As a grad student, Astrid has no excess of funds. The financial strain of the trip is not her
first concern, however, it is a concern.
“Okay,” she covers her eyes with a hand. “If you’lllet me look at the story before it’s
published.”
“It’s a deal.” Ezra sounds as if he’s speaking througha smile.
“This is not some adventure. My mother is missing.”
“No, I know. I’m sorry.”
☄☄☄☄☄☄
Since Astrid has already booked her flight on herown, they meet up at a Country Inn and
Suites in Santa Fe on Tuesday.
Ezra is taller than she expected, with black wavespast his jawline and serious brown
eyes. His smile is crooked as he shakes her hand.
“You look so much like her,” he says.
She nods, uncomfortable at being scrutinized. Shenever thought she looked like her
mother. She always wanted her mother’s fiery red hair,but biology gave her blonde, and
deprived her of the smattering of freckles she feelsshe is owed from the bridge of her mother’s
nose and the top of her cheeks. She’s grateful forhis words, nevertheless.
Over breakfast, he gives her the gist of what to expect,which is mainly being
photographed...a lot. He may record conversations.NatGeo gave him a card to charge whatever
they need on it. The first order of business afterbreakfast is securing a rental, specifically a Jeep,
Astrid insists. It’s Donna’s preferred method of bravingdesert terrain.
persephelia
(persephelia)
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