Page 149 of The Last Session

“But…” She broke down into sobs.

“We want to see Moon,” Mikki called, getting us back on track. “Why won’t you let us see her, Sol? Scared she’ll do something crazy? Again?”

Sol shook his head. “Listen, guys, I never wanted any of this to happen.”

“Yeah, fucking right,” Mikki muttered.

Sol scoffed. “You think this is good for the Center?Murder?Of course not. I want all this in the rearview mirror.”

“You’re a psychopath,” I said. His gaze switched to me. “That’s why this doesn’t bother you that much. It’s an annoyance, but really it’s just an obstacle to overcome. You never believed in any of the past life stuff, did you? You just did what you had to do to keep Moon happy. Because yourbusinessis nothing without her.”

I’d hoped to say this in front of Moon, but Steven would have to do. He’d tell her, I knew that. I could tell by the way he watched Sol, his eyes calculating.

“Therapy with Thea, huh?” Sol chuckled. “I love getting analyzed by people who are so unhappy you can smell it. You’re pathetic. It’s way past time to put you out of your misery. Steven? Let’s go.” They left, Sol slamming the door behind him.

Moon arrived sometime later.

The three of us were lying on a blanket we’d found, our heads on the scratchy wool, like we were enjoying a nice nap after a picnic lunch. My brain felt clear and quiet. The food was staying down, even though my stomach churned like an ice cream machine. Sol’s words vibrated in my mind.It’s way past time to put you out of your misery. I’d already suspected, but this proved it. Sol was going to kill us. He didn’t relish it, but he didn’t see an alternative. Maybe if he really did believe in the past life story, we could figure out a way to get him and Moon to let us go. But Sol wasn’t about to let us disrupt his business. Much less risk prison.

When the door opened, a cool breeze swept in from the dark courtyard.

“Hi.” Moon stood in the doorway, stars visible behind her. This time Joe was by her side, pointing a handgun. “You wanted to talk to me?”

“Yes.” I struggled to my feet, and Karen and Mikki rose beside me. No need to waste time. “I know what we need to do.”

“What is it?” Moon blinked, waiting politely. Thankfully, she’d changed out of the bloody shirt.

“We need to continue with the sacrifice.”

Moon didn’t answer, just waited for me to say more.

“I saw things down there,” I said. “Past lives. Future lives. And it became clear to me why this sacrifice hasn’t worked yet.”

Moon took a step forward. “Why?”

“Because we all have to do it together.”

Joe frowned. If only he lowered that gun, we could chance rushing him. But Moon might have a gun, too, tucked in her waistband, beneath her flannel jacket.

“Together,” she repeated softly.

“There are people here who need to prove their belief.” I stared at Joe. “We all incarnated together, we suffered together, and we need to sacrifice ourselves together. That’s the only way it will work. Once we do, the world will shift towards the light, just like you said.”

Joe glanced at Moon, his mouth downturned. He didn’t like this at all.

“This is the way,” Karen spoke up. “You can feel it, can’t you?”

Moon played with her diamond necklace.

“And let Mikki go,” I said. “She’s not a part of this. Our group has to finish it together.”

“How?” Moon asked.

I pointed up. “We all go to the roof. The tower. It’s the best way.”

Joe cleared his throat. “I think we should talk to Sol.”

Moon ignored him. But after another second, she nodded at us and walked out. Joe followed and shut the door.

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