The Gravity Keeper (22 page)

I switched off the Viewing Screen and stretched. Another piece of history concluded and with a happy ending: the children, the Order, and the universe were all safe.

Still, the Knowledge Union was shaken to its core. They would have to come up with new plans to deal with danger to Keepers and threats to the Orders. The Council of Sciences needed to find a way to handle Sirabetta as well as to find her unknown allies and the source of her mysterious tattoos.

There would be damage control throughout Lawnville; there had been more public uses of formulas than ever before. Outsiders might become suspicious, if they weren't already.

Plus, the Union now had two Keepers in one Order for the first time ever. Simon's link to the
Teacher's Edition of Physics
changed everything. The future of the Order (and my work) would be
very
interesting.

I stretched and brought my empty teacup to the sink, reflecting on how my advice had aided the children. I hoped my punishment wouldn't be too harsh.

There was a knock at my door. Could the kids be back already? I glanced at the Viewing Screen. Still off. My Chronicle was over.

I opened the door. To my shock, Miss Fanstrom stood there, holding a Nezzo's pizza box in one hand and her briefcase in the other. She ducked her head under the door frame, and her hair twisted to shut the door behind her.

She marched into the apartment. “Hello, Mr. Geryson, nice to make your acquaintance at long last. Good show overall, and you demonstrated excellent discretion with Simon and his friends.” She placed the pizza box on my kitchen counter. “Don't worry; you're in no trouble. There are just a few matters I'd like to go over with you before you next Chronicle a piece of Simon's history. And things I'd like to show you from my Book.” She tapped the notebook computer inside her briefcase.

I stared numbly, unsure of how to react.

She looked around. “It's a bit cramped in your flat. Why don't you get dressed so we can go to the park around the corner and eat? Get ourselves a breath of fresh air. I can't have such a skilled Narrator feeling miserable, can I?”

The top of her hair swiveled to point toward the fridge. “Come, now…I brought the pizza, you get the soda. I think you've had enough tea today.” She gestured with the pizza box. “I just hope you like anchovies and black olives.”

At last I regained control of my mouth, but all I could manage to say was, “Miss Fanstrom! What are you talking about? What are you doing here?”

She smiled and pinched my cheek gently. “Tut, tut. My students call me Miss Fanstrom. You can call me boss. Or Keeper, if you prefer.”