“Are you the head zoo keeper or just the overseer of the monkey’s cage.”

Nicole flushed in spite of herself. The caustic bitterness in his eyes burned through the glass between them. She took another breath, aware of the Major’s soft chuckle beside her. “May I talk with you a moment?” she asked, keeping her voice completely impersonal.

“I’ll have to check my calendar. It’s been a hectic summer.”

“Okay,” she snapped back, “have it your way.” She punched off the mike switch, knowing it would create an audible pop in the speaker. Ignoring the Major’s questioning glance, she watched with great satisfaction as Eric’s arrogant posture gradually slackened, and the bitter eyes filled with uncertainty.

“All right,” he said, only half erasing the defiance out of his voice. “Talk.”

“Beautifully done,” the Major murmured.

“Mr. Lloyd, you are presently being held in a detention cell in the city of Shalev, about five hundred miles north of where you used to live.”

“Where is my family?”

“I will answer your questions in a moment, but first I would—”

“First nothing!” Eric shouted. “I don’t know who you are or what this is all about. Why am I being held? Where is my family?”

“Yes,” Nicole said slowly, “I suppose that does need to come first. We came to your village in peace and wished only—”

“We?” Eric demanded. “Were you there?”

“No, but I—”

“I was! So cut the fairy tales please. Just tell me where my father and mother are. Are they here too?”

Nicole bit her lower lip, seeking for words. Then, at a nod of encouragement from the Major, she plunged in. “Mr. Lloyd, it is with deep regret that I must tell you that your father was killed in the battle for the river crossing. I’m very sorry.”

Eric visibly flinched, his face momentarily twisted with shock, but then he straightened, squared his shoulders. “And my mother?”

“Your mother and sisters are fine. In fact, your mother will be visiting you later today. But I’ve been given the assignment to help you get out of detention and be reunited with your family. I’m sure you have some questions about why you’re here and what you have to do to get out.”

She paused for a moment, half expecting another angry reaction, but the anger was gone now and his face was impassive, watchful, making her more wary than if he had been glaring at her.

“Do you have any questions, Mr. Lloyd? I’ll try to answer them for you.”

His head came up slowly. “I do have one.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“Do you know Travis Oakes?”

Nicole felt a tiny shiver down her back as she looked into the gray eyes boring at her through the glass.

“Well, do you?”

“Uh—yes, yes I do.”

“Is he here?”