Page 53 of Tiger's Dream
“Then there is no harm done.”
“Fine.”
“Good.”
I paused and then asked, “Well?”
“Well, what?”
“Did you get what you came for?”
“Oh, that. Yes. I believe I did.”
“And that was…?” I let the question hang.
Anamika took her time thinking about what she wanted to say. I stewed there waiting for her, for too long. My leg started tapping. “Nilima,” she finally said, “is worth thinking about.”
Sputtering, I turned in a circle, looking at the passersby as if asking them for help. “What…what do you mean?” I asked.
“I mean, I need to study her more.” Turning around with a flourish, she headed down the street. “Come on, Kishan. I wish to bathe and rest before we go to the party.”
“Party?” I stopped in my tracks.
“Yes, party. When I touched Nilima’s hand, I was able to access some of her memories. Did you know she went to a party where she made wishes? I’d like to attend an event such as that. It will give me more insight into her character. First we need to retrieve the bow.”
We retraced our steps and found the bow easily enough. Then, because Ana wanted to immerse herself in our world so as to understand Nilima better, we stayed in a hotel. I found the largest one in the city and we used the amulet to go invisible. It was easy enough to head to the top floor, the one almost never used, and magic our way inside.
There were not one, not two, but three rooms. I headed into one, tossed off my shirt and pants, and stepped into a steaming hot shower. After scrubbing myself nearly raw, I toweled off and tumbled onto the bed, drawing the blanket up and over me, and was senseless for at least twelve hours.
When I finally woke, Ana was lounging on a couch, clicking buttons that opened and closed the shades and turned music on and off, as well as the lights. “This is convenient,” she said.
“Yeah, it is,” I answered. “Little help?”
She kept her attention on the remote control and vaguely pointed at a table where she’d created platters of food. The selections were rustic. More what she would have eaten in camp than what was served in the modern world, but I appreciated it all the same.
“Er…thanks,” I said, “but I’d like to get dressed first.”
She glanced over at me where I held the towel wrapped around my waist. Her cheeks turned pink, and she briskly strode over to the desk, where she’d put all our weapons. Keeping a good distance from me, she pinched the scarf between her fingers and held it out at arm’s length, doggedly refusing to make eye contact.
I mumbled thanks and headed back to my room with the scarf to make myself some new clothing. When I came out, she was playing with the remote again, but her fingers hovered over the buttons, as if she couldn’t decide which to push.
“Something wrong?” I asked.
“No,” she said, rising quickly and fumbling the remote. It crashed to the ground and I stooped and picked it up, placing it back in her hands. She swallowed and backed away, nearly tripping over the glass table.
After I ate my fill, we gathered our things and Ana said, “Take us to the party. The one you went to with Kelsey.”
“Right.” I took the pack, slinging it over a shoulder, and held out a hand. She glared at it like it was poison. “I’m not going to hurt you, Ana. Frankly, I’m insulted that you think that of me. You, of all people, know my intentions.”
“You are right,” she admitted softly. “I know you do not mean to hurt me. And I regret hitting you in such a manner as I did today. You may…you may touch me when you wish. Just try not to grab me suddenly. And do not attempt to kiss me again. Do you agree?” she asked.
I stared down at her for a long minute. “I agree,” I answered her.
She sucked in a breath, looked from my outstretched palm up to my face, and then placed her hand in it. I wrapped my fingers around her hand and gently drew her closer. “Hang on,” I said.
We were sucked into a vortex but it was quick. We didn’t travel as far as we had before. It was evening and the throb of music echoed around the beach. Our feet sank into sand and I could hear the pulse of the ocean not far away.
Anamika frowned. “This doesn’t look right. Where’s the tree?”
