Page 97 of The Pacifist
Khan nodded. “Yes, Hunter and Emanuela are moving up here. It will be good to welcome them with a cold beer.”
“No, he’s bringing Anne. The swimsuit model.”
That made both Khan and Magni sit up straight and frown.
“What’s wrong?” Pearl asked. “Why do you look like that?”
Magni crossed his arms and nodded to Khan. “You tell her.”
Khan moved in his seat. “It’s nothing. Just make sure she and Jonah don’t go to the sleeping quarters of the guards.”
“Why would they go near there? I’ve never been.”
Magni groaned. “Good… It’s better if you don’t go. None of you.”
Leaning over the table, Laura pinned Magni with her eyes. “I’m gonna march right over unless you tell us what it is you’re not saying.”
Magni scratched his neck. “I inspected the place yesterday and they’ve added a lot of pictures on the walls since I’ve been away.”
My forehead rose up. “Of Anne?”
“Yes, and others.”
“I’m surprised you let them keep them.” My dad had always been a strict authoritarian with his men.
“Solo had allowed it. Khan and I discussed it and we decided not to overrule him.”
“So, you think it’s fine for the soldiers to objectify women like that?” Pearl gave Khan a sharp look, but Laura defended the men.
“Isn’t she a model? I would think they’re honoring her work by having her pictures up. I can’t imagine models minding. That would be like an actor recording a movie and then getting upset about people watching it and praising their talents.”
Pearl rubbed the bridge of her nose and then she held up both palms. “I’m going to pick my battles, and as long as the soldiers can behave professionally around her, it’s not up to me to judge.”
“Honey, let me know when Jonah and his sister are arriving at the border and I’ll make sure they are picked up.”
I walked over and gave my dad a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you. And please don’t be hard on Jonah. He’s going through enough as it is with the Council.”
Magni raised an eyebrow. “I’ve always been hard on him. It’s like a tradition.”
“I know, Dad, but not all traditions are good ones.”
My dad crossed his arms. “It goes both ways, you know. The last time he was here he mocked me and told me he was the strongest man in the world.”
Khan laughed. “Jonah said that? Then he truly is delusional.”
“He meant mentally strong,” I clarified.
With a scoff, Magni continued his rant, “And then he accused me of hiding in my room feeling sorry for myself. As if I’m some kind of wimp.”
Pearl spoke in a sympathetic tone. “Grief takes time and you said it yourself, you don’t like change.”
Magni looked offended. “What’s that supposed to mean? You make it sound like I’m inflexible.”
The rest of us exchanged glances and then we laughed.
“What’s so funny? I’m fucking adaptable.”
Khan was still laughing. “Sure you are.”
