.
"Hmm," he slaps the book on the table, "playing hide-and-seek, or just hiding so you could readthat?" He looks at me expectantly, and I gulp, put on the spot.
"I was curious." I shrug.
He laughs, shaking his head.
"Don't be ashamed, kiddo. You're at that age," he pauses, a frown marring his features before changing the topic. "Your parents must be worried. Why don't you give them a call?" Hetakes a phone out of his pocket, throwing it at me. I barely catch it and stare at it in wonder.
I've never used a mobile phone before, but even so, I have no one to call.
"Erm… I don't know the number." More lies. "How far away are we from the shore? Can you turn the boat around? I parked my bike around the docks. I'll just go home right away." I plead with him with my eyes as I say this.
I don't even know what's going to happen to me. The guards may have already spotted me, and I clearly won't make it back by midnight as I'd promised Lia.
Lia! What will she think?
"We left the port thirty minutes ago," he pauses, gazing at me. "I wish I could help you, kiddo, but I'm on a schedule." He doesn't get to finish his words, as the sound of another engine seems to approach.
He mutters something as he stands up, going toward a window to look out. I immediately follow, and the moment I gaze out, I recognize Mario on the other boat.
"Please don't let them take me," my fingers grasp the material of his shirt and I tug slightly. He looks down at me, his expression inscrutable. His hand comes down on mine and he pries my fingers loose.
"Are you in danger?" he asks, and I can only nod, hoping he will help me. He's been nothing but kind to me so far.
"Don't worry." He pats me on my head, over my hat, before leaving the room.
Curiosity eats at me, and I run after him. I open the door and stick my head ever so slightly through the gap.
"What brings you here, gentlemen?" my savior asks, his voice holding a suave quality.
"The boy. We know he's here. The cameras caught him sneaking onto your boat."
"Boy? I haven't seen any boy. I think you're mistaken," he answers confidently.
"Then you won't mind us searching the boat, will you?" Mario asks, and for a moment I'm afraid I might have put the good man in danger.
"You?" the man asks after a pause, before laughing. "Do you know who I am?"
"We just want the kid," Mario continues, and I'm glad he hasn't blown my cover. But he can't admit who I am, not when it would mean my ruination.
"And I told you there's no boy here. You need to leave.Now." The man's voice has an edge to it, and I hope Mario does as he's told.
"Listen here, pretty boy, I'll only ask one more time. If not…" he trails off, and I hear a gun go off.
No!
What if he gets hurt because of me?
I open the door wider and am about to show myself when the man speaks, his words rooting me to the spot.
"And risk war with Agosti?" he asks, and Mario sputters.
