Read Online The Stars Down Under by Sandra McDonald - Free Book Online Page A

alone.”
    He trudged home from the train station in the darkness. She was dozing on the sofa when he let himself in. He hurried to their bedroom and closed the door behind him.
    There were no marks on his face, except for irritation where the tape glue had been. His wrists wouldn’t look pretty come morning. Myell turned on the shower and climbed in under hot water. Only under its strong torrent did he allow himself to close his eyes, and lean against the shower wall, and let himself tremble.
    *   *   *
    Without meaning to, Jodenny had fallen asleep on the ugly sofa. When she woke the sky was full dark and the shower was running in the master bathroom.
    She poked her head into the bathroom. “Terry?”
    â€œYou were sleeping,” he said from behind the shower screen and a cloud of steam. “Didn’t want to wake you.”
    Jodenny yawned at her mirror reflection. “I tried to reach you. Is your bee working?”
    â€œIt’s been frizzing out all day. Sorry I was late—a few unexpected things came up.”
    â€œSchool was okay?”
    Myell reached for a bar of soap. “Every day’s something new. I’ll get the hang of it. Did you eat?”
    Jodenny thought of Farber’s words. Hostile environment. She said, “I’m starving. Want to go to Mexwax?”
    He didn’t answer for a moment.
    â€œCome on,” she wheedled. “Quesadillas and tequila.”
    â€œOkay,” he said.
    Jodenny was glad. No doubt they both needed a little cheering up. She slipped into a little blue dress and was surprised when Myell ducked into his closet to pull on his clothes. Usually he dressed in front of her. He emerged wearing slacks and a black shirt, one of her favorites.
    â€œYou look great,” he said, and kissed her cheek. His skin was still warm from the shower, his hair damp, and he had a little rash around his mouth. Jodenny touched it gingerly.
    â€œDid you eat something you were allergic to?”
    He looked at himself in the mirror. “Maybe. I didn’t notice.”
    They took their own flit. Myell drove, refusing to put the car on autopilot. Traffic was light. A landscape of darkened stores, empty office parks, and carefully tended public parks slid by their windows, silvery in the moonlight.
    â€œDid they tell you what you’re going to be teaching?” Jodenny asked.
    â€œThey’re still trying to figure that out. What about you? Your day was okay?”
    She studied his profile. He had always been private, reticent, unwilling to complain. But she trusted that if he was having serious problems with Captain Kuvik or anyone else at school, he’d tell her about them. Farber’s words had been meant to unsettle her, nothing more.
    â€œI found out more about Dr. Gayle,” Jodenny said. “She has a great reputation.”
    He nodded, his attention on the road.
    â€œI spoke to her some more. I don’t think what she’s asking for is unreasonable.”
    Myell said, “You want to help.”
    â€œYes.”
    His gaze didn’t waver from the windshield. “And if I asked you not to? Because I don’t think it’s a good idea to become involved, and because I worry about your safety?”
    Jodenny reached over and touched his arm. “Is your worry worth sacrificing nine lives?”
    Myell didn’t answer. Jodenny listened to the hum of the flit until they reached Mexwax, a sprawling adobe-style restaurant on a hill overlooking Kimberley’s western suburbs. They were seated by a window with a good view, and their food came quickly. Jodenny’s basil and ricotta enchilada was excellent. Myell only picked at soup and salad. She told him stories about herself as a young ensign in Supply School and the embarrassing gaffes she’d made. He smiled at all the right times and ordered two shots of tequila, though he barely touched the second.
    Halfway through dessert she