She closes the book, thinks of the parchment. The only thing she does know is that Heaven wanted Jocef’s strange work to come to her hands
She turns to face him. “I did not come here for this. I came to tell you that you should be walking. But you offend me”
The glass is thick; cheaply made. But there is something inside it, she is sure. She holds it tight, and wades back to the shore
As the land recedes behind them, Ramon stares. Africa. Home of riches and cruelty. The glitter of gold and flash of blood
Papa holds out his hand. “Brother Garcon,” he says in greeting. He will not dip his head, for the icon the man wears on a thick gold chain
Something inside her burns. She steps forward. “We are indeed honored by your suggestion, but I am afraid we must decline”
