“And here’s a thought; is a kingfisher’s wife called a queenfisher? And if not, why not? Doesn’t seem right.”
She blinks a couple of times, and I think I see a hint of a smile, so plow on. “Obviously, their babies would be princefishers and princessfishers. So the big question is, is your carving a king, queen, prince or princess?”
I settle back against the stone wall and look at her expectantly.
“Princess,” she whispers after a minute.
Yes! I feel ridiculously pleased with myself for getting her to talk.
“Yeah, she’s definitely got a princess vibe. So now we need to name her. Any ideas on the perfect princess name?”
She chews her lip, then nods.
“Don’t keep me in suspenders,” I grin. “What’s the big reveal?”
She mumbles something. “Sorry, love. Didn’t catch that. Can you repeat?”
This time she says the word much more confidently. “Zola.”
“Whoa, Zola! That’s a great princess name.” That makes her smile fully. “That’s the best name I’ve ever heard. I’ve never met a Zola before. Do you know anyone called Zola?”
She nods and almost giggles.
“No way!” I exclaim. “Who? You’ve gotta tell me.”
With an actual giggle, she points a finger to herself.
“Stop the presses! You and the princessfisher have the same name? That’s a crazy fucking coincidence, pardon my French.”
Note to self, don’t cuss in front of the kid.
Into my moment of success, Alexis’s voice booms into my brain, bringing down the vibe completely.—Problem. We see guards questioning River—
Shit.
—What’s going on? Is he in trouble—Willow’s panicked voice comes down the mind line.
—Wait. He’s moving the car. The guard is pointing down the drive. I think they are making him leave now—
Leave? He hasn’t got Zola yet. That’s not the plan at all.
—He just texted me…Guards were suspicious of his loitering, told him his leave-pass would be rescinded unless he got underway immediately…..now he’s asking what to do—
—Tell him to wait somewhere close by. We’ll have to get the girl out ourselves, and then meet up with him—
I can hear the worry in Tee-Tee’s voice.
Can’t have that.—Leave it to me…me and Zola have this—
—Zola?—
—That’s her name…OK, Tee, let me think for a minute…—
—Dono…—
I don’t like doing it, but I shut down a mental wall in my brain and block all their voices out.
I’m not very good at concentrating if someone else is talking.
