Chapter Fourteen
Dozens of jets shot water in intricate repeating patterns around the edge of the huge polished-stone fountain.
Erik sat on the edge of the water feature, watching the streams of people in the commercial zone go about their afternoon. Some chatted happily to nearby people or on calls. Pain and concern poisoned the faces of others.
A few people wandered aimlessly, as if they had nothing filling their life other than pointless commercialism.
“Why did you come here?” Emma asked. “This seems an odd way to spend lunch. You’re going to be hungry later.”
“I had a big breakfast, and sometimes it’s good to watch people,” Erik answered, half to her and half to himself. “It grounds me. I picked up the habit when I was in the Army. It was about reminding myself who I was fighting
