The Maplethorn Initiative (Book 1, The Maplethorn Series)

Food & Shelter

"You're in charge of the tunes, Drex."

Cam clicked through the radio presets, finding only static and a rant on illegal immigration, before giving up. "I think I saw some CD's in the back seat," he offered. "But I was hoping for a news channel."

"I'm not sure I want to hear The Sharks' playlist," Keegan said, cringing. "And why the sudden interest in the news?"

"Because I think we might be on it."

"Why?"

"Um, because we just escaped from sort-of jail and stole a car?"

"You worry too much, man." Keegan drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. "Also, you know I don't know where I'm going, right?"

"Me neither," Cam said. "We need a phone so I can call Prita."

"Kay."

As the drive wore on, music slowly overtook the static, and Cam kept reassuring himself that meant they were heading in the right direction. His hopes became a reality as the woods gave way to strip malls, gas stations, and chain restaurants. Dozens of colorful signs beckoned from both sides of the highway, promising every burger, pizza, and burrito he'd fantasized about since being sent to Maplethorn.

"Yes!" Keegan cheered. "Food! Real freaking food!"

Cam was salivating. "What do you want?"

"Man, all of it!"

"Hold on..."

Keegan inhaled through his teeth. "Why do I always cringe when you say that?"

"Because it means I thought of something you forgot."

"Which is?"

"We don't have any money," Cam answered. "And you're dressed like a four-year-old who's up past night-night."

"Hold on," Keegan said, mimicking Cam's worried tone. "This time, you're the one who forgot."

"Forgot what?"

"That all I have to do is want something bad enough, and it's ours," Keegan explained. "I'm like freaking Santa Claus."

"Santa doesn't take things," Cam reminded him. "He gives them away."

"Fine. Then I'm your Santa Claus, genius."

"Dear Santa," Cam ad-libbed. "I'd like a hamburger, some french-fries, and clothes that don't make me look like I should be playing the tuba."

"You want a puppy too?" Keegan teased.

"No way, he'd eat my fries!"

Keegan laughed and pulled into the parking lot of an outlet mall. "I figure we should start with new clothes. That way, we won't attract attention when we go eat."

"And we won't attract attention dressed like this in the mall?" Cam asked, tugging at his jacket.

Keegan parked the car at the outer edge of the lot and turned off the ignition. "I need your pants and shoes," he said, using his ability to project his desire outward.

"Yeah," Cam breathed. He kicked off both shoes and wriggled out of his uniform trousers, handing everything to Keegan as it came off.

Keegan traded his pajama bottoms for Cam's pants and his slippers for Cam's shoes. The shoes were a little tight, and the pants were very high-water, but the outfit still looked less suspicious than walking into the mall in leaf-covered pajamas.

Stepping out of the car, Keegan tucked in his pajama top and rolled up the sleeves. "Be right back!" he said before slamming the door and hurrying off.