Page 14

Further along the path, they came to a signage marking locations of the cabins. “This is useful,” he said. He glanced at his tablet and then at the sign. “My cabin is this way.” Maklr pointed.

“Mine too,” whispered Nell.

They reached the last cabin, a small wooden building that blended into the picturesque scenery of the area, on the path and Nell placed her key card against the door. She hesitated as the door slid open.

“Do you want to come in with me, and I can check that everything is safe?” Maklr asked, noticing her pause. Nell nodded.

Inside, it opened into a kitchen and dining area. A living room with a two cushioned couch faced an enormous video screen that covered a wall. A fireplace with a stone hearth rested at the far end of the room. Behind the living room through a door, was the lone bedroom with a large bed and half bathroom. Down the hall to the left was a full bathroom with a stone tub, while a room Nell had never seen before opened on the right.

Maklr explained the room was a holographic suite so if the weather turned, any occupants could program it to turn into anything they wanted.

“Do you feel safe being on your own?” Maklr asked.

Nell made the thumbs up signal, walking him to the door.

He waited outside the cabin for half a dozen minutes, hoping she’d come back out, but she didn’t. Maklr sighed, brought up the map of cabin listings on his tablet, and turned back, looking for his cabin. He wandered down the path, scanning for the number the receptionist printed on the key card.

Half an hour later, he groaned. “It can’t be. There’s no way that the receptionist did this by accident. What a load of faal shit,” he cursed. Reluctantly, he walked back to the cabin assigned to Nell. He knocked. Nell opened the door, eyes questioning. “Nell,I think they made a mistake.” Nell tilted her head. “Can I try something?” he asked. She nodded. “Shut the door for a second, please.”

He let the door close with a click before counting to ten. Then he pressed his entry key to the panel against the door. It hissed open. “This can’t be right,” Maklr murmured. “Let me try again.” Maklr’s horns elongated. He forced himself to remain calm so as not to scare Nell. He pressed his entry key to the panel again. The door opened a second time. “There must have been a mistake.”

“What?” Nell whispered.

“Let me go back and fix it. I’m sure they gave me the wrong key.” Maklr tried to keep his voice neutral. “I think the receptionist gave me a duplicate key for your room,” he said. “It’s got to be a mistake. When I come back, I’ll knock to let you know what happened.” Used to Nell not responding, he continued. “Would you mind if I left my bag here?” he asked. Nell reached and took his bag, placing it inside the door. “I’ll be back shortly,” he said. He turned and walked with a purpose toward the main building.

While she waited for Maklr to return, Nell puttered around the small cabin unpacking her two bags. She kept glancing at the bathroom waiting to take a shower until she was sure she was alone and could lock every door possible. Satisfied all her belongings were within easy grasp should she need to escape she had just stepped into the kitchenette to cook a meal, when someone knocked on the door.

“It’s Maklr,” he called. Nell opened the door.

Nell stared at him, unblinking. “Fixed?”

“Not quite. Nell, this is the last thing I wanted to tell you, but this is the last cabin they have. If you’d let me in, I’ll comm Charlotte and Bavrilz, have them come get me. Zand might have access to a conveyance.”

Frustrated, Maklr fumbled with his tablet, taking a few tries to dial a communication code while Nell sat at the table, waiting. “Charlotte?”

“Mak? Why are you calling? You’re supposed to be on vacation.”

“There’s a bit of a situation.”

“Situation? Is Nell all right?”

“She’s fine. It’s not that.” Maklr explained the resort’s room mix-up. “What am I supposed to do?”

“Stay there?” Charlotte sounded confused.

“Charlie, you don’t understand. I can’t do this to Nell. I can’t stay here with her. She doesn’t feel safe.”

“Well, there’s nothing I can do, Mak. I’m a continent away,” Charlotte said. “I finished rounds and I’m headed out for my own version of rest and relaxation.”

“What about Navil and Ivy?” Nell chewed on her lower lip.

“I’m sorry, they’re visiting Navil’s family.” Charlotte paused.

A deep male voice, ringing with laughter, called her name. “There he is now,” Charlotte said. “I’m on my way,” she called to the unknown male. “Seriously Maklr, things have a way of working out,” she said before hanging up.

Maklr’s hands shook. He sat at the wooden table staring at his communicator. “I know. Let me try Bavrilz.”

Bavrilz’s rich voice filled the dining area. He listened quietly while Maklr explained the situation. “You’re on mandatory leave. I can’t get you out of there.”