But we can’t keep on like this. Our job’s tough and our boys need to be free to let off steam, to forget.

They can’t if they’re not al owed to act natural.’

‘I know about the lockdown, Zed told me. But isn’t he a bit exposed out here snowboarding? And Xav’s up the mountain on his own.’

Saul brushed at the leg seam of his jeans, flicking away a speck of dirt. ‘Don’t worry about the boys.

We’ve got security in place. Now we know the savant’s using shielding, we know what we’re looking for. That time in the woods, wel , I suppose you could say we were caught with our pants down.

Not again. And you, you’re being careful?’

‘I am. I don’t go out on my own. Sal y and Simon know to be wary of people we don’t recognize.’

‘Good. Don’t let your guard down.’ We sat in silence for a few moments, unspoken words hanging between us.

‘Zed’s told you, hasn’t he?’

He reached out and squeezed my hand. ‘Karla and I know. And we couldn’t be more pleased. We couldn’t help but notice that something momentous had happened to our son. For your sake, for Zed, for the others, we think he’s right to keep it a secret until this is resolved.’

‘The others?’

‘Sky, I don’t think you understand just what you’re getting yourself into here. You are now Zed’s number one priority, just as Karla is mine. Seeing him find that wil be tough on the others. It wil seem unfair, him being the youngest, that his soulfinder just fel into his lap while the others stil have to look for theirs. They’l be delighted for him, but they wouldn’t be human if they weren’t jealous.’

‘I don’t want to create problems for your family.’

He patted the back of my hand. ‘I know. Just give us time to get through this and they wil look forward to welcoming you as one of us.’

‘But I don’t know about that yet. I’m only just getting used to Zed; I’ve not thought of anything beyond the next few weeks.’

Saul gave a knowing smile. ‘You mustn’t worry, Sky, al wil fal into place in its own time. You haven’t factored in that it’s God and nature working this; you’l feel what you need to feel when you’re ready.’

I hoped he was right. My feelings for Zed were deepening, but they weren’t yet enough to think in terms of a for ever commitment, which is what they were expecting. I knew myself wel enough to realize I’d back off big time if anyone forced the issue. So far, Zed seemed to understand that, but how long would his patience last?

I was real y disappointed that I didn’t see Zed that afternoon, despite hanging out at the end of the runs.

Tina came down first, feeling pretty steamed over a boarder who had almost col ided with her on the slopes.

‘Not Zed?’ I asked anxiously.

‘No, just an idiot with an inflated ego and no brains, otherwise known as Nelson. He was trying to impress me.’ She threw her gear in the back of her car. ‘Ready to go home?’

‘Yeah, thanks. So he’s not persuaded you yet?’

She paused at the driver’s side door. ‘Of what?

That we are perfect for each other? Pur-lease!’

OK: that didn’t sound hopeful but I recognized a snit when I saw one and knew better than to try to advance his case when she was in this mood. I slipped into the passenger seat. She turned the ignition and the car took several tries to catch.

‘Jeez. Sounds bad. It was working fine this morning.’ She thrust into reverse. ‘Heap of junk.’

‘So I take it favourite brother is demoted?’

‘You bet.’

We puttered back into town with the unnerving sensation that the car was about to stal on us every time she slowed for a junction.

‘Ready to get out and push?’ she joked darkly.

We got as far as Main Street when the electrics gave up on us.

‘Tina, I think you’d best take this to the garage.’

‘Yeah, I’m getting that message too.’ She swung onto the forecourt of the Wrickenridge gas station.

Only the pumps were open; the workshops closed for the weekend. Kingsley the mechanic was on duty at the til and came out when hearing an engine in distress.

‘Pop the lid, honey,’ he told Tina. He peered inside and scratched his head. ‘Sounds like the alternator’s gone.’

That made it much clearer—not.

He must have noticed our blank expressions. ‘It charges the battery. Without it, the power drains and you get this.’ He gestured to the car.

‘A dead car.’ Tina kicked the tyre.

‘Temporarily dead car—it’s not fatal. I’l fix it for you tomorrow.’

‘Thanks, Kingsley.’

‘I’l push it into the workshop. It’l be safe enough to leave your gear in the trunk.’

Passing over the car into Kingsley’s capable hands, we were left without a ride.

‘Wel , that blows,’ huffed Tina.

I knew the cure for that. ‘Buy you a triple chocolate chip muffin?’

She perked up immediately. ‘Just what I need.

You’re a good friend, Sky.’

We had a quick bite in the café. I managed to talk her out of her indignation against Nelson, pointing out that he was only over-eager, not malicious, in his attempts to gain her attention.

‘I suppose, but sometimes he acts like a big baby,’ she grumbled. ‘Why can’t he just grow up?’

‘Maybe he’s just on a steep learning curve.’

She smirked. ‘Hey, who’s Yoda now?’

I assumed my best wrinkled old man expression.

‘Nelson, kind he is; chance you must give him.’

She burst into laughter. ‘Get out of here. Yoda so does not have an English accent!’

I raised an eyebrow. ‘Other than that you’re saying I’m a dead ringer?’

‘If the shoe fits.’

‘Sheesh, I hate tal girls.’

Outside the café we had to go our separate ways.

It was getting dark. Streetlights on Main stuttered on, making it seem even darker in the shadows.

‘Thanks for the lesson and sorry about your car.’ I zipped up my jacket.

‘These things happen. I’l have to see if I can put some extra hours in at the store to pay for the repairs. See you later.’

I dug in my pocket for my mobile to tel Sal y and Simon I was heading home.

‘Hi, Sal y? Tina’s had car trouble. I’m walking from Main Street.’

I could hear the sound of tinny music in the background as Sal y’s voice came through. ‘Not on your own?’

‘Yes, I know. Not ideal. Can you come and meet me halfway? I don’t want to walk home alone.’

‘I’m leaving now. I’l see you by the shop. Stay where there are other people around.’

‘Fine. I’l wait inside.’

I slipped the phone in my back pocket. There was about five hundred yards between the café and the shop, and I had to cross an intersection with traffic lights. I felt happy walking it as it was wel lit and there were always lots of people mil ing about.

Setting off up the hil , I wondered how Zed was getting on. He must have stopped boarding now it was dark. Would his dad tel him I’d been over hoping to see him?

I’d almost reached the intersection when a man jogged up behind me. I took a quick glance. Big.

Heavy stubble. He had almost completely shaved his head, apart from a long tail of curly hair at the back. I moved to one side to let him pass.

‘Hey, I think you dropped this.’ He held out a brown leather purse.

‘No, no, it’s not mine.’ I clutched my bag closer to me, knowing ful wel that my red wal et was tucked deep inside it.

He gave me an ‘aw shucks’ grin. ‘That’s kinda strange—because it has your photo in it.’

‘That’s not possible.’ Perplexed I took the purse from him and flipped open the front section. My face stared back at me. A recent candid shot of me with Zed in the school yard. The note pocket was crammed with dol ar bil s, far more money than I ever had. ‘I don’t understand.’ I glanced up at ponytail guy.

There was something off about him. I backed away, thrusting it in his hands. ‘It’s not mine.’