AS I WALKED to my car, I called Ash. As if I"d interrupted him, his brusque response worried me. I asked if he would come for me early. He said he"d open the portal at eight-thirty when everyone would be at the school. He didn"t want to spend more time than necessary when we were so exposed. I asked him how the weather looked. Overcast, but not stormy, and the forecast wasn"t favorable.
AS I WALKED“Ash, you don"t sound happy to hear from me. Is something wrong?”
“We need to talk. The pieces aren"t fitting together and I can"t figure it out. I wish you were here. Are you going back again tonight?”
“I have to be back on Monday. Should I drive instead?” When he didn"t answer, I said, “I don"t mind, but I can"t get to Riverboro until later. I have to go home and pick up my stuff.”
“We only
