Plots and Prophecies

By Richard Draude

Surviving Jenna’s attempt to bury them alive, Kalen and Mayla take refuge in the Barrera Wilds. While hiding they unlock some mystery surrounding the death of Kalen’s wife, Jancee, and Russell, his father.
Flying north, Mayla takes Kalen to meet her father, Quintin Santiago, once a close friend of Russell MacKenna. From Quintin, he learns of the betrayal dividing the MacKennas and the Santiagos.

Clues lead them further north, but they a\'re intercepted and drugged. Kalen wakes up alone, bound in the cargo compartment of a flyer. Can he survive and uncover what his father suspected is really happening to their world? And what of Mayla? Has she paid the ultimate price to find the answers they need?

• Language: English
• Publisher: NewLink Publishing
• Release date: Apr 9, 2016
• ISBN: 9781934051986

Richard Draude

Richard R. Draude, an east coast baby boomer, found reading and early TV shows great ways to pass the time as a young boy in New Jersey. From the Hardy Boys to more serious mysteries and thrillers, he loved the excitement and adventure of the written word. Inheriting a love of old movies from his parents, he enjoys a wide range of TV and movie genres, and loves quoting lines and scenes from his favorite films. Richard has two of his five book series, The MacKenna Saga, published under NewLink Publishing

Book preview

To my fellow sojourners.

May you at no time forget the way to Neverland.

Contents

Acknowledgment

Dedication

Chapter 1: Skills of the Father

Chapter 2: Her Reason to Stay

Chapter 3: A New Home

Chapter 4: Questions Unanswered

Chapter 5: A Burden Shared

Chapter 6: The Rest of the Story

Chapter 7: Fitting In

Chapter 8: A Few Personal Questions

Chapter 9: Childish Deceptions

Chapter 10: Riddles Within Puzzles

Chapter 11: Discovered

Chapter 12: Rescues and Recriminations

Chapter 13: More Problems

Chapter 14: Hatred and Hints

Chapter 15: Remember

Chapter 16: Suspicions

Chapter 17: And You Are?

Chapter 18: Pursuit

Chapter 19: Flight and Fight

Chapter 20: Dark Thoughts, Dark Journey

Chapter 21: Solana

Chapter 22: Plot Exposed

Chapter 23: Attack

Chapter 24: Feelings Revealed

Chapter 25: Avoidance

Chapter 26: Prophesy

Chapter 27: Searching

Chapter 28: His Dangerous Road

Chapter 29: Discoveries

Chapter 30: Aftermath

Chapter 31: I Know You’re Out There Somewhere

Chapter 32: A Glitch in His Plan

Chapter 33: Nightmare’s End

Chapter 34: Reversal of Fortunes

Chapter 35: A Change in Plans

Chapter 36: Secrets Revealed

Chapter 37: Ghost from the Past

Chapter 38: The Guardian

Chapter 39: His Father’s Enemy

Chapter 40: Graveyard?

Chapter 41: Hallucinations

Chapter 42: Admitting the Truth

Chapter 43: The Guardian Revealed

Chapter 44: So Close

Chapter 45: More Questions than Answers

Chapter 46: The Story in Her Eyes

Appendix

Chapter 1

Skills of the Father

Barrera Del Sur Mountains

Hannagan’s Pass

The whine of the Lexicon Imperial Flyer’s engine echoed off the walls of Hannigan’s Pass, loosening snow and ice. Kalen MacKenna pushed the throttle forward and lifted off the windswept patch of ice-coated rock, guiding his small ship past the jagged face of the high mountain pass’s southern entrance. The staccato winds shrieking out of the opening tore at his five-meter long flyer, buffeting it around like a child’s toy.

"Eight point one two kilometers, nearing vehicle’s maximum altitude," the computer warned.

Tightening her safety harness, Mayla Santiago said, Kalen, are you sure a flyer this old can stand up to the turbulence at this altitude? It doesn’t feel safe.

We’ll be— He fought the controls to keep from slamming into the rugged ice-coated face of the mountain. —okay. The wind will—calm down once we’re inside the—pass. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.

