Page 63 of Red Marked

“We did indeed.” Pryce lets go of the hand and flexes his fingers at his side, where he thinks nobody can see. “A tremendous result for both our islands. I’ve been in contact with the Council since five this morning. They’re very pleased with this outcome.”

“So is your king,” Magma says.

Pryce blinks. “The king, as in His Majesty King Arctic?”

“One and the same. He contacted our Council personally to sing your praises.”

I want to kiss Magma on the lips.

“Oh…wow…that’s something,” Dr. Pryce stutters.

Magma smiles. “The transfer authorization for three Draig citizens – Koa, Savanna, and Caldera – has been emailed and should be in your inbox by now. Your Council has approved all of it. I’m sure you have no problem releasing them into our custody.”

“No problem at all.” Pryce is beaming. “We’re delighted to see them return to their families. It’s only that I’d hoped for a short debrief. For the program’s benefit. Anything they can tell us about the feral population – how it moves, where it gathers – would be invaluable to the work we’re doing here.”

“They’re not in any condition for that.” I don’t raise my voice. “I told you last night, sir.”

“A few questions. Ten minutes is all I ask.”

“I’m afraid not,” Magma says before I can. “Dr. Keller is with them now. She will ensure that they receive the care they need both here and once on Draig soil. When they’re ready to talk, they’ll talk, and they’ll do it on Draig with their families in the room. If your Council wants a report, we would be happy to oblige.” He tips his head. “We would need the request in writing, please, Dr. Pryce.”

Pryce’s cheeks go pink above the collar.

“That’s fair.” He straightens his tie.

“You told me Dr. Pryce was great to work for,” Magma tells me. “No wonder you’re enjoying your job so much.” Magma holds out his hand. “It was wonderful meeting you.”

Dr. Pryce shakes Magma’s hand a second time, and this time he’s ready for the grip.

“You too. I’ll leave you to it,” he says. “I have a mountain of work to get through.”

“Thanks again,” Magma tells Pryce as he walks away.

“No problem.” Pryce lifts a hand.

He goes back through the gate at the same too-fast walk. Magma watches him all the way to the admin block door.

“That’s the male you’re answering to?”

“That’s him.”

“He’s not what I expected.”

“He’s a paper pusher. I don’t think he’s a bad male. I think he means well, but…he doesn’t have much of a backbone,” I say under my breath. I start walking toward the ridge, away from the fence and the guards and every open window in the place. “Walk with me for a few minutes while Robyn prepares the females for departure.”

The ground rises toward the rocks in a long, easy slope. The sun is up over the jungle now, laying gold across the top of the canopy.

We stop where the slope levels out. There’s nobody within two hundred yards. Magma folds his arms. I don’t like the way he’s looking at me.

“And?” I frown. “Do you have an answer for me on that matter we discussed?”

He nods. “I spoke to Reed last night,” he says, “after you and I hung up.”

“And?”

“And it’s a no.”

Crap!