I remember Carla’s gasp. I remember how she tried to aim away from him when he stepped between me and a gun. I remember how he cut her off when she began to ask a question.
But she wasn’t saying “Will you—”
She was saying, “Will, you—”
It wasn’t a question at all. She was saying his name. She recognized him. Sheknewhim. I should have realized earlier when Carla kept trying to speak to him.
“Will,” I repeat quietly. “It suits you better than Eames.”
“Augusta?” says Piper, nerves simmering beneath her voice.
“Hannah Vale isn’t here for stolen government property,” I say. “She’s here for you. For Persephone.”
“What are you talking about?” says Piper, but her face betrays her. She’s too young to be a truly good liar yet.
“Hannah Vale,” I say, “is your mom.”
IDENTITY SECURITY DIVISION
WRAITH CASE STUDY: AUGUSTA PINE
SUPPLEMENTAL FILE INITIAL INTERVIEW WITH WILLIAM VALE
[The recording begins with the sound of water being poured into a glass.]
INTERVIEWER
Can I offer you something to drink?
WILLIAM VALE
No, I’m fine. Let’s just get this over with.
INTERVIEWER
Please state your name for the record.
WILLIAM VALE
This is William Vale. Eighteen years old. Here of my own free will.
INTERVIEWER
You understand why we have to do this interview, correct?
WILLIAM VALE
To determine if I’m competent enough to makethis decision. Because you wouldn’t want to kill an incompetent person.
INTERVIEWER
We don’t kill people, we—
WILLIAM VALE
I know exactly what you do. You make people disappear. Then you make them reappear with a different name, a different face, a different social security number, and everything they need to live a whole new life. I know what it costs, too. My mom did some freelance work for a few of the alphabet agencies. I’d hear her talking to Dad about felons selling themselves into indentured servitude.
INTERVIEWER
