Page 82 of Facade

Some of the cats ignored her with typical feline dismissal. Many watched, and seemed to listen attentively as she spoke, though. Those had keen intelligence in their eyes.

Animals had also evolved after the meteor bombardment. Like humans, some changed faster than others. She had no doubt that these cats were smarter than their ancestors.

Clarke told all of them how proud she was of their hunting skills before heading back upstairs with two of the cages. She stopped in her office to type a notice to post on the board.

The note asked if it would be possible to get another tractor-tire litter box, offering to contribute to the cost of it. It was the only way she could think of to contact the anonymous benefactor.

Whoever this guy was, he did check the board. He had delivered the tires after the posted request for donations. Without leaving his name, he’d replied to her note thanking him for the tires, and raving about how fantastic they were.

The man had written that it was a worthy cause. He was glad to contribute, and that his efforts were appreciated. Clarke didn’t recognize his handwriting from any of the signup sheets or memos. She guessed that he must be an older student who didn’t spend much time in the dorm.

It didn’t really matter, though. As curious as she was, Clarke wouldn’t try to figure out his identity. If he was willing to bring another tire to the basement for the cats, she would be happy. He had the right to remain anonymous if he chose to.

After pinning the memo to the board, Clarke returned to her apartment. She threw a lightweight hoodie on over her sweatpants and t-shirt. Checking to make sure she had her phone, wallet, and keys, Clarke locked her apartment. After another quick tour of the dorm, she went out the back door to wait for Jace.

Heath

He’d called his parents shortly after Clarke and 007 left his house the previous night. His dads and mom asked dozens of questions, wanting to know everything. As Heath had expected, they were overjoyed that he’d bonded a mate, and sympathetic to Clarke’s situation.

All three of them swore fervently that they would keep her secrets. Then they nagged Heath to bring Clarke and Jace out to meet them over winter break. They wanted to meet her as soon as possible.

Heath was also looking forward to introducing Clarke and Jace to his parents. One reason he’d wanted to be honest with them about the situation was due to his mother having a seat on the regional board of education. She could be pivotal to preventing Clarke from suffering negative consequences when this was over.

He had no doubt that his mother would support Clarke, and do what she could to keep her from being penalized regardless. She would be motivated to help regardless. But the fonder Heath’s mom and dads were of Clarke, the better.

Going to his parents’ would be safer for Clarke maintaining her disguise than them traveling here. Heath promised to mention it, but said he wasn’t sure it would be feasible. It depended entirely on how much they did and didn’t know at that point.

Clarke probably wouldn’t want to leave if Charlie hadn’t been found by then, and Heath wouldn’t push her to do so. A mostly deserted campus would be easier to search.

If they were able to find and rescue Charlie and Dr. Prentis, there was no telling what condition they might be in after months of captivity. Even if neither required medical attention, Clarke would want to spend time with her father. Charlie would be welcome at Heath’s parents’ home in Vermont, but the idea might not be appealing to him.

There was also the matter of the third mate. If Clarke bonded him before winter break, they would need to take his feelings and schedule into account. He and Clarke would need to nurture the bond, but he might not be free to take a vacation on short notice. Making concrete plans wouldn’t be smart with so many variables.

One way or another, it would all sort out. Having his parents come out was an option. They would just have to be careful not to do or say anything that could expose Clarke.

His mom was already talking about helping Clarke get a position at Venus. Heath had mentioned what a great teacher Clarke was, and how good she was with the students.

He hadn’t discussed the possibility of teaching at Venus to Clarke yet. But in his mind, it was the perfect solution. Clarke loved her job, and helping the underage students adjust to their powers.

Heath thought about all of this as he arranged snack trays, and set out a pitcher of fresh lemonade. Next were coasters, dips, and a bowl of chips. That should do it. They could nibble while they planned.

He chose the dining room for their meeting with Russell. The whiteboard was close for reference, and the table would be convenient for note-taking. It was a better setting for strategizing than the living room.

Rascal meowed, and ran to the front door, causing Heath to look in that direction. Sure enough, he heard the sound of a car in the drive, followed by doors closing.

Jace was parking next to Russell’s car when Heath opened the front door. Russell greeted Jace and Clarke before climbing the porch steps. He was dressed casually, and carrying a satchel.

“Hey, Heath. Thanks for having me over,” Russell said, then looked down. “Well, aren’t you a handsome fella? What’s your name?”

Russell leaned down to pet Rascal, who was weaving around his legs. “This is Rascal,” Heath replied. “He’s taken on the role of welcome committee.”

“And you do such a good job,” Russell said.

Rascal purred, and let Russell give him another scratch behind the ears. Then he ran to lavish attention on Clarke and Jace.

Instead of being annoyed that Russell basically ignored him in favor of his cat, Heath was pleased. He was being himself rather than trying to create a particular impression. It was honest. Showing himself to be an animal lover was proof in Heath’s mind that Russell was a caring person.

Heath hugged Clarke and kissed her on the cheek when they were all in the house with the door closed. Clarke took off the charm bracelet, and hung it on a coat hook by the door.