Page 31 (1/2)

"Was anyone hurt?" Concern laced Devlen’s voice

"Cuts only Nothing serious" In comparison to her experience, the fire didn’t see toward your head

"Does it say anything about locating Owen?"

"They haven’t seen any signs of hiotten nowhere with their efforts Damn Owen could be anywhere by now

Devlen decided to return to Fulgor "Reema is safe in Ixia, and I can tap into my network"

"You mean your band of ex-cons?" Leif asked

"I prefer to call them friends And they are able to provide information that the security officials cannot Perhaps they will have a clue that will lead us to Owen"

"It’s worth trying Plus you haven’t seen Opal in three weeks"

Devlen grinned "Returning hoht"

"I hear you, brother"

A touch of envy swirled in his chest when Devlen left the next day Leif had been away for thirty-five long days, with no set ti with his wife, Mara, was the best part of traveling She was always entler, patient--perfect She filled all the hollow spots inside hier man

Esau arrived three days later There was nothat the man was Leif’s father They shared the same broad shoulders and stocky yet muscular build Almost twins, except wrinkles etched tracks across Esau’s forehead and laugh lines sprouted froreen eyes His father’s complexion was also a few shades darker--closer to the color of tea without milk

As soon as Esau dislass house?"

"Don’t you want to freshen up first?" Leif asked

A filray hair hung in greasy layers

He waved a hand "There’s tiining this invention"

Leif led his father to the glass structure

Esau exclai Wish I thought of it The ability to grow the jungle anywhere Marvelous" Then he sobered "Too bad it was used to grow Curare" He ducked his head "Wish I never found that blighted vine"

Leif suppressed a sigh over the old arguh the bad, Father You know that" Nohelping others, their father clung to his guilt like a child clung to a security blanket

They entered the house

Esau paused and drew in a deep breath "It doesn’t quite sle What’s that sweet odor?"