Pulling on a robe, I stumble toward the TV as they bicker. I find the remote and scroll through the menu, looking for the local news. Clicking on the station, I sit, shaky-legged, on the ottoman, and listen as it confirms what Ursula said about Hedon: a search was executed, but under false pretenses, and the legal authorities are apologizing profusely.
“You still there, Leeva?” Keifer asks. “You okay?”
“I’m… I’m fine.”
I listen as one reporter asks the police commissioner and the DA who the owner of Hedon is. They decline to answer, saying that information is not being disclosed, only saying that an apology has been made to them, both in private and publicly, through this forum.
“I think we should come there.”
“I’m fine, Keifer,” I say with more confidence.
“The house is ready for you,” Ursula adds. “We can come and help you get settled.”
I rub my forehead as the last of my brain fog clears. “It’s a fully furnished house; I only need to unpack my suitcase and get some groceries.”
“Still,” they say in unison.
“I’m fine, you guys. I need to do this on my own.”
“No, you don’t,” Ursula argues.
“I do. But I love you both all the more for it.”
Keifer sighs heavily. “You know we’re on the jet the second you call.”
“I know.”
“You’re heading there tomorrow?”
“What time is it?”
“Eight in the evening your time,” she answers.
“Yeah.” I yawn and hear a knock on the outer door to my suite. “My dinner has arrived, so I’ll eat and then pack. I’ll leave early in the morning.”
“Please don’t wait to call us if you need anything,” he worries. “Or even if you don’t want to be alone to face your ghosts.”
“I love you guys.” My voice is thick with emotion. “Thank you for everything.”
“That’s what family is for,” she says a bit stiffly.
“Show a bit more emotion, sis,” he complains.
“This is me showing emotion.”
I roll my eyes with a smile, listening to them argue. They’re constantly picking at each other; however, there isn’t a stronger loyalty and bond between family that I’ve witnessed.
Well, that’s not entirely true. The bond between Hayes and his friends Ash, Bane, Digits, and Pix was just as tight.
The thought of Hayes sends a shiver down my spine. I’ve dreamt of him non-stop since I went to Hedon. I mean, he has always been in my dreams, but since Hedon, they’re stronger. Different. All-consuming and sexual as hell.
I know I can’t keep putting off facing him. Out of my ghosts to deal with, he’ll be my first. Then I’ll deal with Guerilla and move on, not just mentally but physically, too. I love California, but I’m thinking the other side of the country would be ideal. Maybe New York, Boston, or even a smaller city like Atlantic City—some place far from the Havoc Guardians. Then I’ll figure out the rest.
“Thanks again for calling, guys.”
“Oh, before you go, I want all the details about Hedon.”
“Not a chance, Keif. Bye.”
