Tangle in the Dark - Kassidor

of Thom’s, I have to protect him, not fight his battles, butprotect him. I need to know, is it over between Ava andThom?”If they were that close, Thom would have mentioned thatAva had initiated separation proceedings. Why hadn't hementioned that? Probably because he was more concernedwith him and Ava than Ava and Thom. “He’s so wrapped upin those signals,” Alan told him. He got up and stood withElmore, near the halfway point of the path he paced.“Not so wrapped up that he didn’t notice Ava spending anawful lot of time in her closet.”“He’ll spend time with her, but all he’ll talk about is thosesignals he's studying,” Alan said in her defense.“He thinks they’re that important,” Elmore said, “and I’mbeginning to think he might be right.” He started walking outinto their patio. Elmore had never been here before and hewas looking around, but said nothing about the view.“Why?” Alan asked. No doubt because of the impactors.“Separate discussion,” Elmore said. “It’s one I’d love tohave with you, but it’s not the one I need to have with younow.”“What details do you need to know?” Alan asked, a littleresignedly.“Not times, places, and positions, if that’s what you thinkI’m asking, I never even visit this flesh pit you’ve dreamedup,” he said as his eyes took in the forested sides of the vale.“That bothers you doesn’t it?” Alan asked him.75