Page 19 of Dark Island: Rescue
"What else could I mean? I hope they have some wildlife here we can hunt."
"Not much," Boshev said. "Bats and hedgehogs mostly. Have you tried shark blood?"
Drova looked at him with horror in her eyes. "Are you serious? I hope you at least secured some synthetic blood for my mother and me. Otherwise, we will have to fly back tomorrow."
Boshev laughed. "Just messing with you. We've gotten a few goats and sheep especially for you and your mother, but you will have to tend to them."
Drova grimaced. "Great. That's exactly what I wanted to do when I grew up, be a goat and sheep herder."
They passed several more buildings in various states of repair before reaching the residential area. The structures here were smaller, more carefully maintained, with attempts at landscaping that suggested they'd housed the mining operation's management.
"Here we are," Boshev announced, pulling up to afreshly painted two-story house. "Former director's residence. Completely renovated with new plumbing, electricity, and air conditioning that actually works."
They piled out of the van, and Kian was glad to see the house looked livable. It was clean and functional, with a wraparound porch offering views of the ocean.
"This is lovely." Syssi climbed the stairs to the porch. "I've always wanted to live by the ocean."
"Master suites are upstairs." Boshev hefted two suitcases from the van's rear. "Two large bedrooms with ensuite baths up there. Four more bedrooms downstairs, though two are quite small."
"I assume that Kian and Kalugal and their families will be staying here," Drova said. "Where are we staying?"
Boshev pointed to a smaller house about fifty feet away. "That one's yours to keep. The Guardians and my men will split the remaining rooms in both houses."
"Two to a room?" Alfie didn't sound thrilled.
"Unless you prefer the barracks," Boshev suggested with a grin. "They're quite spacious, but Kian brought you along to keep his family safe. You are not here on a vacation."
"Shared room it is," Alfie said.
They spent the next fifteen minutes or so distributing luggage and getting settled. The master suite was indeed comfortable, with a brand-new king-sized bed, a couch, two armchairs, and a large-screen television. Most importantly, though, there was a tub in the bathroom for Allegra to splash around in.
"This is very nice." Syssi sat on the mattress while Allegra began exploring every drawer and cabinet.
"Don't get too comfortable," Kian warned. "We still have to meet the senior staff."
"Can you do that without me?" Syssi opened one of the suitcases and started pulling out Allegra's favorite toys and the teddy bear that their daughter couldn't sleep without. "Allegra and I need to unwind."
"Of course." He leaned to kiss her cheek and gave Allegra a hug. "Daddy needs to talk to some people, but it's not going to take long. I'll be right back."
She nodded sagely before turning to the television and pointing. "Telebabas?"
Kian stifled a chuckle. "I don't think they have it here. Mommy can find something to stream for you from her laptop."
"She should play with toys," Syssi grumbled. "She's addicted to television."
"She's tired," Kian provided an excuse.
Syssi shook her head. "She's immortal now. She doesn't get tired quickly."
"Telebabas!" Allegra demanded while climbing on the couch and getting into viewing position.
Kian did the smart thing, leaving mother and daughter to their battle of wills, and headed downstairs, where Boshev was making sure everyone found a place to sleep tonight, and Kalugal was observing with the usual lazy smirk on his face as if he was finding it all very amusing.
Anandur emerged from one of the bedrooms down the hallway, wearing a fresh T-shirt. "Are we ready to tango?"
Kalugal clapped Anandur on the back. "No offense, but as much as I like you, I prefer to dance with my wife."
"I am deeply offended." Anandur huffed with mock indignation and turned to Boshev. "You'll tango with me, right?"
