OUTSKIRTS OF ALPHA ISLAND
PINK SAND BEACH
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16
8:01 PM
Charlie's POV
Day refused to fade at Alpha Island. Even at eight o'clock, yellow tendrils still pressed against the sea of deep blue. Orange and purple streaks swirled together as if someone had thrown sunset orange and violet paint onto the sky and waved a churning eggbeater all around.
When Charlie walked onto the beach, a lone figure greeted her. Darwin, wearing a gray hoodie.
"Hi," she managed. Darwin didn't answer, and just cut to the point, like she knew he would.
"I heard about Jess," he said, and watched her face. But Charlie was all but completely sure that this was it, so she wasn't surprised. Instead, she asked, "How?"
"I was coming up," he told her, "to return this." In his palm he held a metallic blue mouse, which Charlie recognized as her own. "You were talking with Skye and Allie."
"You heard everything?" she asked
Darwin nodded. "I understand. It's just—"
He stopped, cramming his fists into his pockets. "I don't know why we couldn't just tell him."
"It would hurt him. I can't tell him out directly. He's my friend too, Darwin. He helped me gain Shira's respect, and I'm grateful."
Darwin opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off by the sound of a silver helicopter, heading in the direction of Shira's mansion. Moments later, Darwin's phone buzzed. He scanned the text, and held it up to show Charlie. It was from Shira.
Shira: Come to the house. There's an important guest on its way.
"I guess that would be that guy," Charlie said, pointing at the chopper. He nodded.
"I've gotta go. Here's your mouse," Darwin said, returning it. "I'll text you later, okay?"
Charlie nodded, and watched him hurry away under the darkening sky.
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