A few people looked my way with raised eyebrows.
I waited until she left, and lowered my voice, "Clay – when she finds out where it is, I'll need to know what’s underneath. If it's slate, sand, or whatever."
He nodded, looking around. "Where is Micah? He might have some insight into this."
"Micah is…indisposed, and probably will be the rest of the day. It's better he doesn't know about this – he'd never let me do it. And if I don't, they'll turn me in." I swallowed the rest of my breakfast. "Should I walk away from this, Clay? I mean, is it worth keeping my secret? I could just, you know, hide out with Micah until we're ready."
Clay shrugged. "Winning one of these fights pretty much makes you a God among Fires. If you're trying to get Elementals on your side, this is how to win the flamers over."
I smiled. "Flamers?"
He laughed, but lowered his voice, "They hate being called that." Clay cleared his throat. "Seriously, though…I've seen a few of these fights, Kaitlyn. Nobody walks away, well, um…pretty."
I stood, glancing down at him with a wry smile. "Since when has pretty ever been on my priority list?"
* * *
I spent the rest of the day working in the gardens. Both Erika and Clay came to me several times with bits of information. I absorbed it, working through a plan in my head while weeding, raking, and picking. The monotonous work was a welcome distraction from everything. From the dogfight and the black braids. I was not sure I could go back, and risk running into that girl again.
Not going back won't go over well with Micah.
Dusk came sooner than I was able to calm my nerves. I worked until the garden area was empty. Finally, I stood, taking a deep breath. The energy rush gained from being with Micah last night was already waning.
I turned and walked out of the gardens, past the eating area, keeping my eyes steady toward the Tivoli Center. Halfway in between 16th Street and the amusement park, the former college student union building was easy to find. A smoke stack jutted up out of the building, with 'Tivoli' painted down the side.
I approached one of the doors, trying not to glance toward the amusement park and Micah's observation tower. Two guards stood at the top of the steps. I paused, pushing my short hair back behind my ears. Certainly my face tattoo was recognizable – Lucy, the woman who killed the wild dog. I was adjusting the blue band at my bicep when I heard a whistle from around the corner of the building.
I peered into the dark, until a woman stuck her head out. Natasha. She motioned for me to join her.
I ran over. "Is it Micah?" I whispered.
She nodded.
"What – what happened?"
She took my hand, pulling me deeper into the shadows of two buildings, and straight into Micah.
I swallowed.
Goddamnit – this isn't going to help me right before a fight. I can't be Kaitlyn right now.
He put his hands on my shoulders. "I know what you're about to do."
I tried to step back, but his hold tightened. I sighed. "You can't change my mind about this, Micah. And you can't stop me."
"Don't you think I know that?" he hissed back. He pressed his lips together, then took a deep breath through his nose. He lowered his voice, annunciating each word, "I know that better than anyone."
"So what are you doing here?"
He glanced at Natasha, who had her back to us, giving us pseudo-privacy. "I can't go in there; it's invite only. But I want to give you a recharge."
"No!" I squeaked.
He put his hand over my mouth. I bit down.
"Ow!"
Natasha turned. "Shh!"
Micah examined his hand.
"It is a miracle you’re even standing right now, Micah – I'm not going to take anything else from you."
"I don't matter right now."
His words stung, but I didn't argue.
He continued, "Let me help you, the only way I know how."
"We figured out a way to give most of his energy back," Natasha said, taking a step toward us. "It’s a group effort, but we can do it."
She gestured behind me. I turned to see a dozen women, all I recognized from Micah's camp, standing toward the end of the Tivoli center.
"We'll take him back to the tower, and do it there," Natasha said.
I narrowed my eyes. "Do what there?"
"Not that, Kaitlyn." Micah rolled his eyes. "Remember what I said? She's like a Medwin."
I tried not to look at Micah. I felt the weight of his eyes, willing me to see it his way. I cleared my throat. "Is it safe?"
"The more that participate, the safer and easier it is." Natasha kept her face neutral, but I caught the tick at her mouth.