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I cracked open the door and peeked out. The hall was empty, the staff having distracted the family or convinced them everything was fine. Should I find Emilio and tell him? He didn't know me. Should a stranger be the one to bear such news?
The butler spoke before I could. "I'll handle it, sir. Once Mr. Cortez is removed, I'll tell the widow, then let her break it to the boys. Stroke, was it?"
"Yes."
He nodded.
HOPE
UNWELCOME
"Have you spoken to your mother?" Karl asked as we walked to Cortez headquarters.
The question was so unexpected I could only gawk. "What?"
"Have you called your mother since you've been in Miami?"
I had the day I arrived, but since then had told myself she'd expect me to be busy with my story. Truth was, I'd been uncomfortable calling her while playing Faith Edmonds.
"Benicio can tempt you all he wants," Karl said. "You have a long way to go before he stands any chance of winning you over."
That's what he'd meant by the question about my mother. Would I ever stop being surprised--and maybe a little discomfited--by how well Karl knew me?
I took his point, but I only had to think back to those few minutes in the panic room to make me wonder how right he was. As long as my ties--to home and family, work and the council--stayed intact, I didn't have much in common with the young supernaturals in the gang. Yet, at times, like them, I felt alone and alienated by my powers.
I still mourned the perfectly open relationship I'd once had with my mother. There'd been a level of honesty there I'd never have again.
Even in the world of supernaturals, I'd never be truly understood or accepted. My powers were too different and disconcerting. Who wants to be around someone who can read their worst thoughts? Karl had worked around it, but I'm sure it hadn't been easy, which made me cherish his friendship all the more.
Still, I had a good life, especially compared to Jaz or Sonny. I wouldn't easily be swayed to a Cabal. That was Karl's point. But was he right?
In that panic room, my moral core had shut off. I'd looked at Troy and I hadn't even known who he was. I'd thought only of feeding off his death.
What if it happened again and I stood by and let someone die? I'd never be able to face my family again. I'd never be able to face the council. Wouldn't be able to face myself...
"Hope?" Karl was frowning.
"Sorry, I'm just--" I shook my head. "I'll be fine."
"You will. And I want you to call your mother in the morning."
"Yes, sir."
"I want you to invite her to...What's her favorite restaurant?"
"Odessa's in Philly."
"Invite her there to dine with us next Saturday night."
"Us?"
"Is that a problem?"
"It just sounds very...couple-ish."
"Is that a problem?"
I looked up at him. If it all did fall apart, there'd be one person who'd still be there, who wouldn't care what I'd done. Would he ever know how much that meant to me?
