The Gender Lie(90)

Normally, a crossing like this would be slow going. Even though the trunk wasn’t submerged in the water, the tree trunk was slick—one wrong move would send us into the water. However, we didn’t have the luxury of being cautious. We ran toward the other side. About halfway across, I heard an excited shout, and turned back to see two boys break through the tree line and leap up onto the tree trunk, not even breaking their stride.

Adrenaline surged through me, and I raced across to the other side. As I approached, I looked at Tim and Jay. “Push the trunk in the water,” I bellowed as I brought myself to a full stop, whirled around, and dropped to a knee. I pulled my gun and aimed at the boys who were still crossing. Immediately Jay and Tim began pushing, and I could feel Jay’s impossible strength as the tree that likely hadn’t moved in a long time shifted slightly.

The boys opposite me felt it too, and froze, their eyes bulging. I exhaled, trying to find the air to shout again. “Go back, boys, or we will defend ourselves.”

The tree moved again, rolling slightly under my knee, and I used one hand to steady myself, staring down the barrel at them. The boys took in me, the gun, Jay and Tim, and finally took a slow step back, much to my relief.

The log shifted again, and I met their gaze solidly. “Run,” I said.

They ran.

I held my position for a moment longer, and then staggered to my feet and moved toward the group, dropping down heavily on the ground. I moved next to Tim and Jay and pressed a shoulder to the tree, struggling against the weight of it. Violet and Ms. Dale shoved in next to us, and together we strained. The log resisted at first, but under our combined efforts, it shifted slightly. We continued to push for several more moments, our strength fading, when suddenly it began rolling so fast that I almost fell face first into the mud.

The massive tree rolled into the river with a splash, and we hurried backward to avoid the toxic water.

I looked at everyone and smiled. “Well… that was easy, right?”

Everyone groaned except Violet, who rolled her eyes at me—and then groaned.





38





Violet





Hours had passed since we helped Jay shove the giant tree trunk into the river. Viggo had led us several hundred feet down the riverbank before announcing that this was where we’d stay for the night. All of us had laid out the blankets and eaten some food, and I took first watch. I woke up Tim for the next shift, and then promptly passed out.

We probably would’ve remained sleeping had it not been for a loud voice calling Viggo’s name. I jerked awake with a start, managing to wake Viggo in the process.

“What?” he said as he bolted upright. I stood up slowly and moved over to the riverbank, looking down it. Ms. Dale was already there with her gun drawn, indicating that I had only gotten about two hours of sleep. A bright light was shining from the bow of a boat, blinding me with its intensity. I raised my arm, shielding my eyes from the light.

“Who’s there?” I called, holding the gun against my thigh and slightly behind me.

There was a metallic scraping sound as the light panned right and away. Blinking my eyes to rid them of the black spots dancing across them, I slowly focused on the image of a boat drifting closer. As I squinted, I saw a familiar head of white hair, topped by an equally familiar cap.

I started to smile when I saw Alejandro’s face, and then hesitated when I began to wonder what he was doing there.

Until his smile broadened when he saw Viggo, his eyes glittering with merriment.

“My boy!” he crowed, and Viggo laughed. I stared at the two and a massive click fell into place as I recalled Alejandro’s missing friend. I shook my head, chuckling at my own idiocy.

“Hey, Alejandro. I see you got my message,” Viggo called, stepping up next to me and dropping a casual arm over my shoulder.

Alejandro’s smile grew even bigger—which I didn’t think was possible—as he took in Viggo’s action. I felt my cheeks grow hot under his scrutiny, and gave him a little wave.

“Hello, Alejandro,” I said.

“Hello, girl. It’s good to see you again! Who’s that with you? Two boys… a dog… and a lady. Hello, ma’am. Gentlemen. Canine.” He whipped his hat off his head and bowed deeply. “By the way… does anyone know who tried to sink me by throwing a massive log into the river?”

Viggo chuckled and shrugged. “It’s a good tale, but one better told on the move, wouldn’t you say?”

Alejandro guffawed and nodded. “Well then, stop lollygagging on the shore and let’s get a move on! You know how I love a good story…”



An hour later, we were all lounging on the boat, save Jay and Tim, who were sleeping below in Alejandro’s room. Alejandro had listened intently as Viggo filled him in on everything—and I did mean everything, from me coming to Patrus to steal the egg to the events leading up to now.