by Teya Tapler
Time stretched like eternity.
Then the elevator door opened … and Andy rushed in followed by the Galactic Committee building security team.
For a second everyone looked at each other, deciding if the people opposite them presented any thread, then Emil left his gun on the floor and lift both arms. Zander and Evan followed suit.
“It’s okay. They’re TTA.” Andy said and rushed to Emil, Zander and Evan.
The Galactic Committee building security team started scanning the room, evaluating the damage, searching for Mort, Ranshen and Alex. The three remaining 906 Inquisitors laid underneath a pile of debris and white powder.
“You okay?” Andy knelt in front of the injured Emil.
“What are you doing here?” Zander asked as Emil nodded silently.
“Field pinged me, mentioning that you’ve torn several pages from the rules book.” Andy said.
Zander raised his eyebrows and their deep blue eyes locked for a split second.
“You must be Evan?” Andy turned to the girl with the burgundy hair in his son’s arms. The golden locket on her chest and its reflection caught Andy’s eyes. Zoraida‘s words sounded in his mind.
Take it and hide in peace until it’s time to move with ease.
Then time comes, your choice is clear, you take only what is dear.
For this to reach the bravest girl, it must be “left behind” at first.
Then it will find its way to her, to help her save us and the world.
For a moment Andy thought that if he knew who Evan was he might have given her the medallion when she and her friend rented the top floor apartment in his Cambridge house. So many things would not have happened. But, would all the good things had happen too. Were they going to have the happy ending, if things had developed differently?
“Nice to meet you, Andy,” Evan looked him in the eye and stretched her hand. Andy hadn’t changed. He still had more salt than pepper in his hair and … those beautiful, sparkling, deep blue eyes under the distinguished eyebrows, except that ... he was walking on his own. ”Again.”
“Did Za..ak –“ Andy started.
“She knows.” Zander said.
Andy raised his eyebrows in response.
“Yeah, it’s a long story.” Zander pulled Evan closer and kissed her soft lips.
