Chapter Thirty-Seven
Sometime later, Vivian awoke, her back aching from resting in an odd position. Seated in the ship’s only two chairs, Ivey and Caspian conversed quietly. Against the far wall, Xavier and August slept, their heads knocked together.
Vivan pulled to her feet and took two steps to the window.
The rust-colored rocky surface of Mars passed by her vision, dull and unchanging.
She remembered what Delilah had said. She’d never see the ocean again.
This barren planet was her only home now.
Her children—the children she bore Ren—would be unable to fathom the large expanse of water that had been the Bowen sisters’ childhood backyard.
The largest body of water her children would know firsthand could very well be the rumored Nakamura koi pond.
The Arcadia dome had risen into view over the horizon when Ivey called, “You’d better come see this.”
Vivian jerked her head away from the window and moved with the others to the front of the ship. Delilah’s color was restored, and her eyes were alert.
“We’re finally close enough for the Arcadian news feed,” Ivey said.
On the screen, a stiff Martian newscaster frowned grimly into the camera.
“With one day to go until Presentation Day, concern mounts as two Red Mothers remain missing. Counselor Xavier Dorsey, a known opponent of the Red Mothers initiative, has not been spotted in days. Coincidence or conspiracy? At this point, all options are possible.”
The video cut to Zuri Dorsey walking rapidly down the street, face obscured by an enormous floppy hat.
“Counselor Dorsey’s sister refuses to comment.
Arcadia Life has watched the Dorsey Estate since the news broke and have seen no sign of Xavier Dorsey.
Where is he? And what does he know about the disappearance of Earther sisters Vivian and Delilah Bowen? ”
Ivey turned off the video screen, and they eased back into the main cabin.
Xavier scowled and leaned against the wall.
“Journalists. Always sensationalizing. Vivian, I’ll escort you to the Council chamber tomorrow.
After the presentation ceremony, I’ll speak to my aunt and ensure she’ll let Delilah out of her contract without a fuss.
We need to keep Delilah out of sight until I speak with Aunt Constance.
I don’t want media attention to put pressure on her decision. ”
“We should go to Hayes House,” Caspian offered. “We can bring a discreet doctor for Delilah from the hospital.”
Xavier grunted. “That’s fine for you three. But we don’t know if anyone will notice that Caspian and Ivey have been gone for the last day as well. It’ll be easier to get in undetected than to get back out again. Vivian and I should look elsewhere if we wish to arrive on time for Presentation Day.”
“Dorsey House?” Vivian touched Xavier’s arm without thinking.
Xavier looked down at her fingers where they rested on his bicep with an unreadable expression. “Out of the question. Reporters will be climbing the gates to sleep at my front door tonight.”
“Stay at my flat downtown,” August offered. “The media isn’t aware of its existence. You can leave from there to the Council chamber in the morning and put these rumors to rest.”
“I’ll track down something suitable for Vivian to wear on Presentation Day,” Ivey added. “I’ll bring it to you in the morning, if I can get away without any journalists spotting me.”
Vivian took her sister’s hand. “I hate the idea of leaving you. After all the trouble I went through to get you back.”
Delilah squeezed. “You did it, Viv. You saved me. I’ll be okay with Caspian and Ivey.”
“I promise, Vivian, we’ll take excellent care of your sister,” Caspian said.
Vivian met Caspian’s eyes. “You gave your research to River. For Delilah.”
Caspian looked down at Delilah and a faint blush stained his cheeks. “I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
Vivian blew out her breath. She couldn’t stay with her sister and also find Ren on Presentation Day. She had to choose. “Alright. We can go to the flat.”