“Then…” He was obviously flustered, but he quickly recovered. “Whatever. You really do look lovely.” He swept her into his arms, crutches and all, and bent down to kiss her. She stood motionless, accepting it dutifully.

“I am glad you’re back home.”

“Me too.” She pulled away. “My purse is there on the desk. If you’d carry it for me, I’ll see if I can’t get the hang of these crutches.”

“Of course.” He retrieved her purse and moved to hold the door for her. As she came alongside him she stopped and looked up, searching the depths of his face. “Travis?”

“Yes?”

“Is this really a trial, or is it to be a public execution?”

“An execution?” He gave a short laugh. “Of course not. The Major just wants the citizens of Shalev to see what happens to those who try to overthrow our society. Dr. Cameron will be punished but not executed.”

“Can you promise that?”

“I guarantee it. Now let’s get going, or we’ll be late.”

As they entered the dressing room under the grandstand of the stadium, Nicole stopped short. The Major stood nearly hidden in a cluster of blue and orange uniforms, but as she and Travis entered, a sudden hush fell over the room; then the group broke into a babble of welcome and congratulations. Clayne Robertson was the first to reach her. “Welcome back, Nicole.”

She pulled her eyes away from the Major, who was staring at her. “Hello, Clayne.”

“When I told Adrienne you’d been found, she cried. She’s been worried sick about you. The kids too. They remember you in their prayers every night.”

Her eyes softened and she smiled. “They’re sweet.”

“You up to a good dinner tonight, or do you want to recuperate for a couple of days first?”

“I’d like that. I’m going to Mount Pleasant tomorrow, to stay with my aunt and rest up. But after almost a week of camp food, Adrienne’s cooking sounds wonderful.”

His eyes dropped to her foot. “Eric do that?” he rumbled, his mouth tightening.

“No, I—” Suddenly she didn’t want to try to explain with everyone listening. “I had my shoes off and stepped on a sharp rock.”

“Good. I kept telling Adrienne that Eric wouldn’t harm you. I—”

“Nicole?”

Clayne stepped back as the Major approached.

“Yes, sir?” Unconsciously she hitched the crutches back a little to make herself stand up straighter.

“Again, welcome back.” His eyes flicked down to her clothes and then back to lock into hers. One eyebrow raised slightly. “We’re so glad everything has worked out to bring you back safely.”

“Thank you, sir.”

He glanced at his wrist computer and turned around briskly. “It’s 12:55. Bring out the prisoner.”

Every head swung to face the corridor leading to the equipment room, where Cliff Cameron had been kept under guard.