Flashback ( PDFDrive )

“Caution and moderation will be key—as will be Elwin’s approval,
of course,” Mr. Forkle told her. “I’m sure you’ll need to limit yourself
to simpler exercises and shorter intervals—and obviously you’ll only
be able to train with your left arm. But honestly, it’ll be better for you
to become a bit more ambidextrous.”
All of that she could live with.
She traced a finger over the precious bracelet and glanced at
Tinker. “Thank you.”
Tinker’s cheek flushed a deep pink, and she looked away as she
nodded.
“Well,” Mr. Forkle said as he dug out his pathfinder, “I hate to grab
these brilliant gadgets and run, but I need to stay on schedule to make
my meeting with the Council. Plus, Miss Foster’s family is waiting,
and I’m sure she’s eager to see them.”
“Eager” was an understatement.
But first, she had to check with Dex: “You’re okay about staying
here?”
He glanced around the laboratory. “I guess we’ll see how it goes.”
Dex helped her trade out her usual Ruewen crest for the new null,
and Tinker handed her a silver pillbox that held two more full sets of
the nail-shaped gadgets in case anything happened to the first set.
And she felt a little like a spy in one of those movies her human dad
used to love—fixed up with all kinds of fancy gadgets.
But mostly, she felt ready.
“You two have fun,” Mr. Forkle told Dex and Tinker as he held his
crystal up to the light and offered Sophie his hand. “Come along, Miss
Foster. Let’s get you home.”
• • •