Free Wreckage by Emily Bleeker Page B

agreed to an interview?”
    Her pulse exploded at his name. Lillian didn’t like talking about him with Jerry, who claimed the jealousy was gone, the burning, ferocious jealousy that once threatened to claim their marriage like a forest fire. But hearing his name come out of Jerry’s mouth still riled her up into a defensive position.
    “Apparently he has.” She tried to sound uninterested. “One of the Robot’s minions told me today. He said they’re going to California next week to film his part.”
    “You didn’t talk to him, then?” he probed carefully.
    “No, Jerry,” she spat. “I haven’t spoken to David—” Lillian gritted her teeth. She shouldn’t call him that anymore. “I mean Dave, since you asked me to stop. It’s been nearly five months.” She stumbled over her words. If Jerry knew what a good liar she was he’d know better than to be suspicious of such a sloppy delivery. Lies, good ones at least, are smooth and well thought out. It’s the truth that’s sloppy. But Jerry didn’t know.
    Dropping his hand from Lillian’s arm, he let it hang limply off the edge of the bed. “Hmmm, okay. The last time I spoke with Beth she told me they were done with interviews so it surprised me, that’s all.”
    “When did you talk to Beth?” She pulled back just enough to see his face. Jerry and Beth met in Fiji in the days after the crash and had been long-distance acquaintances ever since. Lillian didn’t realize they were still in touch. It wasn’t always safe having Jerry and Beth chat.
    “Oh, a few months ago.” He waved his hand casually. “She called me at the office with a few little questions about the Carlton settlement. She sounded so happy with Dave home. She said they weren’t giving any more interviews because they’re trying to get pregnant again and she didn’t want the stress to interfere with starting a family.” Jerry shrugged. “Maybe it’s not an issue anymore. Maybe it worked already.”
    “Maybe.” Lillian tipped a shoulder up, copying Jerry’s laissez-faire attitude even though she felt like crying. Jerry put his hand on the broad space between her shoulder blades, gently pulling her onto his chest.
    “So, what have you guys covered so far?” He was clearly trying to change the subject. Lillian played along.
    “The crash and a little after. We hadn’t gotten that far when the battery died. I can tell you one thing, Genevieve Randall was not happy.”
    “I didn’t think robots were capable of emotion.”
    “Well, this one is capable of annoyance, that’s for sure.”
    Jerry laughed and pumped her for more, “What’s up next, then?”
    “Um, the next series of questions on my list are all about survival. Have you ever noticed everyone seems to find that part fascinating? Genevieve is going to be a little disappointed, though, because I wasn’t as involved in all of that. It was more a Dave and Kent thing. I was the gatherer and the men the hunters—so very sexist of us.”
    “I think the feminist movement will forgive you this one time.”
    “We’ll see. I’m sure I’ll get plenty of letters saying otherwise. Everyone seems to have an opinion on everything, not that I care. Anyway . . .” she faltered, pulling in closer, tucking her hands, suddenly cold, under his body. “Then we’re gonna talk about everyone: Margaret, David, Kent, and then . . . Paul.”
    She whispered the last name, like a secret. Jerry’s jaw went taut against the crown of her head. Lillian was glad she wasn’t looking at him.
    “I’m sure Genevieve Randall will enjoy that thoroughly.” He sounded furious but Lillian couldn’t tell at whom. “Maybe I’ll come down for the last bit, when you get rescued. After the part with, well, you know.” The words cut, and even though they were lying in each other’s arms, at that moment it felt like they were still thousands of miles apart.
    “You know what Jer? Don’t come. It’s fine. If it’s gonna be that big a