فصل 26

Chapter 26: Dim Sum and Good-bye

That evening Taylor and I had dinner with Zeus and Tessa at the Japanese restaurant on the tenth floor of the hotel. The food was good, but Zeus and Tessa hardly spoke. Finally Taylor asked, “Are you guys okay?” “We’re anxious about leaving the group,” Tessa said.

“I hate splitting the group up,” I said. “But I still think it’s the best move. Just remember, you’re only a diversion. An attempt is as good as we need.” “You’re saying that it doesn’t matter if we shut the plant down?” Tessa said.

“I’m saying to come back safe,” I replied. “Shutting down the plant is a bonus.” “I’m more worried about you guys than us,” Zeus said. He glanced around to make sure no one could hear him; then he said, “I’ve got a bad feeling about Nichelle. She’s a bad egg. I think she’s up to something.” “If she is I can’t tell,” Taylor said. “I’ve read her thoughts a few times. She’s afraid and she’s not happy to be here, but her thoughts have been in line with the mission.” “Maybe she’s purposely thinking things to throw you off,” Tessa said.

“I don’t think so,” Taylor said. “I can usually tell when people do that, because part of their thoughts are about how they don’t want to think about what they’re hiding. Like, when Michael tries to hide something from me, I always know.” “Are you saying you knew about the prom?” I asked.

“Maybe.”

I groaned. “At least you know I’ll never throw you a surprise party.” Tessa looked at Zeus. “Why didn’t you take me to the prom?” “What prom?” he said. “There wasn’t a prom at the academy.” “There wasn’t a prom at the ranch either,” she said.

I looked at Zeus sympathetically. “Sorry, man.”

“Just be safe,” Taylor said.

“I was about to say the same thing,” Tessa replied.

The following afternoon we ordered some Chinese dim sum up to my room and everyone but Nichelle came to say good-bye to Zeus and Tessa. I wasn’t surprised that Nichelle didn’t show. She was probably glad to see them go. Neither Zeus nor Tessa had tried to hide how much they hated her. Not that I could blame them. I had no idea how many times Nichelle had been made to punish them, but living with her in the academy for all those years, I’m sure it was more times than either of them would forget. I’d been tortured by her and I still remembered every second of it.

We sat around eating and talking until Ben looked at his watch and said, “Okay, it is time for us to go.” “When will you be back?” I asked.

“I will come back with them,” Ben said. “I have friends in Taitung so I will wait until they return.” I hugged Tessa, then Zeus. “Remember, dude,” I said to him, “you’re just a diversion. Don’t take any chances. We’ll see you in a few days.” “All right,” Zeus said. “You be safe. And remember what I said about N.” “I will.”

“While I am gone it is best you stay in the hotel,” Ben said. “Just to be safe.” “We’ll be okay,” I said.

“Please be careful. The Elgen are very smart.”

“We know,” I said. “We’ll be careful. I promise.” He looked at me doubtfully, as if he was still unsure. “Okay,” he finally said. “We go. Dzai jyan.” The three of them walked out of the room. After the door shut Taylor said, “A full week cooped up in the hotel? Just shoot me now.”