Morningside Fall(109)

“Hey, baby,” Cass said. “Hi, Painter.”

“Hi, Miss Cass,” Painter said. “Everything going OK?”

He wasn’t usually one to make conversation, and Wren couldn’t help but feel that Painter was doing his best to change the subject as quickly as possible.

“For now,” she answered, with a slight smile. Wren could tell something was off from the look on her face. She looked down at him. “Did you sleep?”

Wren shook his head. Her expression changed. He never really could hide anything from his mama.

“Are you OK?” Cass asked.

“Just tired,” he said. “I want to go to bed now.”

“Alright,” she said. She looked back up at Painter. “Thanks for letting him stay with you, Painter. I appreciate it.”

“Ssssh-sure, no problem,” he replied.

“Good night,” said Cass.

“Night,” Painter said.

Wren started across the hall, but Cass stopped him with a light hand on his shoulder. He glanced back at Painter, who was staring out of that dark room at him with those eyes. Wren found it was hard to think of him as a friend just then. “Good night, Painter.”

Wren crossed the hall and went into his own room, followed closely by his mother. She flicked on the light. He went straight to his bed and started taking off his shoes.

“Are you sure you’re OK, Wren?” Cass asked.

He nodded without looking at her. There was nothing he wanted more than to just crawl into his bed and hide his face from the world. He’d never wanted things to be like this.

“Did something happen?”

He shook his head and pulled the covers back.

“Is Painter OK?”

“He’s fine, Mom,” Wren said, and it came out more sharply than he meant for it to. “I really want to go to sleep.” He climbed into his bed and lay on his side, facing the wall, pulled the covers up under his chin. Footsteps approached, and Wren closed his eyes so that he didn’t have to look at his mama. He knew she’d be able to read him, and he just couldn’t face the conversation. There was no telling how anyone would react if they found out what Painter had done.

He felt Mama sit down on the edge of the bed. She stroked his hair, and then rubbed his back in silence. Wren tried to even out his breathing and pretended to be asleep, hoping that would keep her from trying to talk to him anymore. He just needed some time to think through everything. Maybe it didn’t really matter what Painter had done. Maybe it mattered very much.

“We’ve been here before, baby,” Cass whispered after a few minutes. “We’ll figure this out, too.” She leaned over him and kissed the side of his head gently. Then she got up and switched off the light, and left the room. Wren was certain she thought he was asleep, and that made him wonder all the more exactly what she’d meant.





“Seems risky to me,” Finn said, as Cass rejoined the team. They were still discussing their options, and it didn’t sound like they were any closer to a decision.



“Risky’s all we’ve got, Finn,” Swoop answered.

“Yeah, but there’s no way we could roll up there heavy as we are and think they’re going to let us in without asking questions. And no way I’m going up there unless we’re rolling heavy.”

“Well, we can’t stay here,” Gamble said, “and it seems the best option of few. Question is can we make it work?”

“Why not?” asked Wick.

“Why not what?” said Swoop.

“Why can’t we stay here?”

“This place is an emergency shelter, Wick, not a long-term solution. Every day we’re here, we’re pullin’ on resources they can’t spare. I don’t care how friendly they are, that ain’t good for them or us.”

Wick shrugged. “Ninestory just seems like a stretch to me. Hard people up that way. Not likely to look too kindly on a war party coming up in their midst.”

“Then again,” Mouse said, “if there are people who won’t think twice about a bunch of roughnecks wandering around, it’s probably them.”

“I’m sorry,” Cass interrupted. “Ninestory?”

Gamble nodded. “Midsized enclave. Not the nicest place, but it’s hardened. Figure we could set up for a good couple of weeks there.”

“If we can get in the door,” Finn said.

“You’ve been before?” Cass asked.

“A few of us passed through once,” Sky said.

“Didn’t leave on great terms, though,” Swoop added. He and Sky shared a meaningful look.

“I doubt anyone would remember us.”