Page 62 of The Red Woman on Mars

“Is this why you’ve been fighting so hard against the Red Mothers initiative? For your own mother?”

“Maybe. In part.” He turned to her. “Vivian—” he started, then paused. “What is it you desire? Out of life?”

“To find my sister,” Vivian said promptly.

Simple enough. One clear goal to focus on. No point in looking too far ahead.

“After that.”

Vivian flashed to the law library. How she’d felt reading the original Charter of the Planet Mars.Are you interested in law, dear?No, that could never be her life.

She was a Red Mother. And she’d signed a contract.

Vivian gave the only possible answer. “To bring my sister back to safety. To send my parents enough money to continue to live independently outside of a camp.” There, a realistic long-term goal.

“Nothing for yourself?”

“There’s nothing I desire for myself,” she said quickly. What would be the point?

Among the creeping thyme, reading his prologue, she’d allowed herself a moment to dream ofmore. But now? All she wanted, desperately, was for things to be as they were. For her sister to be with Mitzi King, able to send more payments to her parents. For her to choose … someone. Ren? She didn’t want Ren.

Xavier stopped in the street and faced her. His dark eyes were serious as he beheld her. “You should want, for yourself. You should dream big dreams.”

Vivian looked away from the intensity of his regard and continued walking. “I don’t see the point. I’m grateful for what I have.” What would it be like to break free from the cramped smallness of her life?

She pushed the question aside. She was here to find her sister.

“Take life in both hands, Vivian. And I’ll be there to support you.”

Vivian shivered, her bare arms suddenly cold. How could she ask anything more of him after they’d found Delilah?

Xavier raised one hand and pointed. “I believe we’re here.”

They stood in front of a five-story structure with boarded up windows and a steel door. Vivian tried to ignore the queasy feeling in her stomach.

“If we find them here, let me do the talking,” Xavier instructed. “Silas will be looking for money—a bribe. If I must, I’ll even persuade my aunt to renew his access to my father’s inheritance. Whatever it takes.” His lip curled. “I know how to stoop to his level.”

Vivian nodded, her stomach in knots.

The door squealed as Xavier pushed it open. They stepped into a dark, cavernous room, the click of their shoes echoing in the empty space.

“Hello?” Xavier called. “Is anyone here?”

Vivian bumped into Xavier in the darkness. Then, bright lights assaulted them from all directions. A group of uniformed Martians surrounded them. Swords drawn. Vivian’s gasp radiated around the room.

“Counselor Dorsey and Miss Bowen, so nice of you to join us,” Silas drawled, stepping into the light.

A pale-faced Delilah stood right behind him.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

3 Sols to Presentation Day

“X, you have no idea how much it pleases me to find you here. Unescorted. And so far from home. I’ve been waiting a long time for such an opportunity.”

“Silas,” Xavier replied. “I suspect you know why we’ve come. I’m prepared to offer you a generous deal.”

“Is that right?” Without removing his eyes from Xavier, Silas said, “Delilah, my darling, take your sister to our room. I’m sure she’s tired after her journey. I need to speak with my old friend.”