When they had moved beyond the pass’s opening, the turbulence changed to a steady headwind. He adjusted the stabilizer field to full and leveled their ride.

When we get to my brother’s place, we should hold up there for a few days until your shoulder heals. Mayla leaned her head against the headrest.

Are you sure I won’t be intruding?

No. I told you my whole family is here to help you.

I guess we should. I—we could use a break. Kalen shifted in his seat and adjusted his harness. He stared out the side window. That will give me some time to look for the clues my father left behind to find his encryption key. I’ve got to unlock his files.

He guided the flyer through the treacherous winds and around the rock columns, jutting up from the floor of the pass. It became a tricky balancing act, remaining below the Lexicon’s maximum altitude, while dodging the rock columns between the narrowing walls. Nearing the northern terminus, Kalen sped up, relaxed, and loosened his death grip on the yoke. The flyer shot out of the mountains. For a moment they had blue sky. Letting out his pent-up breath, he watched the skies turn murky gray.

"Look out!" Mayla grabbed the handhold over her door.

He took a quick glance out her side window. A thunderhead, roiling upward, slammed into the ship. Pushing the yoke forward, he tried to maneuver, but the Lexicon’s steering would not respond.

"Kalen, outside." Mayla pointed. The warm wet air from this valley storm, mixing with the frigid mountain atmosphere, is causing an ice buildup on the flyer’s skin.

A combination of rain and ice crystals pelted the windscreen. The glacial winds pushed the Lexicon toward the mountain’s jagged, frozen face.

This storm’s bad. Kalen checked the instruments. I can’t fly over it, so… He nosed the flyer down and inched the throttle forward. The face of the mountain receded as they plunged into the clouds.

What are you doing?

We have to get to a lower altitude before that ice buildup gets too thick, locks the maneuvering surfaces, and I lose control. Hang on.

Turbulence forced the flyer into a steeper dive. Kalen fought to keep from flipping over. While his right hand gripped the yoke, his left hand danced across the controls in an effort to break the ice loose. Kalen’s manipulations made the flyer spin and twist as they streaked downward. The savage winds raking the Lexicon threatened to tear the ship open, while the ice coating continued to spread.

Leaning closer to Kalen, Mayla peered at the instrument panel. We’ve already dropped below ninety-five hundred meters!

Hang on! Kalen yanked in the yoke again. It’s going to be close.

Without an outside reference, Kalen could only track their descent by the altimeter’s shrinking numbers. Pressed into his seat he worked the controls, but the flyer’s response remained sluggish.

Four thousand meters! Mayla said, pressing herself deeper into the seat.

Come on, girl– Kalen pulled hard on the yoke. –get your nose up.

They broke through the belly of the storm at twenty-five hundred meters. The rugged ground raced toward them. Kalen pulled on the yoke again, but the stubborn ice clung to the flyer’s dura-panel body and the flight controls refused to respond.

We’ve dropped below a thousand meters. Kalen, we’re going to crash!

No- Grunting, he pulled the yoke toward his lap. –we’re…not.

The inertia dampener alarm shrieked.

Kalen ignored it and made a final pull on the yoke.

The jagged rocks of the mountain’s base filled the windscreen.

Then like a viper shedding its skin, the ice coating the flyer’s surfaces peeled away. The ship responded and the Lexicon’s nose popped up.

Kalen, two hundred meters! Mayla squeezed her harness straps.

Pushing the throttle to half-power, the flyer’s descent slowed. The ship shot forward, skimming through the air twenty meters above the broken ground. He held the Lexicon level until they cleared the rugged foothills and the bouncing stopped, then Kalen nosed the ship upward.

Mayla turned, stared out of the Lexicon’s rear window, then laid her head back and released her breath. Where did that come from?

Some additional benefits of our weather satellites, he said, slumping in his seat. They may keep the climate over the farming valleys stable, but they make weather in the mountains extremely hostile at times.

Mayla rubbed the muscle between her right thumb and index finger. I’m well aware of the weather in the Barreras.

