Thin Air Page 0,39

brows pulling together in a frown, and let go.

"Yeah," he said quietly. "I was hoping...Yeah. You probably should get yourself looked at, too. Call when you're done, okay? We got to talk. Things to work out."

I nodded, kept the smile going, and walked quickly after Lewis, who was helping Kevin and Cherise into the black cargo van, the one with the Handi-Lift on the back that was already lowering for Marion's wheelchair.

I didn't make it to join them. Another person stepped into my way, and I felt whatever nerves hadn't already been alarmed wake up and start screaming.

"A moment," Rahel said softly, holding up one graceful, long-taloned hand between us. She looked at me, close range, and yes, Djinn eyes were frightening. Her expression stayed blank and still, and I hesitated, wondering whether or not to yell for help. Her eyes flicked past me, focusing on the Wardens behind me, and she reached out and took hold of my shoulder. "A moment of your time, my friend. I have been so concerned for you." She didn't wait for agreement. She steered me sideways, away from the Wardens but also away from any potential rescue from Lewis. When I tried to pull back, her fingers dug deeper, and I hissed in pain. "Sistah, you come whether you like it or not," she warned in a very low tone. "I have news for you, from David."

The use of his name got me at least willing to listen. She kept hold of my shoulder, but loosened her grip so I wasn't in danger of deep-tissue bruising.

"I don't remember you," I said. Seemed best to get it out of the way. "I'm sorry. It's...this problem I have."

"I'm well aware," she said. No smile at all, and her tone was dry and cool. "You shouldn't be here, Snow White. Not as you are, neither here nor there, living nor dead, human nor Warden. They think to bring you back. I think it is a foolish concept. It opens doors that are dangerous for us all."

"Gee, thanks," I said with no sincerity. "That's the news?"

She snorted. "Opinion. At least you haven't lost your sense of the absurd. David wishes me to tell you that he is on Ashan's trail, and for you to stay with Lewis." Rahel smiled. She had pointed teeth. I mean, seriously. Pointed. "You know what happens to little lambs who wander from their herd."

I yanked myself free this time. "Hey, Creep Show, save it for the cheap seats. Aren't you supposed to be on my side or something?"

She blinked, and I had the satisfaction of seeing a Djinn thrown just a half step off balance. It didn't last. "I am," she said. "As your kind is measured, you're not insufferable, only infuriating. And...you loved the child. I count that in your favor."

"Imara," I said. "You're talking about Imara, right?"

Her expression composed itself to instant formality, and she tilted her head. Beads clicked as the braids slithered over her shoulders with a sound like dry paper shifting. "Ashan was fortunate the Oracle took him before we could reach him. Had he been in my hands, he'd still be screaming."

Which was supposed to be comforting or something.

"Great," I said faintly.

That made Rahel look up again, sharply. "You don't remember the child, either," she said. "Do you?"

I started to lie about it, then shook my head. To my surprise, Rahel put her hand to my cheek in a gesture that was almost human. Almost affectionate.

"I can pity you for that. You will remember, though," she said. "Such emptiness must be filled."

And in a weird sort of way I suppose she did comfort me. A little. "Thanks," I said. "I...Will you tell David I'll be with Lewis?"

"I will." She stepped back. "Ashan is lucky once again. David would have hunted him and ripped him into nothing by now, had he not been distracted by concern for you. It appears he needs Ashan alive and functioning to try to fix what was done to you." A slow, cool smile revealed even, white teeth. Nonpointed. "After his usefulness comes to an end, well, maybe David will organize an entertainment. We haven't had one of those for ages." I was sure she meant it literally. The ages part, anyway. I shuddered to think what entertainment might mean.

"So David's okay, then," I said.

She shrugged. "David's obsession with you puts his leadership of us in some doubt. But he remains the conduit to the Mother, and so may not be easily