Fear (Gone 5)

Penny saw the look of distaste on his face as he worked it out. She went to the kitchen, to the little Sterno stove she used to heat the water and the cocoa.

She lit the Sterno.

Caine did not follow her into the kitchen.

He was still sitting there with a puzzled look on his face when she handed him the cup.

They each sipped.

“So I guess if I’m leaving and making it look like it’s not your fault, we should maybe act like we’re fighting,” Penny said.

“It would have to be where people can overhear. But not right out in public, because that’ll look phony,” Caine said. And sipped again at his cocoa. “Kind of bitter,” he said, grimacing at the cup.

“I have a little sugar I could add.”

“You have sugar?”

She fetched it. Two sugar cubes, and she plopped them into his cup. He swirled it around to stir the sugar in.

“You’re right about one thing, Penny,” he said. “You’re useful. Crazy, but useful. No one has sugar, but you do.”

She shrugged modestly. “People like to get away, you know? Think about something more fun than just life and work and all.”

“Yeah. Still: actual sugar? That’s worth a lot.”

“I guess you know I have a crush on you,” Penny said.

“Yeah, well, no offense, but it doesn’t go both ways,” he said.

It took all her self-control not to lash out at him, to cause his skin to burn and bubble.

“Too bad,” Penny said. “Because I can be anyone … in your imagination.”

“Do me a favor; don’t give me any details,” he said. “Now…” He yawned. “Let’s lay plans here. I’ve had a long couple of days, and I want to get this over with.”

So Penny made a suggestion.

And Caine countered with another.

And she smiled and made a small objection.

And he yawned. A long, long yawn.

“You look tired, Caine. Why don’t you close your eyes and rest a few minutes.”

“I can’t…” He started to say, but yawned again. “Talk later. In the morning.”

He tried to stand up. He barely rose, then sagged back. He blinked and stared at her.

She could practically see the wheels turning slowly, slowly in his brain. He frowned. Forced his eyes open and said, “Did you…?”

She didn’t bother answering. She was bored with the game and sick of playing nice.

“I’ll kill you,” he said. He raised one hand, but it wavered in the air. She got up quickly and stepped aside. She came around behind him.

He tried to turn but he couldn’t do it. Could not get his body to respond.

“Don’t worry, Your Highness. In fact, I don’t think you’ll be able to worry at all pretty soon. In addition to the Ambien I mixed in some Valium.”