She shook her head. “We’re not doing this.”
“Why not?”
“For one thing, it’s too weird. And for another, you are my parents. I don’t want to think about you two doing the wild thing.”
Her mother’s grin widened. “How do you think you were conceived?”
“By a Maya shaman who planted a seed of life in your belly.”
Marianne let out a shout of light, airy laughter.
“Shhh,” Angélica said, reaching out to cover her mouth.
Her mom knocked her hand away. “Okay, I will keep my saucy thoughts about your father to myself.”
“Great.”
“But maybe you could encourage the channeler to spend more time with him.”
“Mom,” she warned.
“What? You can’t blame a ghost for trying.”
“Dr. Angélica?” Raul called out from the side of the mess tent. When Angélica looked his way, he waved her over. “Yourpadreis looking for Daisy and you.”
She waved back. “On my way.”
“Pik,” her mother said, drawing Angélica’s focus back to their fireside talk. “There is something else I need you to know.”
“What’s that?”
“I was wrong. This is not a sacred religious site.”
“How can you be sure?”
“Because—”
“Dr. Angélica?” Raul interrupted again, walking toward her. “Are you andSeñoraWalker okay?”
“We’re good, Raul,” she said, waving him off again. “We’ll be right there.”
But she didn’t want to leave her mom. Not yet. There were so many things she wanted to ask her, besides questions about this place.
Unfortunately, Raul would not be delayed.
Her mom touched her arm. “Be careful,Pik. You are not alone here.”
“Who’s with us?”
Marianne turned back to the fire, holding her hands out once again toward the flames. She closed her eyes, tears glistening in the corners. “I miss the warmth.”
“Who’s with us?” Angélica whispered, leaning closer so Raul wouldn’t hear.
“Dr. Angélica?” Raul said, drawing near. “Why are you two standing so close to the fire? Are you feeling chilled?” His tone was a mix of worry and disbelief.
“No, we’re just … uh … enjoying a bug-free moment.” She took Daisy by the elbow. “Aren’t we, Daisy?”
Daisy stumbled her way, a frown creasing her forehead. “Dr. García?” she asked. “What are we …?” She blew out a breath, fanning herself. “Dear Lord, I’m so hot.”
