MOMENTUM

by Imogen Rose

  “Yeah, but he’s still shaken up from it.”

  “Are Dan and Sophie in jail?”

  He seemed to hesitate. “Yes... yes, they’re in custody. You’re safe now.”

  “What about Raj?”

  “In custody as well.”

  “I’m glad to hear that.”

  “Do you forgive me?”

  “Who was the girl who answered the phone at Morena’s? You were so vague. Every time I asked, you just said my name back to me!”

  “Remember when we met, I told you that I had a friend named Arizona?”

  “Yeah, I thought it was weird, but I guess it’s not a totally unusual name. Was that her?”

  “Yes. She needed my help with something.”

  “Are you going to tell me what?”

  “It’s personal and not important. Do you mind if I don’t?”

  I shrugged. I did mind! But I guessed if it was personal, he shouldn’t. I’d get it out of him eventually, though. “Why did she clam up when she heard my voice?”

  “I really don’t know.”

  “Bet she has a crush on you, and she knew I was your girlfriend.”

  He smiled. “Maybe. But it’s not important. You are important.” He bent and brushed his lips against mine. I didn’t resist, moving mine against his. Gertrude squirmed in my lap.

  “I should take her for a walk,” I whispered huskily. Poor Gertrude, she’d been stuck in the house for hours.

  The doorbell startled us, and Gertrude jumped down and scampered to the door with her tail wagging furiously.

  “That’ll be Morena. She’s looking after Gertrude while we’re at the tournament.” I opened the door and let in a smiling Morena. Gertrude jumped on her in delight.

  I went over and hugged her. “Great to see you!”

  David kneeled down and put Gertrude’s harness around her. “Tell you what. Morena and I will take Gertrude for a walk before she has to head off, while you take a shower. Then I’ll come back and take you out to Mediterra.”

  “Sounds good! Thanks, David, and thank you, Morena. Do you want to join us for dinner before you take off?”

  “I’d love to, but I can’t. I have to leave pretty much right away, but I have time for a five-minute walk.”

  “Aw, so you’ll be gone before I’m done showering? Let me say my goodbyes before you go then.” I hugged her again. “Make sure you have longer when you come back with Gertrude! I want to go shopping with you!”

  “I’ll come and sleep over,” she promised.

  I kneeled down, smushed Gertrude’s face with mine and hugged her tight. I kissed her little forehead and hugged her again. My little love. “Take care of her.” I looked up at Morena, who nodded.

  Then I waved them off and headed for the shower.

  ~

  “Bring Gertrude back here, no matter what,” David said solemnly. “I’m not sure Gertrude visiting Arizona Darley is a great idea, anyway. We have no idea what will happen. I should be there for the visit. Arizona might need me.”

  “This visit was arranged last week. Ella is expecting Gertrude. We’ll be as careful as possible. Your Arizona needs you here, with her. Gertrude must do what was planned. See you in four days, David.”

  Books by Imogen Rose

  FAUSTINE (Bonfire Chronicles Book One)

  PORTAL (Portal Chronicles Book One)

  EQUILIBRIUM (Portal Chronicles Book Two)

  QUANTUM (Portal Chronicles Book Three)

  Imogen Rose is the author of the bestselling YA series, the Portal Chronicles. She was born in a small town in Sweden and moved to London in her twenties. After obtaining a PhD in immunology from Imperial College, she moved with her family to New Jersey, where she’s been based for the past ten years.

  For as long as she can remember, Imogen has dreamt stories, stories that continued from night to night, from dream to dream. So, even as a child, going to bed was never an issue, just an anticipation of the story to come.

  Portal, Imogen’s first novel, would have remained in her imagination, to be shared only with her daughter, Lauren, had her eight-year-old not insisted that she write it down. In the course of a month, Imogen typed while Lauren waited eagerly by the printer for the pages to appear, and a novel took shape.

  The warm reception Portal received encouraged her to continue with the story and the Portal Chronicles. Faustine, the first book in Imogen’s new series, the Bonfire Chronicles, has just been released.

  Imogen is a self-confessed Hermès addict who enjoys shopping, traveling, watching movies and playing with her dog, Tallulah.

  http://www.ImogenRose.com/