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laughed. “Destiny and fate rarely work together.”
    They started the climb to her home, and she noted the ease with which he kept pace with her. He moved easily across the uneven ground with the grace of a dancer.
    She tried to distract him. “No one will give me an answer. What are the Genarans?”
    He laughed. “Few bother to ask. It is a public matter, but it makes folk uncomfortable.”
    They walked a few more steps, and she asked. “Well?”
    “We are the original inhabitants of Yacaro. During a period of unstable tectonic activity, a mutation entered our population, and a distress call was put out to find a cure or treatment. An ancient Avari scientist name Genar came and introduced his cure to our people, changing our physiology and restricting our families to Yacaro.” He shrugged. “That is about it.”
    “What was the mutation?”
    “It was a reaction to the ash in the air, a lung problem. Our population was reduced to five percent of the original inhabitants in the space of ten years.”
    She thought of the rampant spread of asthma in children and made the connection in her mind.
    He broke through her thoughts, “How often do you make this trip?”
    “Once, twice a week. I do it more for the exercise than the shopping.” She chuckled. “And I like to see faces that aren’t staring into mine with fixed eyes and desperation. They may stare at me, but they leave me alone to do my thing and go.”
    He remained serious. “You should not wander the countryside alone.”
    “I have no choice. I go when I need to. It isn’t like I can call on Jemyalli. She only makes it up about once a month or when she wants to tell me about someone she pimped me out to.”
    They walked the rest of the way in silence until they were at her door. She opened the door and stepped inside.
    He sighed. “You don’t even lock the door?”
    “There is nothing here to steal.” She shrugged and took the bag from him. Rhoda unpacked the shampoo and conditioner, tucking them into her bathroom. The pumice-style soap went into her studio, and her bottle of brandy went into the cupboard.
    Drehl left her home and went out to his transport. He returned with a box and several small parcels. “Under is a security specialist. I will ask him to take a look at your home.”
    She blinked. “That isn’t necessary.”
    He cocked his head. “I am aware of that, but I will sleep better if I know you are safe.”
    He placed the box in her studio, and she peered around him. “What is that?”
    “A present for you. Open it.”
    She flicked the latch of the box loose and opened it. Neatly slotted inside were blank canvases. “How did you know I was running out?”
    “I checked. Open the bags.”
    She opened the bags and couldn’t fight the pleased smile as high-end pigments filled each bag. “Thank you. It is so thoughtful…thank you.” She got to her feet and hugged him.
    His arms came around her, and he sighed. “I want to do more.”
    She inhaled his unique scent. “I know you do. I just want you to know—”
    A knock at the door broke into her sentence.
    She scowled. “Remain here please. There are usually only two types of people who come up here. Clients are one.”
    She didn’t tell him who the other was, but as the banging sounded again, she winced. Rhoda opened the door and inclined her head in greeting. “Hello.”
    “Rhoda Evergreen?” The immigration officer scowled down at his clipboard and looked up again. His red eyes were cold.
    “Yes.”
    “I am here to inspect your property and assess your employment status.” He smiled coldly. “Of course, I could be persuaded to skip the inspection.”
    She groaned, and to her shock, Charm walked out of her studio and looked down at the official. “What is going on here?”
    The official panicked. “I am here on a routine greeting, Guardian. Nothing more.”
    “It seems like considerably more. This sort of thing is illegal even by Yacaro standards. I will be speaking