Free Pathline by Kaede Lazares Page A

exercise equipment. 
    He looked up as she walked in. "Hey Rune, everyone else took off to the south wing to grab dinner and drinks . " 
    Rune raised her eyebrows. " E ven Rook?" 
    Helo nodded. " Y eah.  Suri, Blythe, and Malik offered to show him the way and grab a few drinks with him . "
    She thanked Helo and headed out in the direction of the south wing.  She had to admit to herself that the thought of Malik and Rook spending down time together made her anxious .  At least Suri and Blythe were also there, that would keep both of them civil.  As she neared the entrance to the south wing she could hear people talking and laughing in the bar and cafe, it was their busiest time of day as people from the agency went there to unwind before turning in for the night .  It took her a moment to locate the group she was looking for; they were sitting at a table next to the bar.  Suri was the first to notice her, and wave d her over to join them.  As she approached the table, both Rook and Malik greeted her at the same time. 
    Rook stood, walking around the t able to meet her before she sat. H e turned towards Malik and said , "I hope you don't mind if I borrow Rune for a few minutes, I'll get her back to you soon enough".  He didn't wait for a reply but started moving away from the table with Rune at his side. 
    "Well that was nice " Rune said , as they walked out to the patio area outside of the building. 
    "It was " Rook replied, with a surprised look.   They walked to the end of the patio, where it was empty.   "I have to admit, I didn't realize you stayed at the agency during jobs, I thought you had an apartment nearby." 
    Run e took a seat at an empty table. "I do, well somewhat nearby.  But it's just more convenient to stay here while working a job, since we can be called up any time of day.  Is that a problem?" 
    Rook shrugged. " J ust an unpleasant surprise.  How'd your talk with the D irector go?  He give you up willingly?" 
    Rune shook her head and motioned for Rook to sit. " N ot really, but he accepted it.  How about your drink with media supers?" she asked , with a questioning look. 
    "H a h.  Alright I guess.  Blythe and Suri seem nice enough, and I think Malik was trying , but I'm not signing up for the agency any time soon." 
    Rune laughed. " Y eah, I would be very amazed if you did.  Do you know your room number?" 
    Rook nodded. " Y es , we stopped by the check- in counter first thing. I'm on the third floor last room at the end, what about you?" 
    Rune chuckled. " T hird floor, near the end, we're probably only a few doors away from each other.  Again." 
    Rook smiled. " D o you guys get in-room entertainment here?  What do you say we take in another movie?" 
    Rune shook her head . " W e just get basic channels here.  Besides, Malik will be waiting for me." 
    Rook sat back. " Y es, I'm sure he will.  Well we can still grab dinner can't we?" he asked , with raised eyebrows. 
    Rune smiled. " I f you don't mind a table for five.  We should get back in there and join them.   I'm not usually big on socializing here, but it would mean a lot to Malik.   They really are good people Rook, if you give them a proper chance you'll see that." 
    Rook sighed, but nodded. " O k, but I'm not promising anything here, I'm just hungry . "
    Rune smiled and they both stood and made their way back inside.
    When they returned the group moved over to the cafe to grab dinner.  Malik seemed to be eyeing Rook suspiciously, but didn't say anything about their absence.  The cafe's food choices were pretty basic so they had little trouble deciding what to order.  They kept light conversation up all through the meal, and everything seemed to be going well, but there was a slight tension below the surface that no one commented on.  After the food was gone Suri suggested they hit the bar again, but Rook shook his head and politely left them to head to his room.  The rest of them joined her and o rdered a