Page 8 of Flyboy

“That’s what I’m talking about. And dinner,” said Omar.

“Fatima is our chef for the week as well.”

“Wow, Flyboy,” Ivy said, “this is a great set-up. How far away are we from the hangar and the airstrip?”

“It’s just up the road. We can’t quite walk, but Fatima has an old truck we can use.” He shrugged. “Or the rental car.”

“What’s going to be the protocol with this group?” she asked. “Are we starting with the classroom group A, or are they more advanced? Were they able to complete the assessments we sent over earlier?”

Colton watched her mind begin to spin, and all the light and easy adventure seeped out of her expression. When he didn’t answer, she frowned. “Well?”

He shrugged. “I’m off duty right now. I thought we could find some lost treasure before we start talking shop.”

Her small huff made him smile, and he waved her forward. “After you.”

“Did anyone bring a . . . ?”

He dug a waterproof flashlight out of his pocket and shined it out in front of her.

“Oh, great. Thanks.” She stepped forward into the darkness with only his light shining the way.

“What about bats? Didn’t the whole pandemic start because of a bunch of dirty bats?” Omar tried to crouch lower, to shrink smaller into himself, but it was no use, his bulk filled the area around him.

“That was in China. I don’t think we have the same problem down here in almost-Antarctica. It’s too cold, for one.” Ivy wrapped her arms around herself.

“You getting cold? Let’s pick up the pace.” Colton stepped up beside her. “Wish I could share a sweatshirt or something. But I’m as drenched as you.”

“It’s all right. I’ll be hot enough again out in the sun.”

Omar stumbled behind them a little bit. “You okay, dude?”

“Yeah, just fine. I don’t like things that fly.”

Ivy snorted.

“Except for us. We’re the only things that should be flying as far as I’m concerned.”

Colton nodded. “That’s fair.” He laughed to himself, appreciating the things you could learn about your team if you relaxed a little and had some fun.

He walked at Ivy’s side for a few quiet moments, and then the cave separated into a fork. “And now. A decision to make.” He nodded toward Omar. “It’s up to you.”

“Let’s go right.”

“Why, right?” Ivy turned to him. Colton wished he could see what was going on in her mind.

“Because that is the direction of our path.”

She nodded. “Makes sense. But what if the treasure is off the normal path; what if it’s that way?”

“Does the rule-following, practical Ivy have an adventure-seeking side?”

She lifted her chin. “There is plenty of adventure to be had within the bounds the rules allow.”

“And we all know there’s no treasure back in these caves.” Omar shook his head.

“We do? How do we know that?” Colton egged him on a little bit.

“It would have been found by now.” Omar took a step down the path on the right.