Gives Light(Gives Light Series) (34 page)
Annie dug her knuckles into my side. I gave her Gremlin eyes.
"School starts in a few days," she said. "And you haven't even looked at your book report, have you?"
Well, no, I thought, an impish grin making its way across my face. I was content to let Rafael put my name on his work without a second glance.
"You're worse than my little sister," Annie said, turning her head on me.
I watched Annie's little sister skipping with the minnows in the shallow water. I didn't bother hiding a smile. I thought back to those missing children's photos in the police station with a distant pang of half-remembered remorse.
At least some children found their way home.
"The hell's that thing floating in the water?"
I looked up. Rafael was pointing at the muddy lakeshore. I couldn't see what he was referring to; his big, broad back was obstructing my view.
He went down the sloping terrain without another word. I caught Annie's gaze and she rolled her eyes. Aubrey hummed cheerfully, culling watercress for a snack.
Compliantly--how could I not?--I got up and followed Rafael to the lakeshore.
He bent down and fished something out of the water. He stood up and turned toward me.
In his hands was a beaded willow basket--waterlogged, but none the worse for wear.
"The hell's a basket doing in the lake? And it doesn't even have a message in it, or a baby. That's lame. Sky? What're you smiling at?"
Was I smiling? I hadn't noticed.
Well, okay. That's a lie.
Some children found their way home. Some found it just in the nick of time, too. Imagine how crappy it would be to grow up without the comfort of your own bed, or the distinct landscapes of your friend's faces. Or your Granny's roasted acorn tea.
I bent down and splashed water at him. I'm afraid it was just a ruse, though. You see, I only meant to cover the sounds of a soundless laugh.
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