Page 36 of Jump or Fall
They removed their shoes and he took in the modest, yet meticulously clean interior. There was hardly an item out of place or a speck of dust to be seen.
“Ma?”
Kimmie treaded slowly. He followed her, careful not to bump anything. They found her lying on a couch in the living room with an arm draped over her face. Long, pale blonde hair cascaded over the edge, and her skin was the same light brown as Kimmie’s.
Kimmie knelt at the side of the couch and gently nudged her arm. “Ma?”
She stirred and pulled her arm away, revealing a deep scar between the left side of her nose and cheek. The skin looked off, like it had been burned. Her eyes, the same green as Kimmie’s, were heavy with the burden of staying open.
The tired eyes wandered to Kimmie’s bare arm. “Kim, where did this happen?”
Gordon looked over and saw a small scratch.
“I bumped into a vine.”
Her mother’s pale brows came together. “Well, you need to fix it. I’ve been telling you that your job is too dangerous. You need to stop playing around and get a safer one.”
Kimmie sighed before standing back up. “Mom, this is Gordon. He’s helping the enforcers track down the Revive guy.”
Her head snapped to where Gordon was standing before she flung herself off the couch. “Why didn’t you tell me we’re having company?”
She stormed out of the room, and a door slammed down the hall.
Kimmie crossed her arms. “The serum is ruining her memory.”
She reappeared moments later, her hair combed and a thick layer of makeup applied over the scar. Plastering on a smile, she said graciously, “I’m Layela Alphito.” She gestured for him to have a seat, and he carefully sank down onto the cushions that were still warm.
She turned to Kimmie and pursed her lips. “Kim, I taught you better than this. Bring our guest something to drink.”
“Really, there’s no need,” Gordon interjected. “I’m sorry to impose on you.”
She waved him off. “It’s rude to leave even an uninvited guest thirsty.”
Her accent and striking appearance made him curious about where they came from. Immigration was rare since the city closed. The few natural blondes in Teichus usually had fair skin. He had assumed that Kimmie’s hair was dyed, but Layela’s was the same silvery golden color.
Kimmie huffed and left the room while Layela looked Gordon over. “Now, why is it that you’re here again?”
Kimmie returned, setting down a pitcher of lemon water and pouring three glasses. Gordon inclined his head in thanks and replied, “I wanted to ask if you would order Revive for me. I’m new to Eight and can’t get the code to work. I’ll reimburse you, of course.”
Layela’s perfectly manicured eyebrows rose. “Of course.” She smiled. “Good for you, taking the initiative to improve such a horrific eyesore.”
Kimmie’s eyes widened, but before she could say anything, Gordon held up a finger to stop her. He forced a smile, though he could feel it was lopsided—probably not as amiable as he’d hoped. “Thank you. My scar is fresh, and I’ve heard it’s best used early on. Would you be able to place the order now?”
Layela’s expression was pleased as she retrieved her tablet from an end table. She was about to sit back down when Gordon asked, “Would you mind showing me the process? That way, I won’t have to bother you again.”
The corners of her mouth hitched up. “Yes, but I’m shocked that someone your age isn’t more savvy with these things.”
“I thought we were the same age.”
She rolled her eyes, but the satisfaction underneath was plain as day.
Layela took the seat next to him, maintaining a respectable distance. He watched as she opened an application and placed the order, which would deduct twenty-five credits from her account upon pick up. Then she navigated to a separate page showing the drop location on an attached map.
He held out a hand. “May I?”
She handed him the tablet, and he discreetly plugged in a key. Pretending to not understand, he swiped through the map while the hidden key copied the data. Once it was loaded, he pulled the key and handed the tablet back.
“Thank you for your time, Layela.” He passed her a key containing fifty credits. “Your next order will be on me.”
