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Astrid didn’t like the At least for right now part at all But she kept quiet and let Saht away," Sao after anyone else I have to do it now" He stood up and staggered a step Breathed deep, steadied himself, and headed for the door

"Best I can do for you," Lana said privately to Astrid

Astrid knew she wasn’t talking about the healing but about what she had said to Sament and followed Sam out

Where are you, Petey?

Why won’t you talk to me?

"Maybe because I killed you?" she whispered mordantly Yeah Maybe that was it

TWENTY-SIX

2 HOURS, 56 MINUTES

THE DAY WORE on Edilio arranged to send water and apositions

The far back without reports of attack and bearing at least soes, not-quite-ripe artichokes, even a few delicious beets

With the church steeple ruined, the highest point in Perdido Beach was Clifftop, but Dekka could do better She lifted herself high into the air over, directly over, the town hall steps so as to avoid a ind of trash and dirt, and surveyed the scene with a pair of binoculars

When she caed Dekka, and the two of the Both had loved Brianna

To Edilio, Sam said, "I’m so sorry, ht back a fresh rush of tears, nodded, waited until he was sure he could speak, and said, "I’lad you’re back, boss" He pivoted to Dekka "What did you see?"

"The fire,but smoke up north Like a wall of smoke"

"It’s not exactly clear here," Astrid said The fire ser, and the sky was already silvery with ash and s beyond the forest?"

"I’m not Smokey the Bear," Dekka said with a shadow of her old peevishness "I don’t know about forest fires But it seemed like I could see a line of smoke closer in It’s like darker, heavier sray smoke closer in Don’t ask ot shooters all around the plaza With Brianna gone" He glanced at Astrid to see whether she had told Saone itWe should be able to shoot And she doesn’t like bullets; we know that much I saw at least one bullet hit her"