FIFTEEN
GIDEON IGNORED THE DOCTOR’S BROAD hint and sauntered to the end of the dock. This was a test. He could ignore the entreaties of lesser minds. It wasn’t even difficult for him. He’d been practicing that discipline for over a decade now. There was no real irritation left in those exchanges anymore. If he felt anything, it was pity. They were trapped in their own flightless realities. He hung his legs over the edge of the dock. How easy it would be to launch himself when the time came.
When the Mercer finally pulled away, he lifted his hand and waved to the nurse. Before she turned, he saw the expression she was trying to hide. This one was different from the rest. “Soon,” he whispered.
Shuffling crablike to a corner of the dock, he settled against the post, closed his eyes and sli
