Time Salvager (Time Salvager #1)(103)
The discussion went rapidly downhill. James was someone who was obviously used to getting things his way, and at his age—she wasn’t actually sure what his exact age was—it was a hard habit to break. Elise admitted he intimidated her when he was angry, but she wasn’t going to just stand there and take his abuse.
“I’m a big girl, by Gaia, and I have a job to do.” That argument didn’t get her anywhere. It never did.
“From now on, I’m going to order the watch guards not to allow you to leave the city when I’m not there.”
Elise’s eyes went wide. She looked up at him, locked eyes with his, and took a step forward. “What did you just say?” Her sudden intensity made him take a step back.
“I said, from now on—”
“Stop talking right now.” She shook her finger at him. “I’m not your kid. I’m not your student, and I’m definitely not Sasha. You don’t own me. You don’t get to order me around.”
“If you’re not going to listen to reason…”
“Get over yourself, James. Don’t tell me what to do and expect me to just agree. I need to go on these trips to collect samples. I’m trying to cure this damn planet from a thousand years of neglect and abuse!” she said.
“It’s a simple request,” he snarled. “When I’m on a jump, don’t leave Boston. Why can’t you listen?”
“Because it took me a month to even reserve that car for this trip. I’m not going to cancel it on your say-so!”
“You’re not going to cure anything if you’re dead. It’s my job to protect you.”
“No, it’s not your job. Your job is to look after everyone.”
“I don’t care about anyone else!”
Elise stopped in her tracks. There was a long, awkward pause. “You should,” she finally said. “They’re your family too.”
James turned away. “No, they aren’t. I have no family. Not for a long time. I could care less what happens to them. I just need to know you’re all right.” He sat down on the ground and looked out over the mountain to the vast jungle below. “I can’t lose you like I lost Sasha. Nothing else matters.”
“Oh, James.” She softened, and sat down beside him. She wrapped her arms around his shoulder. “I’ll never replace your sister; no one can. You have to stop blaming yourself and focus on the present. I need you. The Elfreth need you. And to be honest, you need them as well.”
He grunted. “What could I possibly need them for? They’re weak and helpless. I’m their protector. I’m killing myself feeding and supplying them. What could they possibly offer me?”
She squeezed his arm close to her body. “What could I possibly offer you?”
He looked at her. “That’s different.”
Elise shook her head. “No, James, it’s not. Open your eyes and let people in. Like you let me in.”
She tried to catch his eye, but he was still looking away.
“Listen, mister,” she said. “You work way too hard pretending to be a stone golem, but you’re a really good guy.”
The two sat in silence for a few minutes, looking on as the wind swayed the jungle canopy, a sea of rich life that was becoming a scarcity in this world. Even here, though, she could see the hints of brown on the edges, an encroaching disease that was threatening to invade this still relatively lush land.
James must have been reading her mind. “It’s pretty up here, isn’t it?” he said.
“It is. It used to be like this all over the world. And stop trying to change the subject.”
“And you’re going to bring it back?”
Elise stood up. “I’m trying, but we’re not going to get anywhere sitting around.” She walked a little up the path. “You coming?”
James looked like he was about to protest, and then shrugged. “I guess the city can survive a few more hours without us.”
“Sorry, pal,” she said, “I’m staying overnight.”
“Black abyss you are. Didn’t we…”
“You can stay with me if you like.” She grinned. “You know, so you can watch over me.” James hesitated. “Come on, I could use a lackey, and since no one else is here to volunteer, you’re it.” She pointed at a small clearing halfway down the path. “You can start by setting up camp and cooking dinner while I finish collecting samples. I’m starving.”
Elise continued working but stayed within earshot for the next two hours, finishing up her sample collection on top of Mt. Greylock. She was mindful to stay within sight of James. The last thing she wanted was him to go off his rocks again. She’d have to do something about that one of these days; she just wasn’t sure what exactly. He meant well but she could tell he lacked soft skills when dealing with people. At least he didn’t berate her in front of the Elfreth; otherwise they would have a serious problem.
By the time she returned to where she had left him, James had done more than a passable job with the camp. A small animal—Elise had long learned not to ask what anymore—was roasting in a tin plate above a neat little fire that roared in the center of a circle of stones. James was bent over a pot stirring a spoon in a greenish broth, and a small tent was pitched just off to the side, near the edge of the foliage. The whole thing looked almost quaint.