Chapter 24

Nesbit held a serving spoon out to Mase. "It's self-service tonight, man."

Mase took the spoon without comment and heaped his plate high. At least I hadn't ruined his appetite.

Captain Glenn and the doctor came inside then. "I don't think he's in there, James," the captain said.

Doctor Daryl OCD-proofed the room before settling himself in his seat. "It's been almost forty-eight hours since anyone last saw him. Do you know if he had any food or water in his quarters?"

"Just...river beans," I said, because I hadn't found them in the kitchen or pantry.

Doctor Daryl nodded. "They hold enough water to last him a while, wherever he is."

"But the ship's not that big," Captain Glenn said. "We should have seen him by now, so maybe he is still in his quarters."

Well, something most definitely lurked inside, even if it wasn't Randolph.

The captain gave me a reassuring look. "We'll pry open his door. If he's not in there, we'll find him."