That thought has me steaming, nevertheless it isn’t the supply of my panic.

No. That’s as a result of the black ebook of corruption that my brother left me is lacking.

When the aircraft landed yesterday, I took it from Liam and positioned it inside my baggage with the opposite books my brother had given me. It was nonetheless there after I showered earlier than Liam supplied me a reminder of who we’re that I’ll most positively always remember.

I tore aside all the pieces earlier than we left the home, and it’s not there. Both Liam swiped it with out telling me. Or my father snatched it. I can’t ask him as a result of if Liam is the thief, I don’t need my dad to know. I assured him I had it. He stated he trusted me. It took me lower than a day to fail him. To fail Ben.

And my intestine says that irrespective of how a lot Liam loves me, he and Gage wouldn’t assume twice about stealing it out from beneath my nostril. They’d rationalize. Really feel entitled. That they had already expressed as a lot on the aircraft. And fact be advised, I’d’ve surrendered it, offered they let me tear out that one web page.

It looks like I’m in the course of a battle that hasn’t fairly begun. Captive on the battlefield. Neglect a basic chess match. That is just like the one within the Harry Potter books once they smash you to items for those who make the mistaken transfer.

I may play one facet flawlessly.

But when I struggle for them each, I’ll lose a method or one other.

I’ve to determine who has that fucking ebook.

My mom’s hand slides throughout my thigh, pulling my consideration from the icy snow flurries. That is an Ohio March. A rainstorm hit yesterday, however with dropping temperatures, it’s morphed into sleet. She’s sitting beside Rex, catercorner from me, whereas my father shares my seat.

“You’re so tense, Cee. Loosen up. I’m certain he’ll be again quickly.” She squeezes my leg earlier than releasing me. “We’ve hardly seen you this final yr and a half. This shall be a beautiful night, and it will likely be good to have you ever house.”

A scoff I can’t catch free-falls from the depths of my lungs. “What makes you assume I’ll be house for some time? Is there one thing you’re not telling me?”

“I merely stated it will be good to have you ever house,” she insists in her syrupy end-of-discussion tone.

“It wasn’t easy,” I hiss, to which her brows furrow, aghast that I’d dare back-talk her. However I’m on the finish of my rattling rope. “The best way you stated it, such as you—”

“Celeste,” my father barks. “Your mom has been frightened sick about you. She’s in all probability hoping Liam takes some time so she will have time with you. That’s all. No want to show it into one thing.”

My mom’s stunning face is heavy. Burdened. Remorseful. Proving my father’s level.

“You’re proper. I apologize. I’m simply … struggling.” My eyes properly with the admission, my throat closing.

I’m not often this trustworthy with my mother and father. We don’t actually have that kind of relationship. Every part has been pores and skin deep since Ben died, however I would like them proper now.

My father tugs me nearer as my mom pulls a tissue from her purse.

“No tears,” she says. “We’ll be there any minute, and also you’ll smudge your make-up.”

So, pores and skin deep remains to be our love language. She tried final evening. Three minutes of authenticity remains to be one thing. A present. Not broaching deeper topics might be her approach of protecting me from her darkish world. That ship has lengthy since sailed, however previous habits die laborious. I’m certain she’s much more exhausted with life than I’m.

“Ava,” my father admonishes, “her make-up is the very last thing she wants to fret about.” He leans in near my ear. “To whom a lot is given, a lot is required. Don’t crumble now. That is solely the start.”

I nod, wordless. I do know he’s referring to KORT hierarchy. Not one of the energy is actually mine, however I suppose I’m tangled in it, like being zapped by an electrical present. Whether or not I’m the first supply or not, as soon as it touches me, I’d nonetheless be a conductor. Scott Filmore’s moist and fried kind involves thoughts.

I did that. Killed a person.

By myself. I’ve survived some fairly horrific shit. I can do that.

My father interrupts my morbid inner pep discuss. “I’m so pleased with you, Cee.”

Good God. That’s a spearing, a gutting, spilling something remaining inside me. It’s ironic that the accolade arrives as I’m recounting my brush with homicide. In any occasion, I need to inform him I gained’t let him down, however I’m afraid I have already got, so I say nothing.

The automobile rolls to a cease, and some beats later, Doug, my father’s driver—or Douglas, as my mom insists on calling him—opens the door on my father’s facet, two umbrellas in hand. For the reason that sleet has escalated to a full-on blizzard in our temporary drive, Doug passes one umbrella to my father so he can escort my mom whereas Rex and I shimmy out beneath the protection of the opposite.

We scurry via the ice pellets to achieve the awning of the theater, illuminated by twinkling lights, solely to be stormed by a swarm of males in fits.

Flashing badges.

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