1269_UgliesFreeBook

UGLIES 235
Finally, the saw found purchase in the wood, letting out
a high-pitched scream as it bit into the branch. Then it
slipped through, free for a second before it thrust, spitting
and screeching, into the dirt below.
“Yeah!” Tally stepped back, lifting her goggles, the saw
powering down in her hands.
Croy stepped forward and kicked the section of branch
away from the track. “Perfect surgical slice, Doctor,” he said.
“I think I’m getting the hang of this,” Tally said, wiping
her brow.
It was almost noon, and the sun was beating down into
the clearing mercilessly. She pulled off her sweater, realizing
that the morning chill was long gone. “You were right
about the trees giving shade.”
“You said it,” Croy said. “Nice sweater, by the way.”
She smiled. Along with her new gloves, it was her
prized possession. “Thanks.”
“What did it cost you?”
“Six SpagBols.”
“A little pricey. Pretty, though.” Croy caught her eye.
“Tally, remember that first day you got here? When I kind
of grabbed your knapsack? I really wouldn’t have taken
your stuff. Not without giving you something for it. You
just surprised me when you said I could have everything.”
“Sure, no problem,” she said. Now that she’d worked
with Croy, he seemed like a nice enough guy. She’d rather
have been teamed up with David or Shay, but those two