Hidden Nature

by S. M. Savoy

  “I wish we could sail away just the two of us,” Sara said when they were headed back in on Sunday.

  “We will during spring break, just us.” Charlie ran a hand over her arm, enjoying the feel of her warm skin.

  “You won’t be bored?” Sara asked anxiously.

  “Uh-huh,” Charlie said as he nuzzled her neck.

  She giggled and made a soft sound of contentment that he felt in his soul.

  * * *

  The next Friday was the formal dance. The girls got ready at the lab. “Who’s Hawk bringing?” Sara asked as she put her makeup on. She and Stasia had just gotten back from the beauty parlor where they’d had their hair and nails done.

  “Paul’s younger sister, Abby. Paul is going with Amy. Amy and Abby are staying with my mother.”

  “God, I’ll be glad to get our house back,” Sara said as she put on her high heels. “I’m tired of the trailer. I sleep here most nights.”

  “Speaking of the trailer, could Rick and I, um, borrow it over break?”

  “Sure, we’ll be on the boat.” She cleared her throat and blushed a bit. “It’s not exactly private. Oz is right next door and the entire thing creaks and moves.”

  “Oz has kindly agreed to stay in the lab.” Stasia grinned. “He offered his trailer but I’d rather use yours.”

  “Make yourselves at home.” Sara went to her desk and rummaged through the drawers. Stasia pulled out a notebook and flipped through the pages. Sara took the notebook from her and handed her a black case.

  “Impressive,” Stasia said, waving at the notebook and Sara laughed.

  Stasia’s breath caught as she opened the case. “I meant that diagram of our m-nerves. This… I can’t borrow this.”

  Sara removed the diamond necklace and fastened it around Stasia’s neck despite her protests.

  “It looks beautiful on you.” Sara handed her the earrings and put the bracelet on her. “You look beautiful.” Sara stood back and admired her.

  Stasia removed her wristcomp and put it in her small purse.

  “I’ll be fine. Everyone will be there,” she said when Sara frowned.

  “I know. I’m tempted to take mine off too, but my gloves cover it.” Sara added a wide crystal bracelet over her light-blue silk gloves to cover her wristcomp.

  Arm-in-arm they went downstairs to meet the boys. Charlie’s eyes lit with appreciation as she approached. She frowned at him. “How am I supposed to not kiss you all night when you look this good?”

  “You can kiss me now,” Charlie said huskily as he pulled her closer. Her lips were soft and the touch light, but it heated his entire body. He wondered for the millionth time if all men felt this way, as if their wives’ kisses were light and heat, or if the heat of her was because she was a sun priest. He kissed her thoroughly, basking in the heat before stepping back to admire her. Her face was flushed and her lipstick slightly smeared. He’d never seen a more beautiful girl.

  She smiled at him and twirled around, showing off the sky-blue dress. It floated gracefully around her. Charlie admired it; she always wore the exactly right thing, looking beautiful without looking overdone. Her clothes were never too tight or too revealing and always managed to look incredibly sexy.

  He took Sara’s arm and gave Stasia a quick kiss on the cheek, taking a moment to admire her too. Stasia didn’t make his heart beat faster, but he could appreciate how beautiful she was.

  He drew Sara away from Rick and Stasia and the magic swirling around them. Apparently she made Rick’s heart beat faster, Charlie thought with an inward laugh. He waited by the door with Sara for his brother to control his magic.

  Sara kissed him again, running her hands over his chest and down his back. He forgot he was waiting for his brother until Rick cleared his throat. He stepped back from Sara and lightly rubbed the lipstick that was smeared on her face. She reapplied it hurriedly and they walked together to the car.

  “Sit in the back with me, please,” Stasia said to Sara. “I need some space from him for a minute.”

  Sara laughed and got in back. Charlie turned to wink at her. Her kiss lingered on his lips and he knew she was still thinking of him.

  They met Hawk at the dance. Paul’s sister Abby was sweet and shy and clearly intimidated by them. Sara greeted her warmly and kissed Hawk’s cheek. The girls had met before in Vermont. Charlie shook her hand then wandered off with friends. Sara stood with Abby, introducing her friends and pointing out different people.

