Page 83 of Mouse Trapped

“As you say,” Prez’s eyes have narrowed, “but we can’t afford to miscalculate. Our information could be misleading.”

Devil nods, then focuses on me. “You were saying, Mouse?”

He’s right, I haven’t finished. “I’ve got an idea about how we can deal with the numbers.”

Even those not going lean forward interested and let me proceed without interruption while I explain what’s on my mind. When I finish, Prez nods approvingly. “We’ll reassess when we get there. But I like it. I like it a lot.” He breaks off, an unusual smile comes to his face. “If it works, Mouse, think you might be stuck with a new handle.”

“Chief! Fuckin’ called it.”

It’s only Peg’s firm hand holding my arm that keeps me in my seat. And Shooter’s scalp in place.

After the meeting, I go to find Drew. He’s retreated to his suite next to mine, and is sprawled out on the bed doing his homework. He looks up, his face worried, when he sees me leaning against the door frame.

“Shouldn’t you be in bed?” I ask. It’s going on eleven o’clock.

He shoots me a look only a teenager can master, then jerks his chin down to his work. “Need to hand this in tomorrow.”

Can’t fault him for his diligence. “When you’re finished…”

“I am.” He puts down his pen. “Just been checking it over.”

“Need a word.” Walking across, I move some papers out of the way, and sit down on the bed, cross-legged.

“Yeah, I’m sorry.”

“Sorry?”

He’s mumbling, looking down. “What I called you. Didn’t mean to be disrespectful.”

I snort, realising he’s referring to when he’d seen me going down to the storeroom earlier. “Hey, Buddy. That was the effect I was going for, okay? You’ve spent time on the Rez. You know today’s Navajo aren’t any different from anyone else. But sometimes it can be effective to pretend. To fulfil another’s expectation. To play on their fears. You with me?”

“Did it work?” he asks eagerly. “What about the men who tried to take me?”

“Yeah, it did.” I grin. “Questioned them. Got answers. Sent them on their way.” I don’t add they’ve been dispatched with a one-way ticket to meet Satan.

His eyes widen. “Fucking pussies. They gave all the info up? Just because you had war paint on?”

I punch his arm lightly. “Worked on the white folks, didn’t it? Scared the shit out of the settlers when they saw us all dressed up.”

He giggles, like he’s meant to.

I chuckle too, then grow serious. “You okay, Drew? After today?” I worry he might have been scared and that being in danger might have scarred him.

“Fuck, yeah, Mouse. With all the brothers there? I knew nothing could go wrong. You all had my back.”

Not for the first time, I worry about him starting swearing, but don’t have it in me to admonish him now. I give him a nod, then tell him, “We think we know where Mariana is… Drew! Sit down. Whatever you’re thinkin’, forget it. There is no way on this earth you’re comin’ along. Okay?” I wipe my hand back through my hair in exasperation. “We didn’t keep you safe today, just to lose you tomorrow.”

“Is that when you’re going?”

With a jerk of my head, I confirm it.

He stares at me. An expression so fierce, any of my ancestors would be proud of it. He looks like he’s going to beg to come along. I’m starting to compose arguments in my head why he shouldn’t, when he surprises me. “Just promise me you’ll bring her back, Mouse. If I can’t come with you, I want to know I can trust you.”

“Drew. If I can’t bring her back, it will be because I’ve died trying.” It’s true. I’ll give my life for hers, die before I give up. The thought doesn’t worry me. The brothers coming with me will be of the same mind, which means we won’t fail. There’s too much to lose. For all of us.

In the morning, he says goodbye like a man. A handshake, a brotherly hug, a slap on my leather. I step back, holding him at arm’s length, ignoring his watery eyes. “I’ll bring her back,” I make the promise again. “I’ll be in touch as soon as we’ve got news.”

“Don’t worry, Drew. Cell reception might be non-existent where we’re going,” Drummer has the forethought to add. “Just because we can’t call, doesn’t mean we haven’t been successful.”