After your bout with the last storm, I suppose you are. Does your hand still bother you?

Once in a while.

Kalen throttled back and leveled out. They flew north leaving the storm behind. When the turbulence subsided, he climbed to two hundred meters, set the Lexicon’s navigator, and released the yoke. With his left hand he massaged his right shoulder, wincing from the pain.

Are you all right?

No, my shoulder’s worse now.

It should be. You dislocated it. You’ll need more than two days’ rest to recover. She touched his arm. I could give you something to relieve the pain, but you’ll have to let me pilot.

All right. I can’t fly and I’m not going to get much rest if you don’t. Kalen worked his arm up and down a couple of times.

The northern face of the Barreras faded in the mists.

Why don’t we set down there? Mayla said, pointing to a secluded clearing in the midst of an orchard.

On a hillside above the valley floor, Kalen set the flyer down among the fruit trees. Removing his trembling hands from the yoke, he laid his head back and closed his eyes.

Releasing her harness, Mayla turned, knelt on the seat, and fished through her medical kit. Sit up so I can inject this into your shoulder, she ordered. What? Is there a problem? she said when he didn’t answer her.

No, it sounds like you’re giving me an…

Giving you a what? She turned and sat down. Why are you staring at me?

Oh, never mind. He released his harness and leaned forward.

In a softer voice she said, You look exhausted, you haven’t slept much in at least two nights, have you?

You’ve noticed?

You’ve got dark circles under your eyes. She reached over and rubbed his arm. I heard you call out in your sleep our first night in the canyon, and I saw you get up.

I’m sorry. He winced at her revelation. I didn’t think I’d disturbed you.

Are your dreams still disturbing your sleep?

Kalen shrugged. No one ever stops dreaming.

I have a sedative I can give you. She reached into her med case on the rear seat. I can adjust the dosage to last from half an hour to three hours. After that you will transition into natural sleep for a couple more hours before waking up.

I could use some uninterrupted sleep. He thought about it, but decided against it. He shook his head. No, I don’t know if more drugs will help. They pumped me full of sedatives after I woke up from Cold-stasis. I don’t want to get addicted.

It isn’t that kind of sedative. This one’s herbal. It just relaxes you and helps bring on natural sleep.

How fast will it take effect?

Immediately.

All right, let’s trade seats. When Kalen opened the doors, warm, damp air flooded the compartment with the earthy fragrance of the land. He drew in a deep breath and said, I’m not an agriculturist, but I do appreciate the smell of an orchard, even a wet one.

Our Lake Solana estate has a large citrus grove on the south side. My parents tell me the aroma lingers year-round. She placed the hypo back in its case, setting it on the rear seat while they changed places.

As he rounded the flyer, he reached out to pluck two ripe, dark green egg-shaped pieces of fruit from the tree. I hope the grower won’t get upset if I take these.

I don’t suppose they’ll miss them, Mayla said, dropping into the pilot’s seat.

After climbing into the flyer, he set the fruit on the back seat, and opened his shirt.

She reached back, picked up her hypo, placing it against Kalen’s shoulder.

When the metal tip touched his skin, he jumped.

Oh, sorry! I forgot how cold it would be. She pressed it against his skin and triggered the injection.

Kalen’s shoulder ceased aching almost before the hiss stopped. He closed his eyes again. That’s okay. Testing his shoulder, he said, It was worth it. After he reclined the seat he added. You’d better only give me the dosage for an hour.

Mayla reloaded her hypo and pressed it to Kalen’s neck. His eyes grew heavy when the sedative’s warmth spread through his body.

Chapter 2

Her Reason to Stay

Mesa Escarza

Santiago Farmstead

Rain pelted the windscreen as Mayla lifted off. Looks like we can’t get away from this weather. Hovering above the orchard, she reached for the navigator. When it remained silent, she stared at it for a moment than pressed the audio control.

"Imperial’s Self Navigator System online." The computer announced.

She looked over at Kalen. Why would you keep the navigator’s audio off? She entered the coordinates for her brother’s place and the computer said, Engage Imperial’s Self Navigator System?