  Abby had applied to the academy for the next term; she was seventeen, a year younger than Hawk. Tall and thin like her brother with the same dark hair and eyes. Freckles were scattered across her face and long elaborately curled, brown hair softened her classic features. Her dress was simple and elegant, half-black, half-white.

  “Your hair is so beautiful,” Stasia said wistfully.

  “I’m enjoying it now.” Abby ran a hand over her hair. “I’ll have to cut it soon enough if I get in.”

  “It’s a crying shame,” Charlie said as he came up. “Hair this beautiful shouldn’t be cut.”

  Abby blushed a bit and looked away.

  “Her hair will be beautiful short as well.” Sara pursed her lips and examined Abby critically. “I bet I could make a program to show different styles on you. Could you come back after break for a day or two? I could do a really good one if I could program how your hair is now.”

  They started talking about what Sara would need to do, and Charlie wandered over to the boys again. The last thing he heard her saying to Abby was just a little trim.

  Amy had joined the girls talking about the program, leaving all the boys together.

  Charlie stood back and viewed the room. His classmates all wore dress uniforms with their dates on their arms or talking like the girls were. He glanced back at the girls and smiled. “We’re the luckiest men alive.”

  Paul laughed. “We are indeed.” He turned to Hawk and frowned. “She’s my little sister, show respect.”

  Hawk laughed. “She’s staying with my mother; respect is all she’ll see. Thank you for introducing us and talking her into coming.”

  Paul smiled at his sister. “She’s my favorite sibling; we were very close growing up. I don’t think she really wants a military career though; it’s just a tradition with us. We’ve all gone here, and it will break her heart if she doesn’t get in.”

  Charlie said, “She’s in. Sara told me. They looked over all of the applicants.” Charlie didn’t mention she and Oz had requested her for Paul’s sake, ensuring her acceptance. She’d met all the criteria on her own and would likely have been accepted without them. Abby was mathematically gifted like Paul. “Tell her to keep it quiet though.”

  Paul punched his shoulder and went to whisper in his sister’s ear. Abby squealed and jumped, then clapped a hand over her mouth and glanced around guiltily. She gave Sara a quick hug and turned shining eyes to Charlie, mouthing, ‘thank you.’

  Charlie nodded and smiled, happy Sara would have another girlfriend.

  He had a great time at the dance. More than he was expecting. Sara accepted dance invitations from his roommates, Hawk, and Rick while Charlie watched happily. He danced with Stasia, Amy, and Abby, saving the slow dances for Sara, cutting in whenever the music changed. He found it hard to resist kissing her when she lifted her face to his, her eyes shining. Small tendrils of blond hair had escaped her braided bun and framed her flushed face. The heat of her skin called to him. He wanted to run his hands over her. Anticipation echoed between them, growing as the evening progressed.

  Rick and Stasia disappeared halfway through the dance, unable to hold back the magic.

  Charlie and Sara made plans to pick up Hawk, Abby, Paul, and Amy on the boat the next Friday. Everyone would stay on board until Sunday. The girls planned to work on the new program.

  “Bring warm clothes and a bathing suit.” Sara said to Abby as they parted for the night. “It gets cold at nig
ht.”

  She gave Abby her email address and a quick hug.

  Hawk winked at Charlie before taking Abby’s arm to escort her to his car.

  Hawk’s obvious happiness made Charlie chuckle with delight. He hoped Hawk would find true love like he had.

  “What?” Sara asked, sensing his sudden unease.

  “I was just thinking how difficult it will be for Hawk— and Oz too, to find someone who can accept all of this.” He gestured vaguely, knowing she’d understand what he meant.

  “What wouldn’t you do for love,” she asked dryly and not altogether happily.

  “Touché” he said as he bent to kiss her lips.

  * * *

  “Thank you for coming with me, I had a great time,” Hawk said as he glanced at Abby. She sat beside him as he drove her and Amy to his mother’s house. Paul and Amy were talking quietly in the back of the car. Amy had stayed often in the past with Stasia and would sleep in Stasia’s room with Abby.

