I hated abandoning our home, our Unca Joe, without ceremony. That great hulk of old brick and glass and stone had kept us safe through crises and bad weather. We should’ve thrown it a party. Instead, Rousseau closed and locked the empty den and climbed down to his ride like we planned to return. The tide would turn soon. The sail-rigged rafts would struggle for headway, even with the wind in their favor. We had to be going.

Maxine stayed on Zephyr to lead the convoy, agreeing so long as Jake came with her. She seemed to be getting attached. Empire Will took up a middle slot. Rousseau moved into rear guard in one of the Empire taxis. We’d follow till First, then head for the river.

As I heard Zephyr get the go-ahead and rev her engine, Breakers reappeared topside with a steaming bowl and a sly look.

“Guess you’re riding with us . . .” Daniel grinned.

“Don’t see why not. Someone’s got to keep an eye on you two.”

“Know how to swim?”

“As if.” She settled in the lee of the cabin to slurp her noodles. “Instant ramen, by god! Ain’t had that in a while! You got some fine provisions in your hold, book man.”

I saw Jandi list toward her like he hoped she might share.

“Restocking won’t be so easy next time, with the Souk up in smoke.” Daniel rummaged in one of the lockers and plopped a life jacket at Breakers’ feet, then hauled out two more.

I buckled mine right on. Force of old habit. It was too big and stank of mildew, but I was glad for it. Not a lot of them around, and we were heading into rough waters.

Jandi held his up with two fingers. “I swim good!”

“Put it on. Both of you. Captain’s orders.”

“Yessir.” Breakers corralled the jacket with a foot and waved her spoon. “The Souk’ll rebuild, doncha think?”

“Doubt it.” Daniel squinted into the distance, like he could see the future from the Book Boat. “If it does, it’ll be a whole different thing. The dens won’t be shopping there.”

“In that case, carpe diem!” Breakers set her spoon aside and raised the bowl to her lips.

“And we’re off.” I looked to Daniel. “Still no regrets?”

“Not so far.”

Breakers sighed. “He could’ve said how he’d miss you more than he’ll miss ramen.”

He laughed. “Behind that rifle sight lurks the soul of a romantic.”

“Found me out.”