Page 142 of Enthrall Shadows
After a light vegan meal with the staff, Henry asked me to join him in the main hut.
He made sure we were alone.
Kneeling before his rucksack, he rummaged through it, pulling out the water filtration system and a bottle. After tucking those into his khaki side pockets, he did the same with the paper map and other essentials.
He handed me the medical kit. “Fill your pockets.”
“Why?”
“We’re leaving the kit.” He handed me a few packages of food, too.
“Leaving it?”
“I need you to trust me.”
I realized he didn’t want anyone to steal his stuff. We could do without these items for a while. Leaving them behind would be fine.
I clicked open the medical kit and gathered up the contents.
He gestured to my pockets. “Don’t let anyone see you have something in there.”
“Okay.”
Henry pushed to his feet.
I offered the medical items back to him. “Go with Reese. It might be good for you to spend more time with her.”
His back straightened. “Not this time.”
“I’ll see you when you get back.” I again held out the medical supplies. “I insist.”
“Put them in your pockets.”
We heard a knock at the door.
Henry took the items out of my hands and shoved them into my khaki pockets.
The door flew open and Michael motioned that they were ready.
Henry carried his rucksack out into the open. With a huff, he set his kit on one of the benches. “I’m going to leave this here.”
I whispered discreetly, “You’ve waited all this time. Use this opportunity to talk.”
He came closer so that we were face to face. “I’m asking for your total loyalty and devotion.” He winked.
Hesitant, I said, “You’re avoiding what we came for.”
“Reese’s ready to drive us,” Michael called over, pointing to where she sat behind the steering wheel.
“It’ll be more fun with you.” Henry threw them a wave and then focused on me. “Anyway, you owe me.”
“What for?”
“Imperial.”
“You’re still upset about that?” I asked, surprised.
“She can stay here,” said Michael, coming over to see what the delay was. “That’s fine.”
