“Yes. Donovan told you about the mountain. Be careful. The next time Alpha might not be close enough to help you.” A second later he was gone, the golf cart trundling across the paved compound.

“I hate that guy. I mean I really hate him,” Olivia said vehemently. “I could grow to love that animal, though.”

“I could lust after him—Havapopulas, I mean—with very little trouble,” Kayla said.

Sam was tempted to tell the others she’d dreamed of him the night before, but she didn’t. Suddenly, she felt foolish and wasn’t sure why. “Let’s go to the dining hall and get some coffee.”

“Coffee, hell, I need a stiff drink,” Zoe said. “I know, I know, no alcohol on the premises. It’s wishful thinking on my part. Does anyone around here smoke? A cigarette would taste real good right now. My nerves are twanging all over the place. Okay, okay, no cigarettes either. I’ll take the coffee,” she said, stomping off to the dining hall, where coffee was available twenty-four hours a day.

Team Three trooped into the dining hall, sniffing as they went. Tantalizing aromas wafted in from the kitchen; tonight’s dinner. Something Italian, hot and spicy.

“Spaghetti,” said Hawkins, sniffing like a hound dog.

“Chicken Parmesan,” Slick said.

“You’re both wrong. Eggplant Parmesan. My mouth is watering already,” Olivia said.

“Who cares as long as it’s good,” Kayla said.

“Boy are you guys going to be disappointed if it’s meat loaf with some kind of Italian sauce,” Zoe said, pouring coffee into her cup.

Team Three looked at their leader. Sam grinned. “I think it’s spaghetti and meatballs. With crusty Italian bread, mountains of soft, yellow butter, and a crisp garden salad with a raisin-pecan dressing with just a smidgin of balsamic vinegar. I bet there’s either fruit or sherbet for dessert. The Parmesan cheese is going to be in the meatballs, and it will be freshly grated at the table. The sauce is going to have a hint, mind you, just a hint of basil.”

“You sound like you have the inside track on dinner. How do you know all that?” Slick asked suspiciously.

Sam laughed. It was a relief to laugh after the experience with the snake, the wolf-dog, and Havapopulas. “I looked at the menu on the back of the door. I bet you guys didn’t even notice it. You really all need to become more observant.”

“Smart-ass.” Hawkins chuckled.

“Guess that’s why we made you the team leader.” Sam smirked.

The group settled themselves at one of the tables, coffee cups in hand. Two members from Team One and three members of Team Two were also drinking coffee and chatting.