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Tension returns, a dull weight on my chest "It’s true In the Home Office, my parents think--you knohat’s a few universes ets How close are they to being able to do it? They’d need a device that could h dimensions like the Firebird, one that could affect fundamental resonance--"

He’s already theorized that far ahead It gives ht be able to outfox the Home Office yet "They don’t have the device, but they’re heading into tests So not long"

"Daet there, the sooner I can tell Henry and Sophia what’s happening"

"They need to know" But it feels weird to say, Sure, fine, go on without me

Theo’s been by my side this entire trip More than that: I’ve realized how much more we can be to each other Paul is the only one I love, but I’ve connected with Theo on an entirely new level The friend I cared for so much before the Triadverse and the Ho with our lives--I have that Theo back And I’lad

I can’t talk about any of that here and now Theo wouldn’t want to hear it, not this way, not yet So I say only, "If I don’t get hoet me, okay?"

"Always," Theo says

The tone in his voice is supposed to sound casual It doesn’t Just beneath the surface lurks a kind of longing I still don’t kno to deal with--but I don’t have to Theo hangs up without even waiting fordown at my phone screen I wish I could call him back; I almost wish I could say what he really wants to hear But I shouldn’t, and I can’t

Instead, I find the Maps app and plug in the address on o ho the side of the River Cam almost the whole way, so I’ day Gripping the handlebars ht arm ache beneath the red scar, but I can deal with it In this dimension, it seems we live in a Victorian town house not very far from the university and city center--not far over the river at all Parked in front is an absurdly srand yellowstone edifice of the town house looks so much like someone else’s hoerine orange sparkle in one : a suncatcher, dangling mid-pane just like it does at home Reassured, I cycle up the driveway, lock my bike, and head inside

Thesound--and then a black pug runs into the hallway to greet , I duck down to pet hi! I’ll have to figure out how this Marguerite and Josie o, buddy?" My father’s voice co co ho sell out?"

He looks so like an and pere, crazy Dadthe dimensions--just one like the Dad I know and love "Yeah," I say, having no idea what ht, then" He gestures forruns to his side, panting happily "At least you’re here in tih, as I walk into the s a leopard-print wrap dress and her trade entirely like herself--is nodding in genial inco business class, I say, it’s hardly even worth it Because in coach, you ? Back so soon?"