26BacklashConn and Tazia got back to the club to find Kevin waiting by himself. He took one look at their bloodstained clothing and tired postures, and poured doubles, pushing the glasses into their hands. They both collapsed onto the bar stools and swiftly downed the drinks.
Every exhausted step from the scene of the explosion had tested Tazia's resilience. She had yet to explain to Conn exactly what had happened outside the warehouse, not able to find either the words or energy. It was unclear whether he was angry. Apart from checking that she wasn't seriously injured, he hadn’t spoken. His shoulders slumped, though, as if he, too, felt each of his many years on the planet.
“That explosion, was it you?” Kevin's question was directed squarely at Conn as he refilled both glasses, increas
