Sebastian nodded understandingly. “Lots to do for Pumpkin Pageant.”
“There’s a matter of secrecy,” I said.
“There’s more Pageant every year. Secrecy?”
“Don’t tell the family.”
“Aunt Jessica.” She looked up from Uncle Max at last. “A federal crime, without informing the elders? You’re asking one to break the rules.”
“Since when do you care about rules?”
“Since when areyoua purveyor of rebellion?”
“Discretion, not rebellion,” Sebastian said.
Gertie ignored him—her eyes on me. She’d seen me crumble at Mary’s curae. She’d noted my uncertainties, my apologies, the moments of panic in my eyes. Maybe Icarus was not Uncle Max, but me.
“Faraday is incorporated,” Gertie said. “It’s our duty to help her. So why keep it quiet, Auntie?”
“Pity you didn’t ask Peter that question.”
She went back to dribbling water in the cat’s mouth. “One didn’t realize he was in danger. Can’t say the same for present company.”
“Gertie,” Sebastian said soothingly. “We’re all on the same side.”
“Then tell me what’s going on. Don’t you trust me?”
“It’s Faraday we don’t trust,” he said. “She needs to be placated.”
“Stop talking for Aunt Jessica—she’s sitting right here!”
At Gertie’s raised voice, I heard silence fall in the kitchen, a readiness descending on the tower. The pod expected mayhem and defenestration from me now.
“Faraday pulled a wrack on her own brother,” I said softly.
Gertie let out a low whistle. “Then she needs to be disciplined, not rewarded.”
“If the family comes for her, she’ll start babbling,” Sebastian said. “Who knows about what?”
“About Jessica.” Gertie turned to me. “By now, she’s noticed that you’re different. She’s not the only one. The other day, Tom came to ask about you.”
That took me a moment—Tom, braving the pod.
“What did you tell him?”
“That we all become someone different here at Helshire.” She giggled. “After Ghia provided cartwheels, he believed me.”
“Thanks,” I said.
“Don’t thank me. Stop feeding me bullshit. Car accidents don’t turn Mortons into ordinaries.”
“I’m notordinary,” I said, half rising from my chair. The Icarus teacup slipped from my lap and shattered on the floor.
Gertie looked down at it. “And here I thoughtIwas being obvious.”
“Gertie,” Sebastian said. “You’re probably thinking—”
“Thisis what I think.” She put the dropper bottle aside. “Shut the door.”
