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“How long have you known about this change of plans?” he asked.

“Three days,” Amrita admitted.

“Hmm.” Buffalo suppressed a snort. His tension was palpable.

“Hmm what?” Amrita challenged. Did he think she enjoyed canceling their plans? It wasn’t like she was going on alternative weekend getaways. She hadn’t taken any time off in ages. She could see that Will and Zani had started to squirm uncomfortably in their seats, like two children whose parents were arguing, but she didn’t care.

“You already postponed our plans to get away for the weekend four weeks ago,” he said. “And six weeks before that.”

This was true. She’d been called away to Budapest to resolve a bitter dispute between two rival covens. And the time before, she’d had to officiate at a contentious mixed-blood wedding where the bride was fae royalty and the groom came from a notorious siren clan. It was hardly a picnic.

“Yes, I did cancel. Both times. I know. I told you it was unavoidable. Something came up.”

“Something always comes up.” Buffalo’s voice was quiet, controlled. Almost too controlled.

“I’m aware. It’s not what I wanted, Buffalo. But I am the director and⁠—”

“Yes, I know, you have to solve sixteen international crises before breakfast each and every day,” Buffalo finished. He exhaled. “It’s not like I’m unaware what it’s like to be responsible for others, Amrita. I run a large corporation myself. But at some point, you need to put yourself first.”

“I am putting myself first,” Amrita argued. And for once, she meant it.

Too late she realized that Buffalo hadn’t entirely meant what he said, though. He wasn’t urging her to put herself first. What he really wanted, but couldn’t bring himself to say, was that he wanted her to put them first.

Buffalo sighed and looked at her longingly for a moment. Then reached out to take his teacup.

“Never mind,” he said. He pulled a side chair over to the desk and sat down in it beside Will. “Obviously you’ve got good reasons and you already have a plan in mind, and these poor kids look like they’re about to jump out of their skin. I appreciate that you’re keeping me in the loop. Tell us everything.”

“How many people do you think your dirigible can safely port?” Amrita looked to Will now. She was not familiar with the mechanics of the time hopping vehicle he’d inherited from his mentor Burnside Porter.

“Actually, I’m not sure,” Will admitted. “I’ve only ever time-ported with Zani. Hypothetically speaking, it shouldn’t make a difference though.”

“Then it won’t be a problem for me to tag along with the two of you on the mission to Alexandria.” Amrita ticked off the first question on her list.

Zani’s eyes went wide. “You would leave your post here at the Society? Don’t you need someone to sign off on that?”

“Well, yes and no,” Amrita answered. “Yes, I will be leaving my post. Very temporarily. And no, I don’t need anyone else to sign off. I’m the director, remember?”

“Aren’t you worried about leaving?” Will asked.

“I’m sure everyone will be fine without me for a bit.” Amrita smiled. “I’m hoping that I won’t be gone for long. If we could aim to be back in, say, an hour or two after we left?”

The thought of leaving her post behind, even if only for an hour or two, was thrilling. No matter where she went, or what she was doing, the Society always seemed to have a way of tracking her down. Messages came in on her telepathic watch at the most inopportune times. And gods forbid she take the thing off. Her staff was not above contacting her by other means. Crop circles, channeled spirits, carrier pigeons. She had seen and heard it all. Nowhere was safe. But what about nowhen?

“Actually, I can’t promise to get you back within such a narrow time frame,” Will admitted. “Temporal reinsertions can be tricky. It might be ten minutes later, and it might be ten days.” He shrugged apologetically. “I’m still working on sticking the landing when it comes to getting back in time.”

“Oh, well,” Amrita waved a hand, “then they’ll figure out how to do without me. I’m sure you’ll do your best.”

Zani and Will exchanged a worried look.

“Is there a reason you have to come?” Will asked. He sounded hurt again. “Don’t you trust us?”

“There is a reason,” Amrita admitted. “But it has nothing to do with you, Will. It’s just something I must do. That’s all I can tell you.” She glanced over at Buffalo who was observing her through narrowed eyes.

“Why are you letting me in on this?” he asked. “You never let me know the details of Society business.”

“I just… feel so terrible about ruining our date again.” Amrita exhaled.

“So don’t ruin it,” Buffalo said. “Send these two off as planned and come to Catalina with me.”