Engage navigator and give me ETA for trip.

"Navigator engaged. ETA to destination at nine hundred KPH is seven hours and forty-six minutes."

That’s got to be the long way. Mayla checked the routing map. It is. She tapped in a new set of coordinates. That should readjust the route. I’ll keep the altitude low and our speed down. We don’t need unwanted attention.

After making her adjustment the computer said, New ETA to destination is six hours and fourteen minutes.

That’s a little better.

While the Lexicon sped northward, she glanced over at Kalen, amazed he could still function on so little sleep. She whispered, "I hope you’ll forgive me. I upped the dosage. When the drug wears off, you will sleep. I’ll wake you when we reach my brother’s place."

Many rumors and tales surrounded Cold-stasis. She really didn’t know what to believe about him or the effects of the process. Her grandfather and uncle had given her what little they knew, and what she might expect.

Once, on one of his infrequent visits, she remembered her grandfather telling her, I watched Kalen throughout his trial. I found him to be thoughtful, sensitive, and rather good looking.

Up until she met Kalen, she remained certain her grandfather sugarcoated his description in order to make the assignment more palatable and help her overcome her reluctance to meeting him. Sorry I doubted you.

During her travels to Mesa Tyree, she convinced herself when they did meet, she would find an angry, bitter, vengeful, older man she would dislike or even hate. Instead, she found him just the opposite. After our night spent fighting off your post-stasis shock, couldn’t you make some sort of overture? I wouldn’t let you go too far.

Kalen mumbled and turned on his side away from her.

A little attention from you I’d find pleasant. Your cool demeanor could give a girl a complex.

In the distance, Mayla spotted the tip of a mesa. Computer, what landmass is dead ahead?

"Approaching Mesa Jaldee."

It’s the first mesa east of Mesa Escarza. Mayla cringed. The ship moved within ten kilometers and the ISNS changed course, veering east for an hour. Every-one knows that. Everyone except me. I’d better get to know my own world better. Clearing the mesa, the Lexicon changed course again, heading in a northeasterly direction.

The hours dragged on and Mayla fought off her own boredom.

Kalen stirred several times, but remained fast asleep, his breathing light.

I wonder. Mayla scanned the console. It does have a memo function. Your father thought of everything, Kalen. Computer, replay contents of memos.

"Memo storage empty."

Too bad you didn’t use it, Mr. MacKenna. You could have left us at least one clue.

Computer engage memo.

"Recording."

Uncle Neil, Grandfather was right to worry, something is going on, but it’s more than I think he could have imagined. The people chasing Kalen are desperate to get hold of his father’s data modules. They tried to kill us, but thanks to Kalen we’re all right and headed for Zavier’s place.

Computer pause recording, Mayla said when Kalen cried out.

"Recording paused"

She reached over and stroked his forehead. Easy Kalen, she whispered. "You’re safe." I wish I had a better handle on what your dreams meant. She stroked his forehead until he quieted.

Computer, resume memo function.

"Recording."

Kalen figured out how to access some of the data on his father’s modules. Russell MacKenna’s method of safeguarding his research was three-fold. To start accessing the records required arranging the main memory modules in a very specific order. Second, he made it accessible from a single computer, the one in his lab. If his friend Cal hadn’t packed it away with the rest of Russell MacKenna’s belongings, the data he collected would have been lost. Once Kalen was able to access the data we discovered he’d a third safeguard. Russell encrypted it further with a key that would frustrate our best cryptographers.

Mayla scanned the air checking for anyone on the same course, or flying nearby. The skies remained clear. She resumed her notations.

In his vid journals, the ones we could access, Russell MacKenna stated he saw someone setting up a pumping station to inject a chemical into the waters coming out of the Muro Verde Mountains. Since a majority of the population receives its drinking water from the north, I’m forced to assume it’s the cause of the decline in the Arrisian birth rate. I don’t know for sure-

Mayla paused when Kalen changed his position. She continued when he didn’t wake up.

I don’t know much right now, except one of the people Russell saw was Ramon Santiago. What it has to do with Grandfather’s concerns about the mining laws and the Mining Consortium gaining access to Arrisian mineral rights is anyone’s guess.

