Flight of the Golden Harpy by Susan Klaus Page A

the dark, overgrown trail. “Dad is going to be unhappy and concerned,” she agonized. Reaching the highway, she raced toward the estate.
    Kari parked the vehicle in front of the house and stepped out. The dogs bounded out of the shadows to greet her. She petted them, not realizing that Charlie was with them. “We’ve been worried,” he said.
    She jumped. “Charlie, you startled me,” she said. “I’m sorry I’m late, but I was delayed in town.”
    “You should have called.”
    “Perhaps I dislike coms as much as you.” She smirked.
    He glanced into her vehicle. “Your laser gun was needed. It is out of the compartment, and you brought back trisom. They only grow in water, and none is sold in town this late in the season.”
    Kari knew she was busted. The wise old Indian should’ve been a detective. “After town, I went to the lake. I had to go. Shail wasn’t there.” She hurried toward the front door to avoid a lecture.
    She found her father in his den. “I’m sorry I’m late, Dad. I ran into Carol Baker and was held up. She’s invited me to a cookout tomorrow night.”
    “That sounds like fun,” John said, “but I’d appreciate a call next time you’re late.”
    “I will. I’ll just need a minute to clean up,” she said. Walking to the foyer, she met Charlie. His arms held the trisoms.
    “Should I take these to the kitchen?” he asked.
    She lowered her gaze. “I don’t like deception,” she said quietly, “but I’m upset and confused. I need answers, but I don’t want Shail killed because of my dreams or because I went looking for him. Dad told me about my mother’s death, but I still can’t believe that the harpy would harm me.”
    “Already, the harm has begun,” Charlie said, and left for the kitchen.
    Kari went to her bedroom and climbed into the warm shower. Nothing made sense anymore. The golden harpy was like an addictive drug. Despite the warnings and danger, she longed for him. He had definitely woven a spell she couldn’t break. To protect him, she had become dishonest, like an addict.
    Kari dressed and stared at her bed. “When Shail comes tonight, I will tell him that this must end, these dreams must end.” Before long, her father would learn she was still drawn to harpies and that might seal Shail’s fate.
    She went down the stairs, and Charlie and her father were waiting in the dining room. Her father’s grin told her that Charlie had not revealed her lake visit.
    “It’s great you’re getting reacquainted with your old classmates,” John said, “but I’m surprised you were talking to Carol. As a child, you always avoided her.”
    “I’ve grown up,” Kari said, sitting at the table that held assorted fruits, jungle yams, and roast beef. Her father sliced the meat and offered some to her.
    “No thanks, Dad,” Kari said. “I still don’t care for meat, but I’d like a few yams.”
    “Still a vegetarian,” he said. “So tell me about your visit to town. Did you see Doc, or was he off fishing?”
    “I saw him, but he wouldn’t give me anything for sleep,” she said. “He did tell me about the licing moss that the golden harpy put on my mogel bite. Said the moss drew out the poison and saved my life.”
    “If they’d sent more scientists to this planet, we’d have known about the moss years ago. Just like these goddamn swarms,” John grumbled. “If they’d put some money into research, I’d have an insecticide that worked now.”
    Kari and Charlie remained quiet.
    “I’m sorry. I’m a little edgy,” John said. “A swarm hit in the northeast, barely missed the estate. They’re getting closer.” He patted Kari’s hand. “And the mention of a golden harpy is still upsetting. I still worry about you.”
    “We won’t talk about harpies anymore,” Kari said.
    “That’s not what I want,” John said. “I want us to be open with each other. Keeping quiet has brought too much misery. After dinner, we’ll sit down and