Normally, Valentina wouldn’t mind spending the day watching Eli work, even after she was done her own research for the day. But today, with all the older students there, needing his advice or just wanting to catch up, she felt out of place, or even in the way. They’d eaten lunch together, but after Valentina told him that she’d be going. Naturally, he didn’t want her to go.
“I’ll see you tonight, at your apartment. I’m looking forward to it.” She promised him.
“What are you going to do until then?” Eli held her hands, not wanting to let her go.
“Go home, see if Leibe’s back yet. Work on my progress report. Maybe pack an overnight bag? Also I’m going to call my dad and just check in with him.” Valentina gave him a reassuring smile. It will only be four hours, Eli.”
“Four hours. I know. Hey, uh… Valentina. May I ask a favor?” Eli looked into her eyes, a little nervous.
“Yeah, of course. What is it, Eli?” Valentina was getting worried. This descent from confident flirty banter to stammering nerves was alarmingly quick.
“Could you maybe ask your father, Colonel Lytton, if he’d be willing to do an interview with me through email? He’s the only functioning psionic I’ve ever heard of, and I’m really behind on my research. If I don’t get caught up…” Eli squeezed her hands. This was what he was nervous about. He’d dedicated so much of his time to helping her research Tracker, he’d let his own work fall to the wayside. Trying to get her father to help Eli was the least she could do to help him.
“Of course, Eli. I’m happy to ask. I’m sorry I made you fall behind so much last semester.” She squeezed his hands back. “I’ll call him as soon as I get home, hopefully I’ll get him before he’s … While he’s in a good mood. I’ll see you tonight, Eli.” Valentina gave him a kiss before slipping away.
The trip home was uneventful. The carriage house was still empty. Valentina had left message on Leibe’s voicemail, but hadn’t heard back yet. She let out a sigh and set her bag and coat down. She still regretted rooming with Leibe, but she was lonely in the house by herself. But at least she had peace to get her work done. She put the kettle on for tea and took out her phone. Before she dialed her father’s numbers, Valentina took a moment to do the time conversion in her head. It would early in New York, but he should be awake.
She was nervous as the phone rang, but she wasn’t left waiting long. “Hey Valentina,” Murroh’s voice came from the phone. He sounded tired.
“Hi Dad. Sorry it’s so early.” She slumped into an arm chair.
“Nah, don’t worry about it. My alarm’s already gone off a few times already. What’s up sweetie?” She could hear him getting out of bed. She wondered if Ekaterina was there with him.
“Oh, I was mostly calling to see how you were doing. You weren’t um… In a good way, while I was there.” Valentina tried to approach the topic carefully.
“Valentina, I had a terrible episode. You know how the holidays are for me. And I’m not making excuses. I got way more drunk that anyone ever has any right to be. And I’m sorry you had to see that.” He apologized. She could almost see him in front of her. He’d rub his face, and move his fingers under his eye patch, so she couldn’t see what was beneath. Valentina wondered if her father slept with it on.
YOU ARE READING
Looking For A Legend (Book 1)
Gizem / GerilimA young telepath is unexpectedly left with leading his class when his teacher takes leave. One of Elijah's new students Valentina leads him down a path where mysteries only get more mysterious and nothing is as simple as it looks.
