Heart's Redemption (MxM)

Chapter 27 ~ Ian

"Why should we trust a stranger—a witch-hunter, no less—when you seem not to trust her yourself?" Maria asks. "What you've told us of this 'Toni' is hardly a glowing recommendation."

I can't argue with that. I'd told the truth, after all.

"Seems to me we'd be better off sending the lot of you on your way. Don't get me wrong—I like you, Ian; but those boys you've got hangin' on seem like trouble. 'Specially the little one."

Again, I can't argue. Sam and Carlos are trouble, after all. Especially Sam.

I haven't even told them everything yet. Reaching into my pocket, I feel for the little black marble, and then feel a jolt of unease when I don't find it.

That's right, I remember: I put it in my jacket, and I left my jacket in the cabin, hanging on the end of Sam's bunk.

I sigh, gathering myself to tell her the rest of it. "Well, that's your right, of course," I say. "What's going on here isn't our business, and while I'd like to help, I understand if you'd rather we got out of your hair. The thing is, if Sam goes, so do I. We're, uh, more than friends."

"Hm," Maria intones, tugging on one of her long braids. "I thought there was something of that in the way he looks at you, but you seemed near indifferent, so I wasn't sure."

"Is it a problem?" I ask evenly. Sofia looks unhappy, but Cass is eyeing me with new interest.

"No, not at all," Maria says. "My own Cassidy here is—what do you call yourself again, hon?"

Cass frowns. "Gender-fluid bi-romantic asexual," she answers. "Jeez, Mom. Try to remember."

"Yes, that." Maria rolls her eyes, but it's an expression of fond, motherly exasperation and nothing more. "Anyway, we welcome all kinds here. Long as it's not hurting anyone, folk can do what they want, as far as we're concerned."

She regards me thoughtfully for a moment.

"Well, girls, what do you say?" she asks, turning to her daughters.

"You know I don't like being called a 'girl,' Mom," Cass says. "But as for the witch-hunter...I say we take the risk. We need outside help on this, one way or another."

"I disagree," Sofia says. "We already have three strangers in our midst. That's more than enough. I say we keep this matter in the clan."

Maria thinks for a moment, and I stay silent, willing to accept whatever decision she makes.

"Cass has the right view, in this case, I believe," she says. "We need help, and while wariness is sometimes prudent, a blind fear of outsiders is not." Looking at me, she nods. "Call the witch-hunter woman. Ask if she'll help."

Sofia's pretty mouth curves downward in a delicate frown, but she says nothing. Cass gives me a daring grin and a wink. She's got nothing on Sofia's looks, but as far as personality, she has her beat.

I take a deep breath and get to my feet. "Great. I'll ask Carlos to call."

"Wait a sec," Maria says. "There's stew and biscuits for supper. Let me make you up some to bring back with you."

She rises and disappears into the dining area and the lodge's kitchen beyond, returning a few minutes later with a large tray laden with three covered dishes and a plate stacked with fluffy-looking golden biscuits.

I eye it warily. My sling makes it hard to carry stuff, and it looks unwieldy.

"I got it," Cass offers, taking it from Maria.

"Thanks.  I'd hate to drop it and waste good food," I say.

Outside, the air is cool. I'm grateful to Maria for providing a meal. It's hard to tell what time it is—the days are so long here this time of year—but my stomach is clock enough, and it says it's time to eat. None of us have had anything since the packed lunch we ate during the search, and for the sake of peace I've learned not to let Sam get too hungry.