Page 18 of Hot Zone

“Ha, it depends on the day. During the week, I do the Vesper Gazette because it doesn’t take as long, but on Sundays, like today, I do the real one.”

“So, how are you doing this morning?”

“I’m just about finished.”

“Okay, then. I’ll just enjoy this delicious homemade burrito and let you get back to it.”

I took a bite, savoring the spicy sausage mixed with creamy cheese. It was just as good, if not better, than I expected, but I kept that to myself. As I chewed, I watched him work on the puzzle. I loved how his forehead crinkled in concentration and the little self-satisfied smile that would play on his lips whenever he figured out an answer.

“Do you know what time you were born?” I asked.

He looked up at me, surprised. “I’m not sure. I know it was early morning because my mother always said she labored all night, and I barely missed being born on my due date by a few hours. Why?”

“I was just curious. And where exactly were you born?”

“San Diego, California. My dad was in the Navy, stationed there.”

“Cool. So, shortly after midnight, in San Diego. And if I remember correctly, your birthday is May sixth, right?”

He set down his tablet and took off his glasses. “Yes, Mars, May sixth. Why are you asking me these questions instead of eating?”

“No reason. Just curious.”

He gave me a look that said he didn’t believe a word I said, but now I had all the information I needed to do his natal chart. Notthat he cared, but I liked knowing the details about the people I shared space with.

He placed his tablet on the table and stood. “Well, I’m done with the crossword, and I have some things to do today, so I’m going to get going.”

“You go right ahead. I’ve got some online shopping to do.”

He’d turned to go, but he stopped and looked back at me. “I know you’ll get money from the insurance to replace your things, but that will take time. Do you have enough to get what you need for now? I can transfer some money if you need it.”

“I appreciate the offer, Samuel, really. But I’ve got savings I can use until the insurance check comes through.”

He nodded approvingly. “Glad to hear it. But if anything changes, let me know.”

“I will. Thank you.” Not that I would need it—or ask him for money if I did—but I truly appreciated the offer.

After Samuel left the kitchen, I finished my breakfast before heading outside for my morning meditation. I sat down on the grass, got into my pose, and took a few moments to thank the universe for its gentle—or not-so-gentle—nudges.

Samuel

I left Mars sitting at the table, finishing his breakfast, while I got ready to leave. By the time I came back to the kitchen, he was no longer there. I hated to leave without letting him know I was gone, so I headed down the hall to Steven’s old room to tell him. The door was slightly ajar, and when I knocked, it swung open. Mars was nowhere in sight, but it was clear he’d been there. For someone who had very few possessions after the fire, there was stuff scattered everywhere.

I called out his name in case he was in the bathroom, but there was no answer. Kismet was lying on the bed, though, so I felt confident he hadn’t gone to his shop. I walked back through the house, and as I passed the windows in the den, I spotted him in the backyard, sitting under an old oak tree. His legs were crossed, hands resting at his sides, and his eyes were closed. For someone who’d just been through the wringer, he looked incredibly peaceful.

I doubted meditation was for me, but it seemed to work for Mars. I thought about going out there to let him know I was leaving, but I didn’t want to disturb him. He looked truly at peace in that moment.

I decided to wait until Mars came back inside before leaving. I wasn’t in a hurry today anyway. I didn’t have anywhere to beuntil noon when I was meeting my friend Hawk for lunch. I went into the den, sat down in my recliner, and picked up the book on the table next to me. It didn’t take long before I heard the back door open. I looked up from my book to find Mars standing there, watching me.

“What?” I asked.

“The glasses suit you,” he said with a grin.

“Oh, you think so?”

“Yeah, I do. They’re sexy.”

“Well…” I shrugged. “I only use them to read.”

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