18
Scout returned to the hospital room to find Geeta awake and Emilie out of the world of the virtual library. They were standing close together speaking in whispers, and they looked up, startled, as Scout came into the room. Geeta looked relieved to see that is was her and not a hospital worker. Emilie did too, for a flash, but then she scowled at Scout.
“He got to you,” she accused.
“No,” Scout said, turning away to herd both dogs into the room and close the door before unclipping their leashes.
“Yes, he did,” Emilie said, walking closer to her to examine her face. Scout felt her cheeks flush but met Emilie’s eyes unflinchingly. “Yep. You’ve picked a side.”
“I haven’t,” Scout insisted. “I did accept his invitation to see his ship, but that seems only fair.”
“A-ha,” Emilie said, cro
