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“I don’t blame you.”

“So, why am I graced with your presence today, Silas?”

“I heard about your refusal, and I wanted to see you in person,” he replies. “I wanted to hear from your mouth if it’s true. No one ever turns down the Castaways.”

“I have.”

“And that’s why I’m here,” he says.

“You’re thinking of leaving the Castaways?” I ask, brow raised.

Silas sighs.

“Would you help me if I did?”

“Your uncle is a powerful man,” I say.

“Yes, he is.”

“And he won’t like the idea of his nephew walking away,” I continue.

“No, he won’t.”

“He’ll threaten you. He’ll turn others against you. You’ll be an outcast, Silas.”

“I know.”

“And you still will?”

“Yes.”

“Why?” I ask.

Silas’ eyes flicker away from mine.

“Because I’ve seen the pain and suffering caused by the Order, and I don’t want any part of it. Because I’d prefer the quiet life, away from my uncle’s shadow. Because I don’t want to end up like Leopold. Are you willing to help me do that, Fabien?”

59

JOLIE

“I got a call from Leopold Anguish today,” Fabien tells me as he strolls through the penthouse front door.

Leopold. I shudder at the name. There is never any good news when that man is mentioned.

“What did he want?”

I turn on the couch to watch Fabien put his car keys down on the kitchen counter and sigh.

“He’s the new Supreme Elder.”

“Oh.”

Of course he is, the schemer.

Fabien unbuttons his shirt and walks over to me.

“And why did he call you?” I ask.