Page 92 of The Ranger

“But you were here long before that as I recall, and you haven’t changed.”

“No, but I’m Muiraran, you are not.”

She gave him a flat look. “Which means?”

“I have camouflage instinct. They won’t notice that I haven’t aged. They won’t question it, and after we’re long gone, they’ll not have a clue as to why something seemed different about me.” He smiled again. “It’s one of the perks of my race.”

She heaved a sigh. “Well, fine. Then you’d better hope no one remembers me.”

“They won’t,Priscilla.”

“Ugh! Why can’t I have a better name?” she groused.

“Because you’re undercover. In fact, I should have had you color your hair…”

“No way!” She put her hands on either side of her head. “I like my hair just the way it is, thank you very much!”

He chuckled. “It was just a thought.” He cocked his head this way and that. “Then again, you might look good as a redhead.”

“Redheads are supposed to have bad tempers.”

“And you don’t?” he teased.

“Stop it, Melvale.” She crossed her arms again and stared out the window. “Dallan seemed pretty mad King Jaireth is keeping him and Shona at home.”

He positioned himself more comfortably on the seat. “Time Master Dallan is well aware that if he were here, he runs the risk of running into Philip Brennan.”

Kitty stared out the window. “Do you think we’ll run into him?”

“I haven’t a clue. But if we do, play dumb. He’s never seen you before and won’t know who you are.”

She nodded as she looked at him. “But will he recognize you?”

“Doubtful. Though he knows my father, the Muiraran judge, he doesn’t know me. As far as my people are concerned, I’m just a babe. Philip Brennan, on the other hand, is it least 230 years old.”

“Oh, is that all?” she quipped.

“Don’t make fun.”

She went back to looking out the window and said nothing more. Unusual for Kitty. She never shut up. But then, neither did he. It was one of the reasons they got along so well. He hoped his future mate, whoever she may be, had some of Kitty’s qualities. That is, if hehada future mate…

The train pulled into the tiny station at Clear Creek, and they disembarked with what little luggage they had. Each were given a few changes of clothes as he wasn’t sure how long they would be here. Besides, it was all part of their disguise.

“Are you sure your hair isn’t too much?” Kitty asked as they crossed the train station’s small platform.

“No one will notice. And if they do it won’t be a big deal. I keep telling you, I have a camouflage instinct. It kicks in automatically. Helps me blend in.” He pointed to his ears which were rounded instead of their usual elegantly tapered look.

“Some people have all the luck,” Kitty said as they stepped off the platform and headed for the hotel.

They entered the building and much to his delight, Erwin was manning the front counter. He’d aged since Melvale saw him last and had grown into a man. “Mr. Brown, I presume?” he said with a smile.

Erwin grinned ear to ear. “I know you!” He looked around to make sure they were alone. “You’re the Time Keeper, aren’t you?”

Kitty snorted. “So much for camouflage instinct.”

“Quiet you,” he scolded. He smiled at Erwin. “I am, we’re here to check up on things. Has anyone filled you in?”

“I got a chance to talk with Makama a couple of days ago. I can’t believe she’s from the 90s!” He looked around again, then came around the counter and peeked into the dining room. “But what are you two doing here?” He smiled at Kitty. “Hello, I’m Erwin Brown. I’m from the 21st-century.”

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