AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Of course I’d like to live with you! You and me and the Tot.”
Relief washes through me. Although we’ve only known each other a few days, and even though I’m in rut, what we’ve shared has seemed utterly real and deep and meaningful. By the affection shining on her face, she feels it, too.
“And your book? It will have to be on hold.” We’re so connected, it’s as though I can feel not only her happiness but her pain. Her books are so important to her, as is her freedom. I’m well aware of how much being confined to base is going to torture her.
“Yes. I won’t be able to write that book without being able to travel.”
I’m still kneeling in front of her. Gripping her hands in mine, I squeeze them, wanting her to feel my empathy and concern at her loss.
“Colonel Slater, sir?” she asks. “I don’t expect an answer now, but I’d like your permission to be the official splicer photographer. Don’t worry. I won’t post them. Just let me take pictures of these guys in their daily activities. That is, if they give their permission.”
Though she’s squeezing my hands, she’s looking at him.
“I’ll humanize them. That’s what you’ll need, right? When this thing splashes all over the front pages of every paper and blog in the world, you’ll want goodwill. I’ll do another coffee-table book and a website. There will be pictures of them playing with my dog or engaged in a game of flag football or cooking or… I don’t know, a thousand things that every human does.”
When did she have time to give this any thought? It appears she’s not only come up with a rough idea, but has fleshed out some details. My chest expands, filling with pride at how she’s not crying or bemoaning her fate, but is making this into an opportunity.
Her beautiful eyes are sparkling as she leans forward to engage the man who has decision-making power over this amazing idea.
“Before the haters start their hate campaign, every human on Earth will see these males in action. How can you fear someone when you see them eating and drinking and playing and loving just like you do? And I’ll release the images only after you review them and give your approval.”
“I can see how your book got to the top of its category, Miss Quinn. You have a knack for PR. I’ll read your…” He consults her file and smirks as he continues, “Roadkill Chronicles: A Roadside Eulogy, then run this by my superiors. If I approve, I’ll give it my highest endorsement, which is usually all they need to hear.”
Cally’s smile is ear to ear. “Where do I sign? Oh, Sir, can you get someone to secure my car and Bambi?” When his eyebrows hit his hairline, she laughs, “My Airstream Bambi trailer.”
“Ah. Of course. I’ll get Barton to retrieve and secure it for you in the barracks compound. You’ll get the keys to the trailer but not the vehicle. I’m sure you understand.”
As she nods in agreement, I can’t wait a moment longer to pull Cally into the tightest embrace I can give without hurting her.
“Okay, you two. Get a room. As it just so happens, I have one available.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Cally
I doubt even Alice in Wonderland found her life as odd and surreal as I do right now. As if meeting a rutting elk-guy wasn’t enough, I’ve fallen for him big-time, am confined to this humongous property, and am about to shack up with someone I’ve known less than a handful of days.
But wait, there’s more.
Colonel Slater himself escorts us out of the Army office building and through what appears to be the military area of the base and then gives us a tour.
“Here are the Army offices. Over there is where the enlisted men sleep.” He gestures broadly. “We only allow males on base, other than the handpicked civilian females we invited to help the splicers—shit, we’re supposed to call them hybrids, though I’m not sure that name will ever stick.”
He picks up the pace, then glances behind to ensure we’re following him.
“The women were chosen to help create a tourist attraction on what we call Main Street. It’s leftover from an old television show that depicted the Old West. It’s been here since the 60s and looks like a ghost town.”
He points at a V-shaped building made of what looks like reclaimed wood.
“The north wing is for women. To the south is the splicer wing. They’re connected with a common rec area.”
They look new, yet were built to fit in with the Old West theme, as opposed to the shiny new, metallic military structures we just passed.
“And here’s Main Street.”
We turn onto a wide dirt street, bounded on both sides by raised wooden walkways that border wooden buildings.
“This is Wild About Ice Cream. Best I’ve ever tasted. It’s open every day. Here we have Mane Street Fashions. Since we don’t have any tourists, there’s little inventory, just window dressing for now. Our bookstore, Between the Covers, is fully stocked, but we’ve also got a free lending library in the rec area.”
