Take Back the Skies by Lucy Saxon Read Free Book Online Page B

back under King Christopher’s reign, gods bless his soul. No rations, no need for us to smuggle. We carried supplies out to the soldiers in Siberene, since it was easy for us to pass the storm barriers. When the monarchy went, well … Collections and rationing began, and we became a little less reputable. People were starving, and it felt wrong not to help. We picked up Fox about six years ago.’
    Fox remained silent, unwilling to volunteer any further information. ‘Benny a year later,’ Harry continued, ‘and Matt followed within six months, making enough of a crew to let the old boys go. Couldn’t bear to be apart, these two,’ he teased, elbowing Matt in the side.
    â€˜Benny and I grew up in Stratton,’ Matt explained in response to Catherine’s confused look. ‘We lived next door to each other, went to the same school, did everything together. I was doing an apprenticeship at Tinker’s when Ben got the offer to fly for Harry, and had to finish up my contract before I could leave and join him. Wasn’t going to let him have all the adventures without me, was I?’
    Catherine was impressed; Tinker’s was a very prestigiousmechanics company – her father had shares in it. Its workers practically maintained the docklands single-handedly now, though they were spread too thin to use their expertise on other things, such as the tram system. Matt must have been the best of the best to get an apprenticeship there.
    â€˜And you, Fox?’ she tried, turning to the freckled teen beside her. Fox’s shoulders tensed, and he stood abruptly, not meeting Catherine’s eyes.
    â€˜If you’ll all excuse me, I’ve got work to do before bed,’ he announced quietly, not waiting for a reply before leaving the galley, the door swinging shut behind him.
    â€˜What did I say?’ Catherine asked, hurt.
    Alice reached over and patted her on the shoulder, offering a smile.
    â€˜Nothing, dear. Fox just doesn’t like talking about himself. He’s had a bit of a rough past,’ she confessed, making Catherine bite her lip.
    â€˜I’m sorry, I … I didn’t know.’
    â€˜Of course you didn’t, lad. That’s why you were asking,’ Matt remarked. ‘You wouldn’t have asked if you had known it would set him off like that. He’s a mite sensitive, is our Fox.’
    Catherine shrugged, still feeling guilty, but the movement was cut off by a yawn. Her belly full, it was finally beginning to hit her how tired she was. Suddenly, the thought of her new bed down the hall was all too inviting.
    â€˜If I’m excused, I think I’ll head to bed. It’s … been a long day,’ she said ruefully, and Matt chuckled.
    â€˜Running away from Greystone and stowing on a skyship?I’ll bet. Goodnight, brat, I’ll expect you down in the engines after breakfast.’
    She nodded, standing.
    â€˜I’ll be there. Thank you for the meal, Alice, it was lovely.’
    Alice smiled at the compliment, piling Catherine’s empty bowl on top of the others.
    â€˜You’re very welcome, poppet. Breakfast is at seven – there should be a clock in your room. Either way, Fox will wake you up, if he’s not still in that foul mood of his.’
    Saying her goodnights, Catherine left the galley thankful to have been accepted by at least most of the crew. Fox’s door was firmly closed and while Catherine was tempted to knock, she didn’t dare.
    Opening the door to her own new room, she sat down on the bed to unlace her boots. Placing them neatly aside, she stowed her purse away in one of the desk drawers and turned to the bed, not wanting to undress any further. She’d definitely give away her gender if one of the crew walked in on her in her undergarments. Sleeping in the clothes she’d been wearing all day might not be the most comfortable thing in the world, but she’d make do for one