Dex stared at Thad’s hand, then grasped it. “Dex.”
“Welcome to Nil City,” Thad said.
Dex looked absolutely miserable. “Thanks.”
Thad chuckled. “Hang in there, dude. Get a bite to eat, you’ll feel better. Do you like fish?”
Dex nodded like a robot.
“Good. Here’s a wrap. You can eat the leaves on the outside, too.” Dex took Thad’s offering as Thad turned to me. I noticed he carried two wraps, along with a mango. “Ready?” he asked.
I nodded. As we walked away, Thad grinned. “Were you trying to put that poor guy into permanent shock? When you smiled at him, I thought he might have a heart attack right then.”
“Funny,” I said, punching Thad in the shoulder.
“Ow.” Rubbing his arm, Thad laughed.
“I just feel bad for him,” I admitted. “He’s pretty freaked out.”
“Most rookies are,” Thad said. He turned to me. “Except you.”
I shook my head. “You didn’t see me on night five.”
“Doesn’t matter,” Thad said. “I saw your shelter by the Bay. You weren’t freaking; you were surviving. Now eat.” He handed me a wrap, just as we left the trees behind.
The beach hummed with activity, preparations for tonight’s Nil Night. One person stuck out, only because he should be missing.
“Miguel’s back?” I turned to Thad. “I thought he was on Search.”
“He was. Jillian hurt her ankle, so they bailed early. She’s okay. Just a sprain. And Miguel’s got time.”
I wasn’t sure if Thad’s last line was for my benefit or his.
“What are they cooking?” I asked, sniffing the air. “It smells weird.”
“Rabbits and an ostrich. Heesham killed a big one on the way back.”
“Ostrich?” I made a face. “People eat those?”
Thad laughed. “Jason says they taste like beef. And after two hundred ninety-two days of fish, trust me, ostrich sounds pretty appealing.”
Two hundred ninety-two days.
Seventy-three noons left.
Is this how it starts?I wondered. How the daywatch creeps into the days? One unexpected moment at a time?
“What is it?” Thad asked.
“Nothing,” I lied.
Thad whispered in my ear. “Plenty of time, remember?” Hebrushed a kiss against my temple, then grinned, his lazy grin that stole my breath.
Rives appeared by Thad’s side.
“Thad.” Rives kept his voice low, but I easily overheard. “The Shack was hit again last night while we were taking care of that girl. And this time, no chance it’s an animal.” Rives paused. “The metal knives are gone. All of them.”
CHAPTER