Mayla glanced over at Kalen. A slight grin pulled at the corners of her mouth. Uncle Neil, Grandfather was right. There’s more to this man than meets the eye. A lot more. Finished with her entry, she said, Computer, end recording. Encrypt and transmit recording to account, seven-six beta twelve-ten alpha.

After a brief pause the computer answered. Recording transmission failed. Unable to connect to requested account.

Oh, buggers, Mayla said. I’ll have to try later. She checked the navigator again. We’re still a couple hours out. Her eyes grew heavy. She laid her head against the seat back.

"Roving Patrol vehicle approaching from the west," the computer announced, startling Mayla from her doze. She bolted upright, made a quick scan of the OPS computer screen and spotted the RP vehicle off the port side.

The blue and gray flyer pulled in alongside the Lexicon and slowed to match its speed. The comm burst to life. Roving Patrol to Imperial Flyer, come in.

That’s all we need is our location on a police report. I hope Kalen’s friends updated the registration. Mayla turned the volume down and answered. Imperial Flyer to Roving Patrol. What can I do for you, officer?

"Checking vehicles. Yours is a bit…unusual. Please slow down to two-hundred KPH, and transmit vehicle ID and destination."

Cutting the ship’s speed as requested, Mayla transmitted the vehicle’s owner ID and ISNS destination log. She planted her hands in her lap and clamped her lower lip between her teeth. While the two vehicles glided side by side the RP officer studied his screen.

"Miss, this vehicle is registered to a Kalen MacKenna. Are you related?"

No, officer. We’re friends. Mr. MacKenna is asleep in the passenger seat.

"If you have a sunroof please open it for me."

Mayla tapped the keypad on the center console and the tinted sunroof turned clear.

"Thank you." The officer positioned his vehicle above the Lexicon.

Rubbing her thumb and forefinger together so hard her skin squeaked, Mayla chewed her lower lip while the officer stared into the cockpit. When Kalen shifted his position again and mumbled, she relaxed.

The officer returned his vehicle to its former position.

Officer, my friend has had a rough couple of days. Can we let him sleep?

We’ll see. Please transmit your ID.

Just a minute. Mayla turned, fished her iden-disk from her medical case, inserted in the receptor, tapped the control pad on the center console and transmitted her information to the officer.

"I see you’re a doctor with the CCMF, Captain Elano. Is Mr. MacKenna under your care?"

He is, officer. He’s recovering from a dislocated shoulder and exhaustion.

All right, Captain. Have a safe trip.

I don’t need our names showing up, even on a routine flyby report. Just a minute, officer. She inserted another disc in the receptor. Officer, I’m transmitting you some additional information.

"To what purpose, Captain?"

Please read the letter. She tapped the key transmitting the file to the officer. The comm remained silent for a pregnant pause. I hope this works, Uncle Neil. It’ll be hard to explain using two different last names, and even harder to keep our guarding Kalen a secret.

The officer broke the silence. Captain Elano, I understand. I’m deleting my record of this stop. You were never here.

Thank you. I hope you have a good day. Mayla laid her head back and watched the officer’s ship peel away. She pushed the throttle forward and resumed their journey.

The destination proximity alarm sounded, startling Mayla. A quick swipe of her hand silenced the annoying buzz. She rubbed her eyes and glanced out her side window. The sun rode low and golden in the western sky, igniting the rugged, western face of Mesa Escarza with reds and glints of quartz. While she took in the sights, the navigator increased the Lexicon altitude.

Mayla let out a soft sigh and checked their position. We should arrive in half an hour. She scanned the computer screen and the area for signs of another RP flyer. When she didn’t spot any she increased the Lexicon’s speed. I’ll chance it so we get there a little quicker. Edging the power up to nine-hundred and fifty KPH, she took over manual control, and veered east. Leveling off at cruising altitude, she resumed a northerly course.