  “I was wondering if you’d let me bring you home.” Hawk asked her hesitantly. “I’d love a chance to get to know you better.”

  “It’s a long drive,” Abby said doubtfully.

  “It’s a short flight. I could fly you back. I wouldn’t mind the drive though.” Hawk cleared his throat and licked his lips, hoping he didn’t look as nervous as he felt.

  “You’re a pilot?” Abby sounded surprised.

  “Yes. If your uncomfortable going with me... I mean, I know we just met. We have time to become friends. There’s no rush.” He winced as he felt himself flush.

  “I’d love a ride home,” Abby said. “Before I fly with you, I should get my parents’ permission though and I’m sure they’ll want to meet you first.” She giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. “Maybe you’d better bring your pilot license and have Paul vouch for you. You’re awful young to have one.”

  He grinned at her, his heart expanding as if it was his very first breath. “I’ll get you home safe and sound.”

  She smiled back, making his heart pound. When they arrived at the apartment complex, Hawk and Abby exited the car, leaving Paul and Amy to say goodnight. They emerged a few minutes later. Paul gave his sister a kiss on the cheek and Hawk a measuring glance when she said Hawk was bringing her home. He shook Hawk’s hand, kissed Amy quickly and left in his own car. Hawk escorted the girls inside.

  He threw on sweatpants and a T-shirt before heading to the kitchen to fix a snack. Abby joined him after she’d changed. She sat at the small, kitchen island and fed Tank bits of cheese. Tank rested his head in her lap, wagging his tail. His blue eyes closed in bliss when she scratched behind his ears.

  Hawk ruffled Tank’s ears. “He’ll be your devoted slave for cheese. I warn you though, he weighs a ton and he’s a bed hog.”

  She giggled, kissing Tank’s head. “Will you bring him Friday?”

  “Yes, he likes the boat, and Rhea will be there.”

  “Rhea?” Abby glanced at him then away, her eyes mysterious dark pools, leaning over Tank to rub his belly.

  “Sara’s dog, his mate.” The smile on Hawk’s face grew when Abby glanced back and returned his smile, a pink flush on her freckled cheeks.

  They sat together talking until she yawned and glanced at the kitchen clock. He laughed and offered her a hand to rise. “We can leave whenever you like. I’ll rent a car and fly back,” he said as they paused before the bedroom doors.

  “Do you have to be back at a particular time for anything, or, um, anyone?” she asked.

  He took a step closer. “I don’t have to report until Sunday evening formation. I have no girlfriend.”

  Her smile widened. “We can take our time then. I’ll buy you lunch.”

  A blue glow flickered across Hawk’s hands. “Sorry, security device— it’s nothing to worry about.”

  “I’ve seen Paul’s.” She gestured to his wristcomp. “What causes it to go off?”

  Unease and embarrassment made his voice tight. “My pulse,” he mumbled.

  A half smile on her lips, she leaned forward and kissed him quickly on the mouth. “I don’t have a boyfriend either,” she said over her shoulder as she headed to Stasia’s room.

  He grinned after her.

  * * *

  Charlie pulled into the dock on Friday. Hawk, Paul, and Amy had flown to pick up Abby and should be back soon.

  “This is good,” Sara said softly as she hugged Charlie from behind. “This life we have now, our home here, our work. I like our life. I like it better when we can spend our nights together, but this is good, Charlie.

  He turned and kissed her. “I like that better too, and soon we can spend every night together. On the Truman, I’ll be with you whenever I don’t have night duty, then just a few months more of school.”

  “Is this the life you want?”

  “This is perfect,” Charlie said and kissed her again.

  - 13 -

  Tomas Returns

  A week later Joy and Stasia stood at the window of Stasia’s office and watched Sara’s father leave the lab.

  “It’s a bit too convenient for me,” Stasia said sourly as she watched him go. “He doesn’t speak with her in years, and then when she’s a big name in business he wants to be close? This is the fourth visit in two weeks.” Stasia rose an eyebrow and pursed her lips. “Let’s visit him, shall we?”

