Chapter 48

“It’s okay. Its life. Besides, my life now is not easy. It may not appear so but it is dangerous and does not lend itself to a relationship.”

“Unless it is someone who works for the Black Cloaks?” Alexa ventured.

“Perhaps. If I did not know better I would think you are applying for the job.”

Alexa laughed. Her laughter was fresh, innocent, and playful. Like her mother’s voice but younger. He could not remember when he had last heard laughter but it warmed his heart.

“Not I Harbem. But if you think a partner is a job for someone then I can understand why you have no-one in your life!”

“Figuratively speaking,” Harbem clarified smiling.

“That’s better. Even so, you might find someone if you refrain from calling it a job to be with you. Figuratively speaking or otherwise!”

“No argument with that Alexa.”

They lapsed into silence and smoked watching as their tobacco mist dissipated slowly on the cool night air.

Alexa and Harbem spent the next few days training. They ran, hiked, rode