Chapter 1
“Hi,” Luna’s voice emitted from the radio.
“Long day?”
“Yes, but the weather was good, the wind at our backs. We made it to camp and now we’re eating.”
“How many people are there?”
“Over twenty—” Her voice broke and Beckett lost track until, “— not sure yet.”
“I’m sorry I lost you, what aren’t you sure of?”
“Who’s coming to the mainland with me.”
“They might not go? What will they do?”
“Adapt. But don’t worry, I’ll come.”
“But…”
“It’ll be okay Beckett. I’ll see you in two weeks right? That’s what you need to focus on. Where are you headed?”
“North. Away. The opposite direction.” Beckett exhaled a deep breath. “I can’t wait to see you, really see you. The next two weeks are going to be long.”
“Did the doctor look at your hands, are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m okay, the dip this morning didn’t hurt me. At least not physically. My reputation around here may have taken a hit.”
“Speaking of your reputation, everyone here wants to say hello.”
A loud chorus, “Hi, Beckett!” erupted from the speaker.
“Tell them hello, tell them if they go with you to the mainland, we can meet for real.”
Luna giggled. “That might convince Sky. She’s seen enough of you to follow you anywhere. All she talks about is your ass. Right, Sky?”
Sky said, “Were you saying something Luna? I was thinking about Beckett’s ass.”
Beckett groaned.
Luna giggled, “But me most of all. It really was a nice departing gesture. I’ll have motivation on my paddle.”
Beckett chuckled. “Well, if it gets you to paddle faster, I’m glad I exposed myself to everyone today.”
“I’ll paddle fast enough.”
“I’m glad you’re safe. I’m glad I found you. I still can’t believe it.”
“Me neither, but you did, and like you said, it means something all that finding. I have to go, Beckett. We have a lot to talk about the group and I and . . . I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“You’ll leave in the morning? I need your coordinates. Where do you think you’ll end up?”
“I don’t know what time I’ll leave yet, or where I’ll land. It looks like we’ll have rain tonight. We’ll weather it here in camp and then I’ll take off, after it’s over.”
“But we’ll talk tomorrow, right?”
“At sunset, or 7:30 your time.”
