The sky darkened and the clouds turned pink with sunset as Alexei and Marco jogged the streets near the Battery, followed by Marco's bodyguard on a bicycle. They finished their run and stopped to rest at the fountain in Waterfront Park.

Alexei sat on a bench while Marco stretched his muscles. José Del Rìo sat nearby. Marco finished stretching and sat by Alexei.

"You look more relaxed tonight than I've seen you in a while," Marco said. "You sleep the night through lately. Good?"

"I am more relaxed," Alexei said. "I spent a couple of hours talking to Metty this afternoon." He whispered to Marco, "Late for class." Marco snorted, for they had been brought up to be punctual. "Talking about Almurias, school, the future. She is so easy to talk to."

"Metty? The plump girl you were stuck with in Journalism?"

Alexei looked at Marco. "She was quite the right partner. Our article may be published. Metty's attractive enough. More voluptuous than your bony model types. Her coloring is good. She has a kind face."

Marco winked at Alexei. "Maybe she'll distract you from Jessica. At least for a while."

Alexei shook his head, but the thought stuck in his mind. He liked her company. He shrugged.

Marco continued, "If she lost 20 pounds, she'd be good looking. Doesn't dress well."

"Her family's not rich. Quite the opposite. After her father died, her mother and her new partner had a daughter. I gather the guy is not fond of the first family. Metty seems to be tying up some inheritance."

"Style happens whatever your income," said Marco.

"So sure of yourself. So only well-dressed people are worthy of our friendship?"

Marco laughed. "I didn't mean to sound so arrogant. I agree, she has lovely coloring and a fine complexion. She could make more of an effort, is what I am saying." Alexei shrugged. "If you are her friend, then I will be her friend, too," Marco said.

Alexei punched Marco in the shoulder. Marco punched him back. They stood up and shadowboxed for a minute before walking home, chatting as José bicycled after them.

*

Metty was reading when Marco and Alexei walked into Journalism and took their seats. Alexei turned to her. "Marco, this is Metty Griffin, who wrote the article with me."

Madison frowned slightly when Marco didn't greet her immediately. "Hello, Marco," she cooed. "What do you plan to do when Paul hits?

"A minute, please, Madgirl," Marco said, his attention still on Alexei and Metty.

"Metty, my cousin, Marco de Almurias."

"Marco, please. You go by Metty?"

"Yes, sure. Nice to meet you."

Marco nodded and shook her hand. "Alexei has good news," he said.

Metty looked at Alexei.

"We have permission to print a slightly revised version of our article," he said.

"Oh, I'm so glad."

"What article?" Madison interrupted. "Not that ghost thing?"

"Yeah, the ghost thing," said Alexei.

Marco turned to Madison. "Are you evacuating this weekend?"

"Mom and I are thinking of going to Greenville. Grandmother lives there."

"The governor has ordered evacuations," Marco said. "I am going to Washington. Would you like to join me?" He smiled. Madison smiled back, pleased. Alexei looked unhappy, but Marco ignored him.

Alexei handed Metty an envelope. "I emailed you the revisions this morning. Let me know if you agree. Then we can send it to Professor Sparrow."

"Sure," she said.

Sparrow sat at his desk. "Let's begin," he droned.

*

After class, Metty remained in her seat. Alexei, Marco, and Madison packed their things. "I'll give you my feedback as soon as possible, Alexei," she said. "I don't know how things will go when Paul hits."

"Are you staying for the storm?" he asked.

"Grandma and I are going to West Summerville, to my mother's. That area rarely floods as bad as Charleston," she said. "Are you staying in town?"

"Yes, I am, but Marco is going to DC. Our cousin Dolores is going with him, but Ava and Adam will stay. They're both emergency workers. She's a nurse and he's a volunteer fireman."

Metty nodded. "I wonder how bad the 'cane will be?"

"I've never seen a hurricane," said Alexei. "It will be an experience. Take care." He sighed. "I'll see you next week." He got up. "Coming, Marco?" he asked.

"No, Alejito, Madison and I are going to lunch."

"See you at home, then." Alexei left with Metty.

Madison and Marco were alone.

"Ola fitty?"

"Alejito. Pet name."

"Oh, one of your languages. I took French," she said. She smiled and leaned forward, putting her hand on his arm.

He leaned towards her. He inhaled her perfume, and her warm fragrance under it, slowly and sensuously, his eyes closed. "Your fragrance enchants me," he whispered, opening his eyes and gazing steadily into hers. He leaned close enough to kiss her. "You're enchanting."

Madison lowered her eyelashes. She tilted her face up and closed her eyes. Her lips parted. His lips touched hers softly, then harder. He pulled her to him and kissed her again, slipping his tongue between her lips.

Her tongue met his. After a long time, she pulled back. "I want to kiss you. More than kiss. But if someone walks in," she said.

"Let's lock the door."

She whispered against his cheek. "We'll have the room to ourselves."

He got up and went to the door, locked it, and wedged the doorstop under it. "No one can come in until we remove the wedge. The poster on the door keeps anyone from looking in the window. Outside the windows, sky. Inside, us."

Madison nibbled her lower lip, as though she were unsure. "We're taking a risk."

"Let's risk it."