The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher by E.M. Anderson

Author:E.M. Anderson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hansen House
Published: 2023-04-21T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

The Carmichael Center and Museum, the main tourist attraction at the Barstow School of Gallantry, was white and columned and hung with a banner proclaiming the upcoming conference. Its lobby was cool and dim, but the welcome center was more brightly lit and included a gift shop, an information desk, a cafe, bathrooms, and a drinking fountain. The carpet-ride there had been long and hot, the skylanes filled with traffic, and Edna slurped water up gratefully.

She headed for the information desk with Clem close at her side. Benjamin paused by the gift shop, itching to examine the tchotchkes on display, then hurried after them. Kiernan trailed after him, fists clenched in his pockets. He couldn't stop glancing around. He wasn't in any danger here, he knew, but the stark lobby reminded him too much of the base he'd joined at seventeen.

At the information desk, a young man flipped through a magazine.

“Hi there,” Edna said. “I’m looking for my granddaughter, she’s a squire, and I was wondering if—”

“Can’t help you,” the young man interrupted in a bored voice.

Clem raised her eyebrows. Edna continued before she could butt in.

“If you could point me in the direction of a directory or—”

“The directory’s here,” the young man said, “but it won’t do you any good. Campus is closed to the public today.”

“The public, yes, but my understanding was that family—”

“Unless you’re enlisted, no dice. There’s a conference in two days and they’ve got intensive testing and training going on before they’re overrun. The museum’s the only place you can be until tomorrow.” He turned another page. “I’m surprised your granddaughter didn’t tell you.”

Edna faltered. “Oh, well, you see, she actually doesn’t know we’re here. It’s her birthday this week, so I thought I’d surprise her—”

“You’ll have to surprise her tomorrow.”

Clem’s eyes were snapping. It was a good thing Edna, not Clem, was holding onto the Sword of Destiny.

Benjamin moved closer to Clem than he really wanted to, with that look on her face, and said in a low voice, “It's fine. Edna's got this.”

Clem clenched her fists. Sparks leapt from her fingers. Benjamin jerked away. Kiernan didn't notice, glancing around the building, his whole body tensed.

“If you could tell me what dorm she’s in,” Edna said hastily. “Even if I can’t visit until tomorrow, surely—”

The young man snapped his magazine shut. “Look, lady. You can’t get in to see her. If I could confirm with her, you’re supposed to be here, that’d be one thing. But if I tell you what dorm she’s in, and you sneak in to see her when you’re not supposed to—”

“I would never,” Edna said, ignoring Benjamin's snort behind her.

“—that’s on me. I could lose my job, the Knights are insane about security, so—”

“Where is she?” Clem snarled.

“Oh, dear,” Edna said.

“I can’t tell you,” the young man repeated.

Clem slapped her hands on the desk. Sparks raced up her arms. “Bullshit.”

“Clementine,” Edna said.

“Shut up.”

Sparks showered the young man’s magazine. It burst into flame.

Benjamin pulled Edna away from the desk with a yelp.

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