Page 38 of Double Take

It must be horrible to be locked in. It was like indentured servitude or slavery. How could that occur in this day and age?

Because the government was involved. The government could do anything. Violate its own laws. Imprison people without cause. Kill people.

“Can I offer you a glass of wine or a cup of tea? Dinner, perhaps?” she asked, not wanting him to leave.

“I’d like all of that,” he said.

“Maybe some canned potatoes and peaches?” Her lips twitched.

His eyes twinkled. “My favorite.”

She took a breath, twisted her hands. “Um…I have another suggestion. What if you stayed with me while you’re here? Checked out of the inn?” She could spend every second with him, wake up and see his face, fall asleep in his arms.

He stopped petting the cat. “That’s a lot of togetherness. Maybe more than you want.” He scanned her face.

“No. The time at the cabin showed me I’d like to spend more time with you, not less.” She avoided thinking about the inevitable, painful parting. Sometimes living in the moment was the only way to live. When you couldn’t change the future, why worry about it?

“Well, then.” His face wreathed in a wide grin. “I’ll go grab my stuff, check out, and meet you here?”

“While you’re gone, I’ll get dinner ready. I think I can produce a meal more exciting than potatoes and peaches.”

He put the cat down and kissed her, his soft lips lingering. She stood on tiptoe and hugged him. She could get used to this. The domesticity. The partnership. The coupling, the concern, the caring. Shewishedshe could get used to this. A sharp pang of loss shot through her.Don’t think about the future.

They separated. “See you soon,” he said.

“I’ll be waiting.”

Whistling under his breath, he left.

She sprang into action, rushing into the kitchen. She estimated she had about forty-five minutes to shower and throw a dinner together. Maybe steaks, herbed rice—no potatoes tonight!—and some buttery honeyed root vegetables native to Terra Nova.

Rice would go on in about forty minutes. She’d wait until he got back to grill the steaks and cook the vegetables. She’d freshen up then start the prep work. If she had the time, she’d throw together a quick cobbler from canned fruit.

Gotta hurry, but first things first.She hugged and kissed a squirming Rusty. This had been her first time away overnight since moving into the cottage. “More cuddles later, promise.” She set the wiggling cat on his feet.

She hurried to the bath.Shower, I love you,she thought as hot water cascaded down. She shampooed and washed then dried and styled her hair quickly, applied a light touch of cosmetics, and slipped into a pair of silky caramel-color slacks and an asymmetrical matching blouse that left one shoulder sexily bare. At least, she hoped he would find it sexy. A pair of flats and dangling gold earrings completed the ensemble. Then she dashed to the kitchen to begin prepping dinner.

The cat had vanished. After putting down fresh water and food for him, she started on their meal. She flash-thawed and seasoned the meat, set out the dried herbs she’d need for the rice, and peeled the vegetables. Next, she gathered the ingredients for ared-fruitcobbler. Red-fruit, boringly, if aptly named, originated from another native Terra Novan plant and tasted like a cross between a strawberry and an apple.

She’d popped the cobbler into the hot oven and had set the table, when the front door knocker banged.He’s here!She broke into a smile and hurried to let him in. Out of the corner of her eye, she spied Rusty ambling to the door. They were both eager to see John.

She flung open the door. “That was quick—”

Two strange men in dark uniforms stood on the lighted porch. “Faith Hammond?” The taller of the two spoke.

“Yes…”

“May we come in?”

“That depends. Who are you?”

“I’m Agent Rogers. This is Agent Glenn.”

“Agents with whom?” She gripped the door tighter. Who were these guys? She couldn’t see their eyes or expressions through their tinted glasses. She wished she’d never opened the door. Behind her, Rusty hissed and growled.

“We’re not at liberty to share that information.”

“Then I’m not at liberty to let you in.” She started to shut the door.

---