Odd Girl Out

starting to rethink his previous mostly-hands-off policy.'

'And so the war comes home,' McMicking murmured. For a moment, he gazed thoughtfully across the station. Then, abruptly, he got to his feet. 'I know it's bad manners to invite someone to dinner and then leave,' he said. 'But suddenly I'm feeling like I ought to get back to work.'

'We understand,' I said. 'Good luck.'

'Good hunting,' he replied, his eyes flicking to each of us in turn. 'Oh, and that Beretta I loaned you? Go ahead and keep it.'

'Thanks,' I said. 'Buy yourself a new one out of the war chest.'

He smiled faintly. 'Thanks,' he said. 'I may do that.'

He headed across the restaurant and out the door. I caught a final glimpse of him as he circled a planter on his way to the shuttle hatches, and then he was gone. 'You hungry?' I asked Bayta.

'Not really,' she said, her eyes gazing at nothing. 'Maybe we ought to get back to work, too.'

'And it's a long way to the Filiaelian Assembly,' I agreed. 'Get us a train, and let's go.'

I started to stand up, but she caught my arm. 'Frank …is that the only secret you're holding on to?'

'What makes you think I'm holding on to any secrets at all?' I countered, reflexively sidestepping the question.

She didn't answer, but just gazed silently into my eyes. I gazed back, wondering again at this strange woman who had become so much a part of my life. Who'd become my ally, and my companion.

And my friend. 'There is one more,' I admitted. 'But I can't tell you about it. Not yet. I promised.'

She took it in stride. 'Is it something that could mean danger?'

'Not yet,' I said. 'Maybe not ever. Mostly, it's just a little disturbing.'

She gave me a lopsided smile. 'You don't have to protect me, you know,' she pointed out. 'I'm big and strong and not afraid of the dark.'

'It's not you I'm protecting,' I assured her. 'It's the other guy.'

For another minute she studied my face. Then, to my relief, she gave a small nod. 'All right,' she said. 'But if I ever need to know …?'

'You'll be the first,' I promised.

After all, I decided, as we left the restaurant, the Chahwyn were only my employers. Bayta was my friend.

And it really was a long way to the Filiaelian Assembly. Somewhere along the way, we might very well run out of other things to talk about.

You never knew.