A squirrel bounded across the grass, stopped in front of them, shook its tail, and scooted up the tree.
“A squirrel! There are animals, too?”
“Robotic ones. It would be too hard to keep live ones contained with people coming and going.”
“Makes sense.”
“Ready to see more?”
“Let’s do it.” With a lighter step, she followed her sister out of the habitat. “I have to admit, the museum is a unique idea. We can see other worlds without leaving the planet.”
“Exactly!” Kismet said. “Not everyone has the financial means to space-travel. Most people don’t. Wait until you see the next exhibit—”
“Karma, can I talk to you?” said a voice she hoped never to hear again.
She turned to face Soton. “Leave me alone! Haven’t you done enough?” She glowered. What were the odds she’d run into him again? Slim and none. She scanned the area for holocam drones. She didn’t see any, but that didn’t mean they weren’t there.
“I can explain—and I can help you. Can we talk, please?” His shoulders slumped, and his gaze beseeched in a perfect pantomime of contrition. She didn’t buy it.
“I have nothing to say to you.” She grabbed her sister’s arm. “Let’s go.” Her good mood vanished.
“We’ll go back to the palace,” Kismet agreed and shot a scowl of sisterly support at Soton. They rushed for the museum exit.
“I can get you off Kaldor!” Soton called. “There’s a ship leaving for Earth in two days. I can get you on it.”
His words whipped up a fury inside her. “Oh, you’d like that, wouldn’t you? You want nothing more than to split us up. You’re not going to. We’re married. We love each other.”
The faux contrition vanished. “Then, where is he?” Soton sneered. “Why isn’t he with you? He’s left you. His love must not be very deep if something I did had an effect.”
“You lost!” she charged “And you know you lost. If you were confident you’d split us up—you wouldn’t be here trying to get me to leave.” Her marriage might be over, but she’d be damned if she gave this man satisfaction by admitting it. “I’m going to be as polite as I can, but I want to be sure you understand me. Fuck. Off.”
He’s the most despicable man I’ve ever encountered.She and Kismet marched out of the museum. Before they exited, shetossed a glance over her shoulder to ensure they weren’t being followed. They speed-walked to the waiting hoverlimo.
“Palace of Kaldor, family entrance, west side,” Kismet ordered the vehicle. The hoverlimo lifted off. “What a nasty man.” She relaxed against the seat.
“He has it in for Falkor.” Shaken and miserable, Karma hunched her shoulders.
“The nerve of that guy! You handled the situation in the right way. I’m proud of you.”
“What if Falkor isn’t coming back?” she asked in a small voice.
“Don’t let that asshole get in your head.”
Too late. He’s already in.He’d weaseled in through a door wedged open by insecurity. Soton’s claims had struck where it hurt. “What if he’s right?”
“He’s not right. He’s stabbing in the dark. Falkor adores you. I know that for a fact.”
“He’s hurt—”
Kismet cut her off by lifting her hand. “Yes, but he still loves you.”
How could she believe that now?
“You have to wait until he comes home. Hewillcome home because he loves you.”
“He thinks I cheated on him. Marriages break up over infidelity.”
“You weren’t unfaithful.”
