Spy High by Diane Henders

Author:Diane Henders
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: suspense, mystery, espionage, romantic, series, humorous, women sleuths, speculative, amateur sleuths, racy
Publisher: Diane Henders

Chapter 23

“Fuck, really?” I demanded of no one in particular as I jogged through the dark forest, my night vision headgear thudding my forehead while a burgeoning headache thumped my skull from the inside.

Deciding to use my breath to better purpose, I concentrated on pacing myself. I was probably a little less than a mile away from the commune, so if I kept up a good pace I should make it to the main building in ten minutes or so. Since everybody else would be waking from a dead sleep and throwing on clothes before running to the Calling, I’d probably arrive around the same time as the last of the stragglers.

That would look normal, except that my clothes were soaked and I’d be red-faced and sweating by the time I got there. But what the hell, everybody would be half-asleep anyway, and it was dark. They probably wouldn’t notice. And it was still raining, so I wouldn’t be the only one looking like a drowned rat.

I spared a moment of envy for Nichele. She’d be warm and dry in the main building, all set to meditate in comfort. I hoped she’d brought a jacket with her this time. She’d need it for our hike to the field.

I groaned at the thought of another hike and forced my legs to keep moving. God, if I lay down to meditate I might never get up again.

A sudden report made me duck and leap sideways. Panting with the extra exertion and adrenaline, I shook my head at my own idiocy and kept jogging, too winded to even swear. The fireworks continued in a sporadic exchange, getting louder as I neared the commune.

I glimpsed some distant heat signatures hurrying in the direction of the main building and halted to stuff my headset into my pocket. Orion likely wouldn’t be wearing his, but I couldn’t take the chance.

Slowed to the careful pace required by my tiny flashlight, I had almost regained my breath by the time I trotted up to accept my mat from Aurora. A few other people crowded in behind me, so I didn’t even merit a disapproving look.

Spreading out the mat in my designated spot, I collapsed onto it, managing to stifle my moan.

A sharp elbow in my shoulder made me jerk into sitting position, staring wildly around the dim room. “What?” I snapped.

“Shhh!” The man beside me gave me a dirty look. “You were snoring. Again.”

“Oh.” I sank back onto the mat. “Sorry.”

“Shhh.”

Suitably chastened, I stretched my eyes wide, fighting sleep. That worked for a few minutes, until a porcine snort from my own throat roused me from slumber again. I shook my head vigorously, digging my nails into my palms.

Do not fall asleep. Do not…

Snort.

I jerked awake again and chanced a sidelong look at my neighbour. His eyes were tightly closed and he was humming determinedly, but a scowl knitted his brows together.

Do not fall asleep. Do not fall asleep…

At last the gong released me from my misery and I dragged myself to my feet, mumbling an apology to my neighbour.

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