“Why didn’t you go to the people who uphold the law?”
Nyree made a scoffing sound.“The police?Ari is personable and has friends who work at the local police station.I doubt they would’ve believed me.Besides, I gave him access to my bank accounts.That stupidity was on me.”She pulled out a wooden chair and sank onto it, the urge to cry so intense her eyes burned.
“Nyree, we can pack a bag and fly to another part of the island until the ship leaves.”
She lifted her head, feeling immeasurably older.“The ship is still here because a passenger has gone missing.A male.”
“This Ari has disappeared?”
“I’m not sure of the man’s identity, but my gut says it’s him.”
“We can leave.”
“No, I’m not letting Ari get to me again.I must continue my normal routine.They’ll find their missing passenger—whoever they are—and they’ll get him on board and leave.All I need to do is wait him out.”
“How can I help?”Tawera asked.
Nyree shrugged.“Let’s eat dinner and wait to see what happens next.It smells delicious.Have you cooked meals before?”
“Never,” Tawera said.“Men of my time hunted while the women prepared the food.”
“Yet it doesn’t bother you to cook now?”
“I enjoy learning new skills.You told me men cook now.”
“I did, and it’s true.Roles for men and women are more varied these days.I can do anything.”
Tawera served their dinners and set a plate of rice and chunky meat in a sauce before her.He joined her at the table, his expression interested.“Like what?”he asked.
“I can build houses or join our army or other armed forces.I could fly a plane or pilot a ship.Anyone can be a doctor, nurse, teacher, or lawyer.The only thing that limits us is ourselves or the lack of opportunity.”
“Could I learn a new job when we get back to Aotearoa?”
“Yes.”
A thump on her door had Nyree starting.They shared a glance, but neither moved until the pounding repeated.
“I’ll get it,” Nyree said.
Tawera stood.“I’m coming with you.”
“Stay out of sight,” she warned.
Every instinct told her not to answer, but she couldn’t ignore the summons either.“Who is it?”
No one replied.
She exchanged a glance with Tawera, who moved closer to her.
“Let me,” he whispered.
She hesitated, then nodded.Carolyn had seen Tawera leave her quarters.It wasn’t as if he was a secret now.
Tawera cracked open the door.Without warning, it flew back into his face and knocked him over.A masculine body shoved his way into her quarters and slammed the door behind him.Tall and broad with black hair, familiar blue eyes, and lightly tanned skin, he locked the door, pausing to kick Tawera in the ribs before stepping over him and focusing on her.
“Hello, Nyree.Did you think you could hide from me?”
Everything in Nyree clenched tight.Her mouth trembled before she bit down on her bottom lip to stem the tell.Ari’s grin told her he’d seen, and her fear pleased him.She took a step back, retreating by habit instead of standing her ground.
