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THE GENESIS FLAME

his wife. He reached toward her, but forced his hand down.
“How do you know this?”
“Because,” Callie swallowed, looking as if she’d rather be
anywhere else, saying any other words, “I was the ‡rst one they
sent.”
The tense silence was palpable.
Ever the soldier, Asha cut through it with the right question.
“If they’re targeting all known threats, what about Fred?”
Malcolm’s insides turned to ice. He saw the same alarm on
everyone’s faces.
“The third portal,” Valentine said.
Malcolm nodded. “We have to get to Fred’s place, now.”

If there had been a more awkward car ride in the history of the
world, Malcolm wasn’t aware of it.
John drove one of several huge antique vehicles Clive had
willed to him, and Valentine sat by his side. Malcolm and Asha
occupied the rear seat while Callie sat in the middle alone.
Each had come ready to ‡ght. Along with her usual battle
gear, Asha wore a streamlined version of the gear belt Clive
had designed for them. John had taken his ideas and advanced
them, customizing the gear for each person. He wore his own,
his bow across his lap.
The twins wore no special equipment. Their protection
became clear when they embraced Time. Still, it left Malcolm
feeling strangely underdressed. Maybe we should have a uniform
or something.
Valentine had con‡scated Callie’s armor. Watching it fold
back into a bracelet had blown Malcolm’s mind. Now Callie

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