Arrows of Time - Kim Falconer [124]
Grayson gave him a light smile, allowing his energy to soften. ‘I was out for an early morning walk.’
The pup jumped up, yipping. He dashed off for a few feet before running back to Grayson, sitting at his heels and looking up, the yips and yowls getting louder. Grayson frowned. ‘What is it, lad? You trying to tell me something?’
The dog dashed around him in circles, coming back to face him. Grayson calmed him down, saying a few soft words until the little dog settled.
The man leaned forward, his brow creased. ‘Is he yours?’ he whispered.
‘This dog?’ Grayson said. ‘I thought he belonged to you.’
The man straightened. He had caught sight of a tattoo on Grayson’s chest, a loop of serpent peeking out from the front of his shirt. He stared at it as if seeing a ghost. ‘Where are you from?’ he asked. He took a step back, patting his leg to attract the dog’s attention. It didn’t respond.
Grayson frowned. The man was out of his element, lost or confused. They might have much in common. He made a choice. ‘My name’s Grayson Nath,’ he said, extending his hand.
The man took it and gripped it, a familiar custom. ‘Everett Kelly,’ he replied. ‘Medical student at the ASMIU.’
‘Branch of ASSIST?’
‘Isn’t everything?’
Grayson nodded, looking around. ‘And what do you call this place?’
Everett shrugged. ‘Parklands South.’
‘Parklands, eh?’ Grayson raised his eyebrows. ‘Some place for a park. And ASMIU, where’s that?’
Everett lifted his chin, glancing from the pup to the portal entrance. ‘Sector Six.’
‘A sector of…?’
‘Allied State One, of course.’
Grayson rubbed the back of his neck. A sudden tightness wrenched him as he considered where he might be. Allied State One was only a concept before he left ASSIST. After the insurrection, it wasn’t anything at all. ‘Mr Kelly, I think we should talk.’
‘You’re not going to report the dog, are you?’
Grayson shook his head. ‘Not if you don’t report me.’
‘Let’s walk.’ Everett led the way down the slope, Grayson and the pup following behind.
Rosette thrilled at the sight of Fynn. There you are, you crazy mutt-hound. What did they do to you, eh? You look like you shrank! She moved her energy forward, and Fynn dashed in circles around Grayson, stirring up dead leaves. Drayco, look here. We’ve found Fynn!
Indeed. The big cat yawned. He hasn’t seemed to have matured much in our absence.
Fynn cocked his ears; his tail stilled for a moment before the frantic wagging resumed.
Can you talk to him, Dray? Calm him down. I’m not sure he’s hearing me.
Fynn hears! Fynn found Maudi. Fynn found Maudi! Let’s go!
Fynn seems to think he found you, Drayco said, mimicking the exuberance of the pup.
Rosette glowed, her new rendition of a smile. You certainly did find me, wiggle-worm puppy. Now sit down before you drive these guys nuts. Quiet. I want to hear what they’re saying.
Fynn settled, though his limbs quivered. Home now, Maudi?
Not yet, little Fynn. We have to find my body first, and get me back in it. Drayco, can you still sense Kreshkali and the others?
Not any more, but Scylla says they’ve found Jarrod. They’ll be along as soon as they bust him out.
Bust him out of what? Is he locked up somewhere? She shimmered—laughter without sound.
I think he might be.
I can’t imagine him letting that happen. Can you tell Scylla we’ll wait here for her, and to please hurry.
It’s done. What’s next?
I’m sticking to Grayson. Looks like he’s making friends with Everett. Just the right person. This is good luck.
I’ll keep watch on the portal.
You won’t need to hunt?
She felt him yawn again.
A long nap is all I need, for now.
How do you think you’ll be able to watch the portal while asleep?
I can do both, Maudi,
Excellent. She blew Drayco a mental kiss and followed the men, hovering over them as they headed down the path. Fynn was more relaxed now and onto the business of exploration, seemingly unconcerned that Rosette was a disembodied spirit.
If only she could be that