The Three Most Wanted by Corinna Turner

but was it just my imagination that they looked at Jon more and more as the day went on?
    Lunch was more like what we were used to: baguettes, cheese and sliced sausage, but Dominique and Juwan fixed another deluxe camping meal once we’d pitched camp. My mouth watered as it cooked. Mustn’t stare at the pan like a hungry dog, no, no...
    Bane was also trying not to look at the food too often, but Jon was asleep on my shoulder, only my arm keeping him upright—best not to make a big thing of just how tired he was.
    “Poor Josh, out like a light again,” said Dominique.
    So much for that. “Umm, that bad ankle really tires him out,” I agreed.
    “Despite the snail’s pace,” snorted Louis.
    “We made it clear we wouldn’t be offended if you wanted to go on without us,” said Bane sharply.
    “Okay, okay, just saying!”
    “More firewood, Louis?” interrupted Dominique.
    “Fine!” Louis stamped off into the forest.
    “He’s an old friend but he can be hard work,” Dominique confided.
    “Yeah, we’d... noticed,” I said mildly.
    “I don’t care how large his father’s business is. I couldn’t register with him even if... Well, whatever.”
    “Nice to hear,” muttered Juwan, for some reason.
    I tried to look sympathetic and said nothing.
    “I’m off to the little forest room.” Bane got to his feet.
    “Me too.” I stuck my elbow in Jon’s ribs as discreetly as possible.
    “Huh?” Jon looked up.
    “Off to the little forest room,” repeated Bane.
    “Oh, yeah, and me.” Jon got to his feet and walked confidently up to Bane, who’d made sure there wasn’t anything between them before speaking. They went in one direction and I headed off in another.
    When I got back they were both just returning. Juwan and Dominique had their heads together, talking rapidly in French. As we approached they bounced to their feet and walked slowly to meet Bane and Jon.
    I headed that way as well. What was up?
    Juwan raised his hands and shoved Jon, hard.
    Jon went down in a heap as Bane lunged at Juwan to stop him, then grabbed at Jon to steady him—managed to do neither. I raced to them and helped Jon up, my heart pounding against my ribs.
    “His ankle seems to be just fine,” said Juwan deliberately, “I’d say—what was the name again? Jonathan?—has a little trouble with his eyesight.”
     
     
     
    ***+***
     
     
     

7
    STRANGE AND WONDERFUL
     
    “What are you wittering on about?” said Bane scathingly. “I’d think you’d know his name by now!”
    “Are you okay, Josh?” I rounded on Juwan as well. “What did you do that for!”
    “To prove he can’t see anything,” said Juwan.
    “Took us a while to put our finger on it,” Dominique added, “but we eventually figured it out.”
    “Figured what out?” Louis emerged from the forest with an armful of firewood.
    “Louis, reintroductions are needed—meet Margaret, Bane and Jonathan,” said Dominique.
    “Huh?” His eyes bulged. “Who?”
    “Margaret Verrall, Bane Marsden and Jonathan Revan,” said Juwan. “Ring any bells?”
    “By the Chairman’s bits, do you three have any idea how much you’re worth?” choked Louis, the wood slipping from his arms.
    Thoroughly wild-eyed by now, Bane slipped his hand inside his jacket. I caught his arm, staring warily at the three New Adults, so smug and excited. So... oblivious.
    “I suggest you tell us just what you’re thinking of doing next,” I said.
    “Well, we won’t tell on you,” snorted Dominique.
    “We’ll help you!” said Juwan.
    “Ooh, I’m not sure that’s such a good idea!” said Louis.
    “Oh, don’t be such an ass,” snapped Dominique. “We’re in the middle of nowhere. Who’s going to know? Anyway, think of Piers.”
    Louis hung his head.
    “What can we do?” asked Juwan.
    “Forget you saw us!” Bane’s hand was still in his jacket.
    I gave his arm a squeeze. “Let’s get our stuff and get out of here.”
    “Oh, come on,” protested Juwan, “We