He launched into a new argument, decibel level set at full whine. Then like a switch flipped, Bart stopped. “Well, I may not be on this Search, but I have more time than you.” His smug smile erased my small shred of sympathy. “A lot more, like Charley. Think about that.”
I fought the urge to slam my fist into his face. “True. But if someone picks you, don’t forget you’resupport.Priority rules. Otherwise, you’re on your own.” I returned Bart’s smile.
“People are getting tired of you and your rules,” Bart insisted. “You’ll see.”
“Not my rules,” I shot back. “City rules. And you’re either in or out.” Without waiting for a response, I left Bart, found Rives, and unloaded my Bart frustration in a near growl.
“Has anyone been banished for being a slacker?” Rives asked in a low voice.
“I’ve never known anyone to get banished, period. But if he doesn’t pull his weight, no one will pick him, and he’s pretty much screwing himself. Gates don’t drop in the City very often.”
Rives nodded, but he still looked troubled. We changed topics, and as Rives left, Charley’s hand slid into mine.
“You’ve been busy,” she said. “Is there anyone you didn’t talk to?”
“You.”
For a moment, we stood without speaking, staring at each other, which should have been weird but wasn’t.
Slowly, savoring each second, I lowered my head and kissed her. Long and soft, but I felt the heat and ached for more. With superhuman effort, I made myself break away.
Watching her eyes flicker open to firelight, I asked, “Can I walk you back?”
“Definitely,” she said. “Especially with those crazy Nil squirrels on the loose.”
“Insane rodent protection, at your service.” I grinned.
“So we head out in the morning?” she asked.
“Dawn.” I nodded. “Island adventure awaits.”
Charley smiled, then gave an odd laugh. “You know something funny? My dream was to travel. Back home, I have a huge world map across one wall. I’d sit on my bed, staring at the map, dreaming of all the exotic places I wanted to go.”
“Let me guess. Nil wasn’t on your map.”
“I don’t think Nil’s on anyone’s map.”
“True.” I thought of the island, nonexistent yet real, and of Li, out there alone.
“But it’s exotic, that’s for sure,” Charley said. “So, where’re we headed tomorrow?”
“The black lava field, the south one.”
“There’s two?” She frowned.
“Yeah. They bracket the red flow, the one where you found your clothes. Different colors, different flows.”
“Exactly how many hot spots are there?” she asked. “Places where gates flash the most?”
“We’re not sure. The current Nil software is a little dated.” I grinned sideways at Charley. “Right now people seem to be having the best luck in the lava fields and by the base of the mountain. I’d add Black Bay to the list, too. It’s a moving target, but it’s all we’ve got.” Frustration made my words sharp, but my beef wasn’t with Charley, it was with Nil. With the whole marionette game.
Three seconds later, Charley’s A-frame was right in front of us. I hated to leave; the idea of waking with Charley in my arms was killer. But something told me Nat needed Charley’s company more.
Another day, I told myself.I’ve got time.Right.
Outside her A-frame, I pulled her close. “I hate to say good night, but I don’t think Nat should be alone. But,” I tucked her hair behind her ear, “as your island guide, I think this moment calls for a good night kiss. As part of the tour package, of course.”
“By all means, let’s stay on schedule,” Charley whispered.
