Page 10 of Lucie
“I pray that if that happens, you and I won’t be alive to witness it,” he whispered.
“I have no doubts that Mattox andMistellewill be able to preserve AltaNovis,” she continued. “They’re strong and capable. And smart.”
Yulenchuckled again. “As long as Matt is able to hold his temper.”
That remark made her snort. “Mistellehas a temper tomatch, but she’s able to hold it in check better than him.”
“And Luc is themoretaciturn of the three.”
“He’s the mediator. The diplomat. He manages to keep the two of them on an even keel.”
“Ah, yes,”Yulenagreed. “Which makes me wonder how well the compound will be running when we return, since he won’t be here to act as go-between.”
Attylaughed at the mental image that came to mind. Their oldest two were headstrong, true. And many times the youngest had placed himself between them to offer up a compromise whenever she andYulenwere not present to do so themselves.
It’s almost as if his ability isn’t physical, but mental.
She blinked and sat up, turning to face her husband.Yulenlifted an eyebrowin silent question.
“What if Lucien’s abilities aren’t physical? What if it lies elsewhere, and not with a weapon?”
“That’s extremely possible,” he conceded. “Somehow, I just can’t completely forego the fact that there has to be some part of you inside him that’s giving him an edge he’s yet to find and develop.”
“And by taking him with us, he might discoverthat edge?”
“It’s your hope as much as it is mine. That, and he needs to experience other compounds and cultures besides Foster City and NewBearinger.”
It was already an old argument. One they’d agreed to use if ever someone tried to dissuade them from taking along their least suitable offspring. But there was another reason that continued to nag her. One she couldn’tquite put her finger on. At least, not yet.Yulensaw her introspection.
“There’s something else, isn’t there?”
“Yeah, but right now I can’t form it into thought or words.”
“Don’t worry. It’ll come to you. Now come here and soap me down before we both get toopruneyto enjoy it.”
