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His side is still badly bruised, and without speed-healing agents—which the Arápache don’t use—his ribs and bruised organs will take time to heal. He can make an argument that he needs to stay that entire time, but he knows Co
Then, toward the end of their second week on the rez, the entire situation takes a sharp turn that leaves everyone more than a little shell-shocked.
It’s di
Pivane arrives late for di
As everyone rises from the di
If there was any question as to what kind of evening this will be, all doubts are chased away by what they see:
Co
“ . . . and the Juvenile Authority, putting an end to rumors and wild speculation, has confirmed that Co
Co
“It is believed that he may be traveling with Lev Calder and Risa Ward, both of whom played prominently in the revolt.”
Risa and Lev’s pictures appear on the screen as well. Not Lev as he is now, but as he was in the old days. Clean-cut, i
“Is this bad?” Grace asks, then answers her own question. “Yeah, this is bad.”
The news cuts to an interview with a pompous representative of the Juvenile Authority, holding a picture of Co
“Our analysts have determined that this picture is authentic and taken a little over two weeks ago. The young man in this picture, Argent Ski
“What!” It comes out of Co
“Anyone who has any information on this fugitive should contact the authorities immediately. Do not try to approach him as he is considered armed and dangerous.”
Lev turns his attention from the TV to Co
“Take it easy, Co
But right now, it seems Co
“A lie,” Elina says calmly, “is a powerful weapon that the Juvenile Authority certainly knows how to wield.”
Grace looks at each of them, a little bit frightened. “Why’s Argent missing? What happened to him?”
And then from behind them. “Who’s Argent? Is he really dead? Did Co
They turn to see Kele, who, in these reeling moments, had been forgotten.
Lev and Elina’s logic could not calm Co
“No, he’s not, and no, I didn’t,” Co
Kele seems only half-convinced, and that worries Lev. He knows the kid is a bit of a loose ca
“So what do we do?” Lev asks Elina, knowing what she’ll say—or at least hoping.
“You’ll stay in our care, of course,” Elina says.
Lev releases his breath. He hadn’t even realized he’d been holding it.
“Like hell we will!” snaps Co
Lev grabs his shoulder to keep him from storming away. “It’s the smart thing to do. No one out there knows we’re here. We can lie low until we’re out of the news.”
“We’ll never be out of the news, Lev! You know that.”
“But it won’t always be the big story like it is today. Give it a few weeks. And maybe by then we can keep under the radar. Taking off now is the stupidest thing we could possibly do.”
“While we’re sitting here, kids from the Graveyard are being unwound!”
“And how much will it crush their spirit if you’re caught?” Lev points out. “As long as you’re free, they have hope.”
“Cowards hide!” says Co
“But warriors lie in wait,” Elina says. “The only difference is whether you’re motivated by fear or purpose.”
That shuts Co
“They think we’re with Risa,” Co
“If she’s sees the report,” Lev points out, “then she’ll know that you’re still alive—so that’s a good thing.”
Co
The news has gone on to the clapper attack of the week, and Pivane turns off the TV. “How long can we realistically keep Co
Lev notices that Kele has taken on a growing look of silent guilt, so Lev asks him point-blank. “Who did you tell, Kele?”
“No one,” he says, and when Lev doesn’t look away, Kele tells the truth. “Just Nova. But she promised not to tell, and I trust her.” Then he adds, “I figured he was safe, since it’s the Juvenile Authority that’s after him, and Co
“It doesn’t matter,” Chal explains. “His so-called crimes happened when he was under their jurisdiction, which means they can chase him into old age.”
Pivane begins pacing, Elina rubs her forehead, as if getting a headache, and Kele looks miserable and forlorn like his dog just died. Lev can already see this begi
“If word does get out,” Chal says, “and the Juvenile Authority calls for us to give him and Lev over, we can refuse. I can make a case for political asylum—and without an extradition treaty, there’s nothing the Juvenile Authority can do.”
Elina shakes her head. “They’ll put pressure on the Tribal Council and the council will give in, like they always do.”