The Last Oracle Read Online Free

only one to speak. “That was just thrilling! I shall share it with all of our friends and I am certain they will all wish to partake in this extraordinary experience! It is amazing how safe I felt; as if the animal was in a zoo.”
    Sitting next to Valeria, Mr. Smythe was pale and his voice was breathy. “My dear, I have no idea what you are talking about! I was certain that this young woman was cat food!”
     
    ∞
     
    Arriving back at the camp, Valeria glanced at Caleb who bowed his head in shame as he headed toward the lodge headquarters—the only location with Wi-Fi and telephones—where Alex had established his office.
    “Caleb, let’s get breakfast and then why don’t you and Amy play a computer game.”
    He looked uncertain.
    “Come on. Alex will hear about it soon enough,” she said, placing her arm on his shoulder. “It was my responsibility to do what he asked.” The boy shook his head and she saw tears brimming his eyes. “You’re still my superhero…and I’m still whole. Superheroes only come to the rescue when they are needed. Obviously, you weren’t needed right then.”
    Caleb drew a deep breath and hugged Valeria. She could tell he was about to break down so she muffled his hair and tried to lighten the mood.
    “So, Amy, huh?”
    Caleb blushed. “She’s okay…for a girl.” He glanced up at Valeria. “But not as good as you.”
    She raised her eyebrows and sighed. “Yes, well, she’s a sweet girl.”
    He nodded, relieved that he could delay telling Alex that he’d failed to protect Valeria. Sitting at their elegant outdoor table, they feasted on scrambled eggs and bacon. Alex typically joined them for breakfast. She wondered if he was still asleep—although after Toma woke him, which he most certainly did, Alex would not have gone back to sleep. Frankly, she had expected to see Alex in the Land Rover with Toma. Now she was glad Alex hadn’t been there.
    She glanced toward their hut just as the maid stepped out, leaving the door open as she shook out a rug. No, Alex wasn’t sleeping. Valeria glanced toward the lodge office and saw that the doors were closed, for once. Then she noticed that Toma, the Smythe’s guide, Alan, and both of their trackers were all missing from breakfast. The trackers and guides typically joined the guests for meals, to share their adventures and answer questions. Valeria hoped their absence didn’t have anything to do with the occurrences on the drive, but she was certain it did.
    She was tempted to go directly to the office and take full responsibility for her actions. Then, in a moment of cowardice, she changed her mind; she would let things cool down a bit first. She needed to go for a walk, but that was forbidden without Toma; instead, she headed back to the hut, opened her Kindle, and read Hemmingway.
    After several hours, she realized that even Hemmingway couldn’t hold her attention today. Her mind kept wandering back to her dream the previous evening and the lioness’s response to her that morning. She took a nap and when she awoke, she realized it was dark again. No one had knocked for the evening game drive. She suspected Alex had called a halt to her participation in the drives. But it was her only opportunity to get out.
    She was surprised that she hadn’t seen Alex at all today, except for a few brief minutes before the morning’s game drive. She had expected him to come by and gently remind her of the rules. She was certain that not seeing him was a bad sign. He had never gotten upset with her, but she had an inkling that this was going to be a first.
    Rising, she went to shower and decided that she would face the situation head-on. As the water ran over her, she fought her insecurities, assuring herself that Alex loved her. Still, something was going on. His prolonged absences were getting even longer. And now, evidently, his work was calling him late at night.
    After drying her hair, she pulled on her underwear and a blouse and,