Page 220 of Johnny

when she opened those presents.

I look up at the woman with wide eyes.

Recognize the ones staring back at me.

Because this… she’s…

She shakes her head at me. Not covering it up this time.

I look around again. Take in the situation in a whole new way.

The drones. Megan’s father, beaten and silent. The folio. The ribbon. The job offer.

Her.

My mother.

She is my mother.

And she just found a way out for me.

For all of us.

“Oh, and the Way would like to express their heartfelt appreciation for taking care of the little mess

out on that island yesterday. What a freaking freak show. Amiright?”

I don’t even have words right now.

“I can see you’re confused, Johnny. And I’m not supposed to do this but—” She holds a cupped

hand up to her mouth and whisper-yells, “—I’m going to explain it to you. Just in case that contract

isn’t crystal clear. And… to put Megan’s mind at ease. Because I see a little residual hostility in her

eyes over the condition of her father. And after I do that I have just one tiny question to ask you and

then you can all go home and get on with your lives.”

I glance at Megan. Who is now staring at my mother with an open mouth. There is no hostility

there. It’s… bewilderment. And I have a feeling I look the same way.

“Love is a weapon,” my mother says. “A very powerful weapon. When I came down here and

presented the Way’s plans for you, Johnny. Well, let’s just say Mr. Machette wasn’t too keen on your

pedigree. And even though I assured him that you did, in fact, come from some of the most pristine

breeding stock we have in the Way, he was not on board. But he came round. After some convincing.”

“After you beat the shit out of him, you mean,” Megan snaps.

“Quiet now, Megan,” I say.

My mother smiles at me. Cool as they come.

But not really. Because a bead of sweat drips down the side of her face. And there’s no way she