Twenty minutes passed before Mayla spotted Zavier’s house and farm buildings. She slowed the flyer, and hovered. Ninety-five colonial periods. She reminded herself. The longest the Santiagos have ever remained in one place or on one world.

The house and outbuildings lay on the central, western edge of Mesa Escarza overlooking the family’s extensive land holdings in the valley a thousand meters below. The family home sat nestled among trees still green even this late in the season.

Kalen, wake up. When he didn’t respond, Mayla shook his shoulder.

He opened his eyes and stared up at her. Where are we?

We’re at my brother’s place on Mesa Escarza. Mayla stretched, arching her back to relieve her muscle stiffness.

We’re here already? Kalen popped up and looked around. Hey, how long have I been asleep?

You’ve slept for close to seven hours. How do you feel?

Rested. You increased the dosage, didn’t you?

That he realized she had upped the amount she injected, made Mayla cringe.

It’s all right. Kalen reached over and squeezed her shoulder. I couldn’t pilot with this bum shoulder anyway. I needed the rest. Are you all right?

I’m a little stiff. It was a long flight. She looked out his side window and pointed to four children staring up at the flyer. My nieces and nephews are going to wonder who we are and why we’re hovering up here. Mayla lowered the power and brought the flyer in for a landing.

Three of the children ran into the house.

Mayla released the doors and they exited into the chilly evening air.

Lily, Mayla’s tall, slender sister-in-law stepped out of the front door. Can I help you?

Lily. Mayla called out.

Mayla! You’re alive! She quit wiping her hands on her apron, hurried down the steps and came running toward the flyer. She and the children reached Mayla’s side. Amid the children’s greeting of Aunt Mayla, Aunt Mayla, Lily took hold of her hands and Mayla saw the relief in her sister-in-law’s golden-brown eyes. I’m so happy to see you.

Lily, your hands are shaking.

When your father called and told us the news of the quake, we feared the worst. Your parents are frantic. They’re waiting to hear from you.

We caught the news broadcast and didn’t think it was safe to return to Andalusia, so we came here.

Turning to face Kalen, Lily said, Well, Mayla, introduce us.

Oh, right, Mayla cringed for her lapse of courtesy. Lily, this is Kalen MacKenna. Kalen, my sister-in-law, Lily Rancaño-Santiago.

It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kalen said.

And you, Mr. MacKenna. Please, come inside, we should contact Mayla’s parents at once. Lily pivoted on her left foot and headed toward the house. Mayla followed, but stopped when Kalen didn’t follow. Kalen, it is cold out here, you should come inside.

When he remained near the Lexicon, Mayla asked, Is something wrong?

He leaned against the flyer. Looking at her across the roof he said, I’m sorry, Mayla. You go ahead.

Lily, I’ll be right there. Mayla walked back to the flyer. Kalen, is there a problem?

I guess I just feel a bit out of place, that’s all.

No need, you’re welcome here.

Go ahead, I’ll make sure everything is secure, he said, staring downward.

I can’t force him. All right, come in when you’re ready. She turned and hurried to catch up with Lily.

Three of the children, chattering and clinging to Mayla, disappeared with her into the house. A little towheaded boy, however, stared at him while he checked over the equipment and rearranged the cockpit.

Sorry, Dad. I know how much you loved our flyer. Kalen examined the scarred and scorched paint, along with the multitude of dings and dents the dura-panel body received since he had gotten it back. When this is over, I’ll put her back together, I promise.

The pilot’s door remained open. He circled the flyer, ducked inside, and tapped the master switch. Power levels look good. He checked the reserves. Mayla did a great job managing the power and flight systems. Kalen glanced over his shoulder. Dad, what happened between you and this family? Settling into the pilot’s seat, he tapped a staccato rhythm on the console with his fingers. Why didn’t you tell me about the trouble? He stared at the large house. How am I supposed to deal with Mayla’s father?

Chilled and finished with his faux inspection, he couldn’t think of any other way to delay his entering the house, so he closed the Lexicon. When he turned, he found the child still staring up at him—his small nose, red and his blue eyes tearing up from the cold weather.

Hello, my name’s Kalen. He squatted down. What might your name be?

