Page 67 of Master
Striding to the scorekeeper's table, I picked up the mic and pulled the portable speaker from under the table.
"If we can somehow rig this up to Buck's truck, we can drive through the village and have everyone on their way here in a few minutes."
Buck took the microphone from my fingers, his pale blue eyes studying, before a wide grin split his face.
"I can rig this up to the truck. I don't remember exactly when or where, but I'm pretty sure I've got some experience with microphones and speakers."
Yes, Elvis, you certainly do, I thought to myself.
Thirty minutes later, I sat pressed against Tarook in the cab of Buck's truck as we drove slowly along the narrow village streets. Tarook's sexy baritone voice called for everyone to report to the gymnasium, and the villagers responded without hesitation. With everyone shuffling along the streets, the village looked like a scene from The Walking Dead.
Buck awaited when we returned to the gym, Lula, Mei, and Bartholomeus already inside. It took over an hour for everyone to arrive. I found it hard to remember every face Tarook and I encountered that rainy day, but Buck assured us everyone was present and accounted for.
Tarook shut the door and pressed a finger to his comm unit. The tech gave a faint swoosh, like the sound of an outgoing text message, and a cloudy mist fell from the overhead vents onto the gym floor.
Buck paced, too nervous to watch. I pressed my nose to the glass, alert for any sign the antidote worked… waiting, wondering, and praying.
"What is it, darlin’?" Tarook asked, putting his hands on my shoulders, feeling my tenseness.
"We still don't know who did this." The gas fell, a thick swirling fog like the seaside in the early morning. "Do you think the person responsible for deploying the mumje is in the gym right now?"
"If whoever did this infected themselves, it was accidental." Tarook's strong fingers manipulated the tight muscles in my shoulders and neck. "Up until now, mumje infection had no cure. If this works, you will have found an antidote to the biggest scourge in the universe."
"We found it." I tilted my head back to look at him.
Tarook dropped his lips to mine. It wasn't a passionate kiss—now wasn't the time for that. But the touch of his mouth on mine felt comforting and loving—just what I needed. Tarook sighed with regret as he released my lips, slipping his arms across my stomach to cuddle me against his chest. His chin rested atop my head as we awaited success or failure.
"Whoever did this didn't expect you to find a cure." Tarook mulled out loud. "If the Aljani are behind the mining, it's a good bet they're behind what happened here. I just can't figure to what end. When the Bardaga arrives, perhaps they'll have more intel."
My heart clenched at his mention of the Bardaga… and not happily. Yes, I'd get to see Emmy, Daisy, and hopefully the others, but this time with Tarook would end. He would return to his duties onboard the ship, and I….
I didn't want to think about my life without Tarook in it.
I loved Curtis with all my heart. Not a day passed that I didn't miss him. But Tarook gave me something I never thought to have again—he made me feel desirable and beautiful. He made me feel cherished. He made mefeel.
I didn't want to give that up. I didn't want to give him up.
"Look." Tarook's excited tone made me jerk. He lifted a hand, long finger pointing. My eyes followed, widening with excitement.
People twitched—like Lula did when we cocooned her with the sweet potato vines, but more controlled. Some shook their arms and legs, reminiscent of trying to rid oneself of the pins and needles sensation of an appendage fallingasleep. Others rubbed their faces or arms, glancing about in utter confusion. Trembling fingers wiped the vestiges of unconsciousness from dreary eyes. Someone coughed viciously, having the same reaction to the DMNT as me. It didn't take long to pinpoint the source—Mayor Atkins Parlow, his round face red as he gasped and coughed. Voices rose in question, one louder than most.
"Buck? Where are you, Buck?"
"Lula!" Buck lunged for the door. Tarook caught him, holding fast.
"You must wait for the gas to settle, my friend.”
Buck stilled, but Tarook kept his hold on the man for good measure.
It couldn't have been more than a few minutes, but it felt like forever until everyone responded. I'd expected confusion and sluggishness, but everyone talked and moved normally. Some eyes still held a milky glaze, but it diminished significantly.
"Lula!" Buck threw open the gym doors, rushing to gather his wife in his arms. Their reunion was a sweet mixture of kisses and tears.
"What the hell is going on?" Atkins Parlow asked between coughing spasms.
I kept my reaction to the gas at bay by holding a handkerchief over my mouth and nose. I didn't want Parlow to think we had anything in common… even phlegm.
The murmurs of the crowd rose, feeding off the mayor's upset. Peacekeeper Munroe stepped forward, his calm demeanor stilling the crowd.
