Page 94 of Hupotasso
“That’s not why I’m here,” I frown. “I realise I should have extended an olive branch to you and your sister years ago. It was remiss of me, and arrogant. I know you have every right to refuseto have anything to do with me, but I hope I can at least begin to mend our relationship or start to forge one at this late stage.”
“I see,” she frowns. “And what exactly brought this epiphany on?”
“Mother,” I shrug. “Or losing Mother, as it were. Perhaps also losing my wife. I’ve begun to see things differently. It started in The Games, if I’m honest, and I tried to fight it, but I see now the worth of having a family, people who love me…”
“A word I never thought to hear you utter,” she murmurs. “What is it you specifically want to know, Falcon?”
I smile at her. In some ways she and I think alike. I never would have imagined it. She likes to get straight to the point, as do I.
“I told you the truth. I want to get to know you and Asumpta. I want to know more about my family.Ourfamily.”
She pins me with her direct stare.
“Whatexactlydo you want to know.”
“Everything you know about Spider, and then some.”
“That could take some time,” she raises an eyebrow. “Let’s narrow it down, shall we?”
“Very well. How it is that my father killed Spider’s mother.”
“Ahh,” she smiles, beckoning me to sit and leaning forward, her elbows on her knees. “Your mother unforthcoming?”
“Truly,” I sigh. “She won’t discuss the matter.”
“Too painful, most probably,” she nods, leaning back in her chair.
“Painful? Why?”
“Your father loved Spider’s mother. She married his enemy, but he never got over her. She was the one great love of his life, even though she was human. The day he killed her, he died.”
I stare at her as though she’s gone mad and gratefully answer my phone as I try to wrap my head around what she’s just told me.
“Jag?”
I close my eyes momentarily at his news. The relief flooding through my body is palpable.
“Where?”
77
“How did you find me?” I ask quietly as he sits on my bed and looks into my eyes.
I can hear a skirmish in the hall, Adam shouting.
“We’re just securing the area,” Jag says quickly, seeing my worried expression. “No one’s being harmed, I promise you.”
I lean back and hold my baby close. It’s been twenty-four hours since my daughter was taken, and although I have my son, my heart bleeds for the little girl I won’t get to know. But at least I had this small reprieve, this tiny amount of time for myself and my family. Even if I can’t tell them anything now, my tongue once more tied, it doesn’t matter. I’d told Yin everything, and I’d given a brief rundown to Adam and Marianna. Yin could fill them in on the rest if she chose to someday.
Now, steeling myself for the inevitable, I call for Adam to tell Jag what we’d rehearsed. He’ll tell him I’m under Viper’s control, and fingers crossed, Jag will save me.
“Jag, my brother needs to talk to you.”
He shakes his head.
“I don’t have time for that. I’ve let Falcon know I’ve found you and his son. He’s not a patient man, Angie…”
“He’ll hurt my family if I stay here,” I nod, “I know that. But it will only take a second, Jag. Adam has important information.” My throat begins to constrict, and I have to whisper. “Please, just listen to what he has to say.”