Caesar. The boy answered without hesitation.

Well, Caesar, I’m glad to meet you.

Is this your flyer?

Yes, it is.

What happened to it? Did someone set it on fire?

More like tried to bring a mountain down on us. Kalen struggled to keep a straight face at the child’s directness. Something like that. Are you cold?

Caesar rubbed his nose, sniffled and shook his head.

Reaching out and touching the boy’s cheek, he said, You sure are. What do you say we go inside?

Okay.

Sparing his right shoulder, Kalen extended his left arm to the child. Kalen’s eyes widened, his face melting into a smile when he came right to him. Curling his arm around the child—and off balance, Kalen managed to stand, only a soft grunt betraying his efforts. Let’s get this over with. He took a deep breath and headed for the house.

Chapter 3

A New Home

Mesa Escarza,

South Central Farming Valley

With Caesar on his hip, Kalen studied what he could see of the house in the twilight. The rough textured walls rose two stories above the ground. On the upper level, large evenly spaced windows looked to him like bedrooms. He counted five, only two blazed with light. On the lower story, three large windows covered the front wall. The one to the left of the covered porch had a large bay window projecting from the wall. Behind the drapes, light leaked out between the left and right panels. He climbed the steps and crossed the deep porch.

I see you’ve met Caesar. Mayla pulled the old style, hinged door open. The light spilling out of the house framed Mayla with a soft glow.

Kalen’s breath caught in his throat.

Are you all right?

Yeah, yeah, I’m good. He shook off his stupor. He says he’s not cold, but I thought we’d better come inside.

Mayla tousled the boy’s hair.

No. Caesar pulled away and laid his head against Kalen’s chest.

I spoke with Lily. We’ve decided to wait until Zavier returns. She chuckled at Caesar, and pulled the door wide open. He’ll know how to tell my parents we’ve arrived without giving our presence away.

Good idea.

He stepped through the ornate door, deep-set in a half-meter thick wall. Once inside, he found himself standing in a large, living room with ornate carved woodwork and deep padded furniture. The textured walls, painted a soft white, and deep pile, blue-gray carpet covering the floor, gave the room a warm, comfortable feel.

The aroma of the evening meal wafted through the spotless home. Pictures of children and adults, changing in their frames, decorated one wall. A large still picture of Lily and her husband on their wedding day hung in the center of the grouping. The furniture consisted of real wood and natural fabrics, not the artificial, pre-formed plastic and poly-fiber he was used to seeing since he left prison. I’ve never seen anything like this, it’s beautiful.

My father built it when he was a teenager.

Your father built this entire house in his teens?

That’s what our family history says. Mayla closed the door. Ask my brother, he knows the whole story. Follow me. Lily’s in the kitchen.

Adjusting Caesar so he would slip out of his arm, Kalen followed Mayla through the front room, down a long hallway and into the kitchen. He looked about, surprised by the lack of modern appliances.

Lily, her back to him, worked over a sink, cleaning vegetables. She stood as tall as he did. Her slim figure appeared very athletic, her dark hair cut so it tapered close to her neck. She turned and a look of surprise showed in her large brown eyes.

Caesar, have you made a new friend?

The boy nodded.

It’s time to get washed up. When Lily put her hands out to take him from Kalen, Caesar pulled away and put his arms around Kalen’s neck. Lily’s eyebrows arched. It appears, Mr. MacKenna, you’ve already made an impression on my son. Caesar doesn’t usually warm to strangers so quickly.

A hot rush of blood warmed Kalen face. If you’ll… you’ll show me where to go…maybe Caesar and I can clean up together.

You can use the bathroom down the hall. Caesar can show you the way.

That way. Caesar said, pointing.

Retracing his steps, Kalen moved toward the front of the house until Caesar said, In there. He lowered Caesar to the floor.

Closed fisted, Caesar hit the activation panel. The door slid back and they entered a full-sized bathroom. The boy pulled a footstool over, climbed onto it so he could reach the faucet. Leaning over his new friend, Kalen extended his hands under the faucet. The water started, pouring out at just