Page 116 of Escape Velocity

Chapter Twenty-Five

The closer Max got to the Inheritors’ village, the more leaden his legs felt. But he kept pace with the other men because he knew they were anxious to get back and tell everyone about the victory over the spy.

They arrived at the camp, and he watched those who had stayed behind greet the returning victors with relief and thanks.

He saw men embracing their wives and children. And he saw Dubois reporting to Gatroux.

He remembered that when he’d thought of Amber as a responsibility he didn’t want, he had considered leaving her with these people, but after living with them for a few days, he knew that wasn’t a solution.

He still wasn’t sure what to do, and he was glad to get a little reprieve when he saw Rafe.

He and his friend had parted back at Tudor’s house and now they each needed to find out what had happened with the other.

“I take it the emergency’s over, and you got LaTour,” Rafe said.

“Yeah,” he clipped out. “What about Tudor’s house?”

“The swamp swallowed it up.”

“Good.”

“Now we just have to wait and see what happens when he doesn’t report back for work.”

Max nodded.

“Amber’s in one of the houses. She’s worried about you. You should go tell her you made it back in one piece.”

Max didn’t move for several seconds. “Which house?” he finally asked.

Rafe pointed toward a hut that was set apart from the others and a little larger than the rest.

Still unsure of what he was going to say, he crossed the central area, conscious that some of the women were watching him with interest.

Trying not to feel like he was on display, he began climbing the ladder that led to the entrance. He went very still when he heard Amber’s voice coming from inside.

She was singing, but not one of the songs he’d heard before. And as he listened, he decided that no one had heard it before because Amber was writing it as she sang.

It was a sad song about a woman who loved a man. But he went away and left her, and there was no way to find him again.

The sun sets on this planet

And he is on another world.

When does the sun set in that faraway place?

And does he think of me?

She stopped for perhaps twenty seconds before starting again.

And does he think of us, of what we had together.

Does he cling to the memories as I do?

Should I follow him? Does he still want me? Or has he found another love?

Max quietly climbed into the hut, taking in the sight of her. Seeing her again made his heart squeeze painfully. She was wearing one of those pretty dresses that Rafe had brought from Hawkings, the soft fabric clinging to her hips. He said nothing, but something must have told Amber that she was no longer alone in the hut. She turned slowly and saw him standing in the doorway.

Neither of them moved as they stared at each other.

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