Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 108211 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 541(@200wpm)___ 433(@250wpm)___ 361(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108211 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 541(@200wpm)___ 433(@250wpm)___ 361(@300wpm)
“I never thought of it like that,” Andi admitted. “I guess you have a point. But what if Hartford really is a kind, sweet man who would treat you right and you don’t know it because his brain is stuck in Manimal mode?”
“And what if he isn’t?” Flow-da’s eyes flashed. “Do you know how often my mother went around with bruises on her face and body? Have you ever lived in a house where all the rooms are echoing with the sound of an angry man shouting and threatening to kill you? And…and knowing there was n-nothing you could do about it because the P-peace Keepers wouldn’t believe a woman or…or do anything to stop her spouse from beating her?” She was starting to cry now, but Andi didn’t think she knew it.
“Oh, Flow-da…I’m so sorry. I didn’t know,” she said quietly.
Her friend shook her head.
“Because I didn’t tell you. I’ve put it all behind me and I’m happy now.” She swiped at the tears which had trickled down her cheek. “I like Hartford as a Manimal and I think he’s happy this way. I take good care of him and give him everything he wants and in return, he gives me companionship and unconditional love.” She shrugged. “That’s all I need.”
“I understand,” Andi said, nodding. She leaned down and gave her friend an awkward hug which Flow-da returned. “I’m sorry I said anything,” she murmured in her ear.
“It’s all right.” Flow-da sniffed and swiped at her eyes again. “Sorry—bad memories make me emotional. But I’m happy for you and Cade—it sounds to me like you come from a place where the men were kind instead of abusive. I think that’s wonderful.”
“Well—” Andi began, but just then Goodie Oo-lah, called,
“All right now—I just got word that the Moon shuttle has started boarding. So any of you who bought tickets, better get your Manimals and go on outside to get your seat.”
“Oh—there! Let’s go!” Flow-da’s face broke into a smile and she beckoned for her Manimal. “Come on, Hartford, our new life is waiting for us!”
She hustled to the front of the Emporium and Andi followed her with Cade trailing behind. She was still thinking about everything her friend had said so intently that she nearly ran into the person who stepped in front of her.
“Oh, excuse me,” she said, trying to step around. But the woman—who was even taller than Andi was herself—moved with her.
“I don’t think so, Missy,” she snapped, glaring down at Andi. “Stop right there.”
“What?” Andi looked up at her in bewilderment.
The woman had short, dark pink hair which was slicked back from a high forehead and skin the color of a dill pickle. There was also a kind of badge on her chest—a shiny silver crest which said, “Peace Keeper.” But the most compelling thing about her—from Andi’s point of view at least—was the snub-nosed weapon she was pointing at Andi’s chest.
“What…why are you—?” Andi began, not even sure what to say to this bizarre turn of events.
“Andi?” Flow-da was suddenly at her side, a worried look on her face. “Chief Stern-son, what’s this about?” she demanded.
“It’s none of your business,” the tall woman barked at her. “And if you don’t want to get into a lot of trouble, you’ll move along.”
“But Andi hasn’t done anything wrong!” Flow-da exclaimed. “You’re going to make her miss the Moon shuttle!”
“Flow-da, just go!” Andi told her. She had a feeling the grim-faced Chief Stern-son couldn’t be reasoned with and she didn’t want to get her friend in trouble.
“But—” Flow-da began.
“Go—enjoy your new life!” Andi told her, trying to sound unconcerned. “I can always catch the next shuttle—I’ll see you in a few weeks.”
“If you know what’s good for you, you’ll move along,” the Chief snapped at Flow-da. “This doesn’t concern you! Or do you want me to have one of my deputies take you in for questioning? I understand from your landlady that you and your Manimal have a very, shall we say, close relationship.”
Flow-da’s green skin suddenly went pale with fear.
“I…we…” she began, clearly having a hard time getting the words out.
“Go!” Andi urged her. “Please, Flow-da—I’ll be fine.”
Still Flow-da seemed frozen in place, unable to desert Andi despite the Chief Peace Keeper’s threats. Then Goodie Oo-lah put an arm around the Zo’rathian girl’s shoulders and herded her towards the Emporium’s front door.
“Come along now, dearie,” Andi heard her say. “You don’t want to get mixed up in this trouble. Go on to the moon right now, while you still can.”
Flow-da gave Andi one last backward glance—a look full of guilt and anxiety—and then she was out the door with Hartford at her heels.
Andi breathed a sigh of relief that her friend had gotten away but she still seemed to be in hot water herself.
“All right,” she said evenly, looking at the tall woman who was still holding the weapon pointed squarely at her chest. “What’s this all about?”