Chapter 36
The Slip of the Tongue
Some villagers were wounded during the attack; they were staying at the hospital wings to get treated. The hunters still went around with the gun, marching and checking whether everyone was alright.
Molly was doing the café business as usual inside the bunker, renovating one of the rooms. She cooked and baked. She made break hours from 3 to 4 p.m., as it was too busy. When there was a break, Glock came by and chatted with her. She swept the floor with a broom during a break. Glock came to help, mopping the floor behind her.
They were murmuring about Seth getting fired from the headship of the hunters’ club. Seth simply went back home quietly without complaints and didn’t get out of the room much.
Molly had a question for Glock. At first, she thought she misheard the phrase, but now she became too curious not to ask.
“Glock?” said Molly.
“Yes?” Glock said, raising his head.
“This girl, Sharine Pestice, how did Ricky came to know her again?” said Molly.
“Well, I not sure, he merely said she was his best friend’s daughter,” answered Glock. “Is there something wrong?”
“No, no, it’s probably nothing,” muttered Molly, sweeping the floor.
“What is it?” asked Glock.
“Ricky built this bunker because he has contracted with Veron, right?” said Molly, narrowing her eyes.
“Yes,” said Glock. “Urrum, it was to kick out some of the militants in the island and providing privacy for Veron in an exchange.”
“And, this girl is from Cassandra right?” said Molly, poking her broomstick under the table and sweeping it.
“Yes, she is,” muttered Glock.
“How come?” asked Molly.
“What do you mean, how come?” said Glock, blinking.
“She is from Cassandra and Ricky is from Basileus Republic…” said Molly. “Isn’t that little bit strange?”
Glock frowned, shrugging.
“I don’t know what’s so strange about it, it’s not important,” said Glock.
“Oh come on, of course it is,” said Molly, twitching her lips. “What did Ricky say about her past?”
“He said she was a friend of his, Henry Jefferson, but I’m guessing Sharine used her mother’s last name to hide her identity.” said Glock.
“So Henry was a rebel…?” inquired Molly.
“Ricky said he saw Henry’s execution. Veron was accusing Henry of treason,” said Glock, trying to remember the conversation he had it with Ricky, “because Henry was on the same side with Veron at the time.”
“So, before he built this village, he has known Henry Jefferson, who was on the same side as Veron,” said Molly.
“Yeah?” said Glock.
“In other words, he met Henry before he contracted with Veron,” said Molly.
Glock stayed silenced at this and had to think for a while. He could see now what Molly is getting at, the timing was little off. What was Ricky doing in Cassandra in the first place before Veron contacted him to build an underground shelter?
“Nah, it can’t be, Henry was probably acting against Veron like the undercover agent,” said Glock.
“Really?” said Molly, sardonically.
“Nevertheless, the way he deals with Sharine was indeed strange…” said Glock.
“…”
“Do you think he lied to us about Sharine?” said Glock.
“He is not lying, if it slips in a speech like that,” said Molly.
“I admit I don’t know much about Ricky’s past,” said Glock. “He doesn’t, you know, want to bring it up. He said it reminds him of his wife...”
“I know it is quite random question to ask but,” said Molly. “Do you know how Rachel died?”
“You mean the cause of death?” said Glock. Molly nodded.
“… No, not really,” said Glock. “Why do you want to know?”
“Never mind,” said Molly. “Well I think the room is clean enough. Do you want some cup of tea, Glock?”
“Oh, yes, thank you,” said Glock, grinning.
“And you should give the children some present to give, like a toy. Who knows? They may like you again,” said Molly.
“Probably they will treat me a kidnapper,” said Glock, sadly. Molly snorted.
“Oh, they are kids Glock, they are not that complex. Give them candies, it will help,” said Molly, smiling.
“Uhh… ok,” said Glock, dumbly.
“Ok, then, I’ll have to prepare for a dinner for our customers,” said Molly. ”Do you mind giving me some hand?”
“No, no no, I’ll help,” said Glock. “I can wash dishes,”
“Good, just don’t break it,” said Molly, laughing. They went into the kitchen.