  She and Joy snuck into Tomas’s home and office and found hidden safes with passports and money with his picture and different names but left them. Shredded papers filled the garbage can in his home office. The files yielded nothing about either Valor Industries or Sara.

  “Maybe he really is sorry?” Joy asked doubtfully.

  Stasia snorted. “I believe he’s sorry, but not of the way he treated her. He’s sorry he has no hold on her now.”

  Charlie was aware of Tomas’s visits and concerned too.

  Not wanting to upset Sara, he questioned Oz about her father’s visits.

  Oz leaned back in his chair and put both booted feet up on his desk. “He tried to talk both of us into giving him a wristcomp with the security programs or selling them to the public.” Oz dropped his feet and rummaged in a bottom desk drawer a moment and handed Charlie a thick file. “He had an entire report done showing the profit we could make. It horrified him that we weren’t interested in profit.” Oz lightly slapped Charlie’s back. “Don’t worry, man. Sara isn’t being taken in. She likes to hear about her mother, but she’s aware he’s more interested in business. Tomas brings her pictures of her mother on every visit and lets her copy them. The man’s doling them out like rewards for good behavior or something. Sara isn’t stupid, she knows he’s using her mother to find out what we’re up to here and get in her good graces. Although he is trying to get to know her outside of the lab too. Every time he comes, he takes her to lunch.”

  Charlie crossed his arms. “Damn, I want to tell him not to come around before he messes with her head. But how’s that fair? He’s her father.”

  “Tomas always invites me along. I’ll start going and keep an eye on her. If I think he’s doing more harm than good, I’ll scare him off.” A blue glitter lit Oz’s eyes. “The man can’t have her. She’s our sun priest.”

  * * *

  Tomas took her to her mother’s favorite play in Washington and dinner afterward. Sara’s security followed discreetly. Two days later they went to a cinema showing one of her mother’s movies. Both had tears in their eyes at the end.

  Tomas took Sara’s gloved hand. “I know I’m rushing getting reacquainted, but I don’t have long to stay in this area. Business will call me away soon. Come to lunch with me tomorrow. “Bring your friend, and I’ll show you both where your mother and I got engaged. We can take my jet to Newport and be back by supper time.”

  Sara removed her hand from his grasp and put her hands in her coat pocket. “My security needs to come as well.”

  “I hope you’re not relying o
nly on them for security.” Her father glanced back at Manny and Todd who trailed them.

  “No, we have these.” Sara held out her wrist. “My guards can locate me anywhere with theirs, even if I don’t have mine.”

  “Glad to hear it.” Her father smiled. “They’re welcome to come with us or follow.”

  They spoke of the movie they’d just seen until the car arrived back at the Valor building.

  Tomas said, “I brought you the photo album of pictures we took on our honeymoon. If you’d like to copy it, that’s fine, but I don’t want to leave them here.”

  “I can copy them in my office,” Sara said eagerly as she accepted the large album.

  Each picture was covered with tissue paper inside its own envelope.

  “Please be careful with it. It’s my prized possession,” Tomas said as he peered over Sara’s shoulder.

  “I have tools in my lab I can use if you don’t mind waiting in my office for me?”

  “No, take your time. I’ll play with your game system, and maybe we can talk later about an idea I have for that?”

  “Sure,” Sara said happily and hurried from the room, clutching the album to her chest.

  Tomas stare after her, grinning.

  * * *

  Sam went with Sara and Oz the next day to Newport. Rick followed in his own car and waited outside the park. He was shocked when his wristcomp dinged, warning of a sudden change in status. He slapped his white bracelet down as he opened the raid channel.

  “I’m summoning. Both have lost consciousness,” Rick said as he casted the spell. Nothing happened. He hit his bracelet down harder and panic made his voice rough as he reported it wasn’t working. He fumbled for the door handle as he took his spell-bracelet off and reapplied it to no effect.

  “Rick!” Charlie shouted.

  “I’m going to them,” Rick said as he pulled his gun and rushed into the park that they’d entered minutes before.

  A woman screamed and ran, dropping her bag in her haste. Two men who’d been talking approached but both ran before getting close, Rick’s aura forcing them to flee. He ignored the commotion he was causing.