“You have never protected a moment in your life.”
Captain Pancake tried to climb higher.
I handed Hank the stuffed lobster.
“This is for him.”
Hank inspected it.
“He’ll like this.”
“He’ll destroy it,” Ellie said.
“That’s how he evaluates gifts.”
Captain Pancake grabbed the lobster by its sailor hat. The stitching lasted five seconds before a small piece of fabric flew onto the pavement.
“Impressive,” Hank said.
Across the road, Rosa appeared in the café doorway.
She took one look at me and crossed her arms.
“You brought bad hat.”
“I was instructed.”
“It helps. Nobody famous would choose it.”
“That was the original theory.”
Rosa crossed the road and hugged me without asking.
I looked at Ellie over her shoulder.
Ellie lifted one hand, suggesting island customs were beyond her authority.
Rosa released me and examined my face.
“You are tired.”
“I finished a tour.”
“You ate granola.”
“That accusation should be directed at Rachel.”
“I do not know Rachel. She is wrong.”
“She will be devastated.”
“You eat tonight. Seven.”
“Yes.”
Rosa pointed toward Ellie.
“You bring her.”
