“I don’t,” she said. “I mean—I do, but never mind. I care about religious freaks coming after you.”
“Hopefully detaining him’ll scare him off, and then we’ll get a restraining order to boot.” What he didn’t mention to Mae was that Geraki was actually the reason they were going on this errand. One thing Tessa had mentioned when quizzed further about her encounter had particularly piqued Justin’s interest—Geraki’s comment about SCI hiring more servitors. A little poking around had found that was true, but no one could explain the spike in employment.
The car took them to the House of Senators, not far from Hale Square. Despite the early hour, the RUNA’s main government facility was already abuzz with activity. Lobbyists and aides hurried up and down the front steps while tourists stopped to take pictures. Guided tours started early, and Justin could hear one guide describing the makeshift building that senators had first used following the Decline. Off to the side, a sign pointed the way to the National Gardens a few blocks away, a vast wonder of horticulture that attracted visitors from all parts of the RUNA and hosted fancy political parties.
And it was here that Mae—who always walked with such confidence and fearlessness—faltered. Justin looked over at her in surprise. The senate overwhelmed a lot of people, but she shouldn’t have been one of them. She would’ve had to see this building countless times, especially since pr?torians had a strong presence there.
In fact, three pr?torians stood on each side of the building’s entrance now, hard faced and watchful as they took in the morning activity. Guns hung openly at their sides, and their black uniforms provided a sharp—almost sinister—contrast against the white marble. People who worked in the building walked past the pr?torians easily, but newcomers gave the guards nervous looks and a wide berth.
“Friends of yours?” Justin asked her, still puzzled by her reaction. There was an intensity in her gaze as she stared upward, paired with an emotion he had a little trouble identifying.
Mae recovered herself and gave him a small smile before continuing up the steps. “Just been a while, that’s all.”
Most of the pr?torians gave Justin and Mae the same once-over everyone else received, but a couple looked at her with recognition. She gave them a small nod and kept going through the door, soon slipping back to her cool and collected state.
After they cleared the building’s extensive security checkpoint, an aide led them toward Lucian Darling’s office. They passed more military scattered throughout, gray uniforms and black uniforms mixed together. Mae took them all in without a word or break in her expression, but when they finally reached the office, two pr?torian men stationed nearby shed their stern looks and gave her smiles.
“Koskinen,” said one. He had a red pip on his collar. “I guess they let you out after all.”
“Look at that neckline,” said the other. He turned to his colleague. “I think we should search her. You know, for the sake of national security. Maybe if we’re lucky, she’ll put up a fight.”
The most astonishing thing happened. Mae smiled—a genuine, all-consuming smile. It was Panamanian Mae. That smile shone from her eyes and lit up every part of her. He hadn’t thought he’d see that light again, at least not in the face of sexist remarks.
I wonder what you have to do to get a smile like that again, said Magnus wistfully.
Wear a uniform, suggested Horatio. Or make inappropriate sexual remarks.
“I heard that’s the only way you can get any, Chow,” said Mae. “Well, that and ree.”
The one called Chow scoffed, but the other pr?torian laughed. “Why aren’t you here with the rest of us?”
“Forget here,” said the other guy. “Come out with us tonight. I hear there’s a party.”
“There’s always a party,” said Mae.
The aide cleared her throat. “Um, Dr. March? This is Senator Darling’s office.” She looked distinctly uncomfortable, probably because she’d never actually heard any of the pr?torians here speak—or seen them laugh.
“Right,” said Justin, still transfixed by the easy banter between alleged killing machines. “Thank you. We’ll take it from here.” The aide left, and he hesitated before going into the office. He felt like he’d be depriving Mae of something if he took her away. “You can stay if you want,” he said. “You don’t even really need to come along. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a wait.”
He would’ve expected dutiful Mae to protest, but instead, she turned that smile on him. “Thank you.”
I guess that’s what you have to do for the smile, said Horatio. Be careful or she might start liking you again.