Ava's War: Book 3 of 3

Chapter 10

Ava and Owen stood on the observation deck watching the Washington coastline recede. It had been remarkably easy to stow away on the ferry and bypass the security checking passports at the boat's entrance. Lucas would have just tried to charm his way through. Owen preferred discretion.

Ava pulled impatiently at strands of hair whipping in the wind. She whistled softly, expelling a puff of air, and the wind died down around them.

Owen laughed. "Really?"

"You wanted me to practice my powers," she answered.

"True..."

Ava changed the subject, saying, "How should we treat Lucas, strategically? I mean, my gut tells me he's still on our side. But that's the kind of thinking that allowed him to steal the necklace in the first place."

"First off, I think we meet with him together. Always. I can't lie—the little bugger's grown on me, but he's a slippery one."

Ava nodded agreement. "And Taylah?"

"I'll leave her to you," Owen said.

Ava paled before noticing Owen's grin. She nudged him with her shoulder. "That's not funny. Have you seen Taylah's battle face? She's terrifying."

"And powerful. I could feel it when we were at her house. And she's slippery too, just like her son."

"Plus, Taylah's a crazed mama bear when she thinks her cubs are threatened."

"We'll be careful not to wander between her and her cubs."

"I'm afraid wandering is all we'll be doing."

Owen didn't answer. After a moment he said, "Thank you, by the way, for not telling Lena that I helped Taylah bind you."

"No need to make Lena hate you as well," Ava said. She cringed at the unexpected bitterness in her voice. She'd been trying not to think about her grandmother.

"Natasha will take good care of her," Owen said, reading Ava's thoughts.

"Yeah, you're right. Nat's amazing."

She shivered—would Lena take good care of Natasha? What would happen if her grandmother got angry and confused again? No, that wouldn't happen, she told herself firmly.

Mercifully this depressing line of thought was interrupted by a voice cackling over the ferry's loudspeaker.

Good afternoon, passengers. We have a special treat for you today. If you venture onto the observation deck and look over the starboard side, you'll see we have a few visitors. Our resident naturalist will give a short presentation on orca whales.

Owen and Ava traded toothy smiles as passengers rushed past them to catch sight of their guests.

"How cute—the whales came to welcome me," Owen said.

"Welcome you?" Ava replied. "You poor, deluded soul."

The voice came back onto the loudspeaker, sounding decidedly less calm.

Oh my goodness, folks, this is incredible! Some humpback whales have decided to join us as well. Our team has counted at least ten whales in the area! Orcas and humpbacks. You can see at least two orca calves. Please join us on the observation deck for this truly magical sight.

There were shouts of excitement and a throng of raised cameras. Ava beamed. Their welcome party was growing. She pulled off her sweatshirt, holding it out for Owen to take.

Owen refused the clothing, digging his hands deeper into his pockets. "No way, Ava. Not now."

Ava shrugged. "I have to."