Page 22 of The Red Woman on Mars

“But Wim does?”

Ivey’s forehead wrinkled in a frown. “Reverend Adair has modified a large portion of his body in order to commune directly with the Intelligence. The option is available to all Martians, although only a few of the most devoted have chosen to pursue such an extreme path. Can you imagine willingly consenting to the removal of an eyeball?” She shuddered. “I think not.”

“Is that the only way to communicate with the Intelligence?” Vivian asked.

“For most of us. I’ve heard a rumor that the Secretary uses a device that gives the Intelligence a physical form she can converse with directly and bypass the reverend and his ilk. But I’ve never seen such a device.”

She’d learned more about the history and culture of Mars in her brief time with Ivey than she had in a full week in Wim’s company. More questions bubbled to Vivian’s lips, but she cut them off when Caspian rapped twice on the door frame. “I’ve just heard word that Delilah is ready for release. Join me, Vivian?”

“Of course.” Vivian gulped the last of her coffee and rose with alacrity. “Thank you,” she said to Ivey. “For everything. I hope I can call you a friend.”

Ivey looked up sharply. Had Vivian violated another Martian custom? Were Martians and Earthers not often friends? But then Ivey inclined her head. “Friends, then.”

At the door, Caspian grabbed his top hat from the stand in the front hall and bowed her out of the house.

Vivian thought she’d become accustomed to the stares that had accompanied yesterday’s hospital visit, but the attention was so much greater walking at Caspian’s side. He nodded comfortably at everyone they passed and strode confidently through the hospital halls without an escort.As if he owned the place, Vivian realized with some amusement.

Delilah was sitting up when they entered, the color restored to her cheeks. A wave of relief passed over Vivian. “How are you feeling, baby sis?”

“Just fine,” Delilah said with a tired smile. She looked up at Caspian and blushed. “Mr. Hayes.”

Caspian swept off his top hat and bowed deeply to her. “Miss Bowen, I am so very glad you are recovered. You gave us all quite a scare.”

Delilah stared down at her hands as they twisted the blanket.

Vivian recognized the signs of exhaustion in her normally gregarious sister. “Ready to go? I bet without you to referee, Camille and Luz are about to murder each other.”

“You’re both welcome to stay an extra day,” Caspian said. “It would be my honor to host you in my home.”

Delilah looked pleadingly at Vivian.

“Thanks, but we should be getting back,” Vivian said to Caspian. She was desperate to check her messages again and see if she’d heard from her parents or Evie.

Caspian’s face fell, but he recovered gallantly. “Of course, you must be missing your friends. I will arrange transportation at once. Please, allow me to extend my hospitality until the car is ready.”

Delilah’s eyes widened when Caspian escorted them to the gates of the Hayes House and grew even rounder when they stepped into the bright, wide atrium.

“Xavier! Ivey!” Caspian bellowed. “Come wish our guests well before they are on their way.”

Ivey emerged with good grace and lightly embraced Delilah. “I am so glad you are feeling better.” To Vivian, she said, “I very much enjoyed getting to know you,” and touched the top of her hand.

Xavier took longer to arrive and, when he did, his nose was buried in his reader. “Safe travels,” he said without even looking at her.

Vivian exchanged a glance with Ivey. Honestly, the man was infuriating. And then the groundcar was there, and Vivian and Delilah were whisked away from the estate.

CHAPTER EIGHT

54 Sols to Presentation Day

“You’re home!” Shiloh exclaimed when Vivian opened the dormitory door. “We’ve been so worried.”

Camille pushed past Shiloh to fling her arms around Delilah. Vivian watched her sister’s face soften as she hugged her friend.

Luz met Vivian’s eyes over the crowd of women. “You received a message. From Earth.”

Evie or her parents? Vivian couldn’t wait another minute to find out.

“When?” she demanded as she pulled her sister out of Camille’s embrace and practically dragged her into the dining room.