Part One : Part Two : Part Three : Part Four : Part Five : Part Six
“Y’sure y’want t’do this lud? We c’stay if y’want, or th’may be anuther ship…” Karger hesitated before the back entrance of the spaceport, with the lines in his face highlighted by the amber light he looked as apprehensive as Jaspar felt.
“I’m sure. There aren’t going to be any better options, not now at any rate. And I can’t stay here any longer, there isn’t anywhere left for me to hide.” A bit of an exaggeration, but still worryingly close to the truth. Most of their boltholes and safehouses he barely fit in now, even after dropping his antlers. When they next started to grow back he’d be seriously short of options. “Same goes for you too you know. You can stay if that’s what you want. I won’t force you to come with me.”
Karger’s exasperated look made it quite clear that he didn’t believe that needed a response.
“Sorry. Just thought I should remind you it’s an option, in case you’d finally got fed up of putting up with me.” Jaspar looked back at the alley he’d crawled through to get here, embarrassed to meet Karger’s eyes. He started to chew on his lip as well; but managed to catch himself before he dislodged any of the scabs.
Then Karger’s hand was on his arm, gently tugging at it to encourage him to start moving again. “Come on. T’s enough ‘f that.” If he was still annoyed, it didn’t tell in his voice. He maintained the contact even after Jaspar resumed walking, silent and reassuring as they headed for the shuttle bay, where Nikota was waiting with the ship that would take them out of Port Keys.