Diana Racine 02 - Goddess of the Moon

at sleep-away camp, always with an older member who acted as leader. Cal lived separately on the outskirts of the compound. He had free rein during the day but was locked in at night. What did they think he’d do? She found the master key, turned the latch , and slipped inside.
    Up the stairs. End of the hall. On the right.
    Maia had failed to ask if Cal expected her. Was he even awake? She opened the door just enough to slip through. Classical music played softly in the background. She moved into the apartment. Cal sat in bed reading, oblivious that someone had entered his domain. It gave Maia a chance to look around. His residence was much like her sister’s: a two-room suite with a large balcony. Crammed bookcases lined the walls; a computer s at on the desk.
    When he saw her, Cal hopped from the bed, wearing nothing but cotton drawstring pants. “There are no microphones,” he said, “so no need to tiptoe.” Though still thin, sinewy muscle replaced the softness she remembered, and he was more handsome than ever. He sauntered toward her and wrapped her in his arms , whispering in her ear.
    “I hoped you were coming . ” Moving back, he said, “ You heard about Diana Racine and the cop?”
    “Yes.”
    “Bad enough they’re kidnapping babies ; this may wind up being murder. They can’t let either of them go.”
    “How do you know everything, Cal?”
    “I come and go as I please,” he said, “except at night. The group isn’t threatened by me, so no one has his guard up.” He focused on her. “They think I’m a wimp. They think I’m a lot of things I’m not, and that’s exactly the way I want it. Plus, I don’t see any sense in resisting unless it’s a means to an end.” He moved back to the bedroom. “I need to get dressed. If I ’d known for sure you were coming, I’d have been ready, but I honestly doubted Anat could talk you into this.”
    “I wasn’t sure myself.” She followed him. “If you can go wherever you want, why do you live out here all alone?”
    “Being away from eve ryone else has its advantages.”
    Cal changed in front of her without inhibition. She guessed he retained some of the group’s teachings. The body is a temple to be worshiped, and one should never feel embarrassment. Maia always thought the temple bit corny, but the philosophy had been drummed into her too.
    He pulled on a pair of faded jeans and shrugged into a T-shirt. “This place is huge and growing until recently . I’m not sure why things are at a standstill , but I ’ve got an idea. Not that it matters now. We need to get out of here, and the only way is by plane. One thing I do know ―w e’re in the middle of fucking nowhere.” He grabbed the keys from Maia. “Come on.” He locked his door from the outside and checked the halls. “You came in the service entrance, didn’t you?”
    Maia nodded.
    “Good girl. Now all we have to do is get to Anat without being seen.”
    “I thought everyone was asleep by twelve.”
    “ The big guys can do whatever they want.” Cal took Maia’s hand. “ Follow me . I know where they ’re keeping the Racine woman and have a pretty good idea where the cop is .”
    “You’ve been paying attention.”
    “Hasn’t done any good until tonight,” he said. “Stay close.” H e stopped short . “Are you sure Seth will be knocked out for a couple of hours?”
    “More like till morning , a nd is he ever going to be pissed.”
    “Tough shit.” He gazed at Maia apologetically. “Sorry. I forgot you and Seth were more than egg and sperm. He’s better than most.”
    Maia wondered what Cal meant, but she didn’t want to ask right now. She felt guilty enough. This man taking charge, showing no fear , was not who Anat described. M ore was going on than what they confided in her. Was she being used in some way? Too late to ask questions.
    Cal led her down the stairs, stopping to check every time they came to an intersection. “I thought no one else was in the building.”
    “They use these buildings for mating. If something’s going on, I always ― shh .” He pushed Maia back against the wall. “Someone is checking the perimeter,” he whispered. “He usually makes his rounds earlier. Damn, why is he late tonight of all nights?”
    Mating. Sounded like the birds and bees or animals in season. The group was expanding. Last time she saw more women from outside the family. Maia felt sick. They had upped production . Cal utter ed an obscen ity.
    He