The smell of breakfast wafted in from the cafeteria, but Ruddy wasn’t hungry. He stared out the window of the jeep, replaying the scene with Cymber over and over.

  Is something wrong, Ruddy?

  He jumped and hit his head on roof of the Jeep.

  Gah! he said. Teri! You scared me. I thought I had a wall up.

  Um … you did. I was worried about you. I haven’t talked to you all morning. Why are you sitting out there by yourself?

  Leave me alone.

  Why?

  You tell me. You’re the one who can read minds.

  Just tell me what’s wrong, Teri said.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  He slumped in the seat. I made a fool out of myself, Teri. I kissed Cymber.

  I know. She’s been wanting you to do that since we got here.

  What? Ruddy sat up and hit his head on the roof of the jeep again. Ow! How do you know that? Did you read her mind?

  I don’t need to read her mind. She lights up like a Christmas tree every time she sees you.

  Then why is she mad at me?

  She isn’t. Why would she be?

  Because she left in the middle of the night. Everyone said she was mad.

  Yeah, at Fred. She got so angry she almost lost control of her powers. Fred made her leave so she wouldn’t hurt anyone.

  So … she’s not mad at me?

  Well, she did mention that she was going to kill Freeman and Lloyd for getting you so drunk she couldn’t have her way with you.

  Ruddy groaned. Why did I drink so much? I really am an idiot! He thought of Cymber, the feel of her skin under his hands …

  Ruddy!

  Sorry, sorry. Hey, you’re the one who broke through my wall.

  And I’m glad I did. Why don’t you come on in? I’m getting some breakfast, come eat with me.

  But everyone will wonder where I’ve been.

  There were a few seconds of silence. Ruddy, I’m sort of uncomfortable eating by myself. Please.

  Oh. Oh! Okay, I’ll be right there.