Page 29 of The Echo of Forever
He nodded.
“Yes, sir.”
I left to do a grounds check, but the goal was short-lived.
“Demetrius Cannon!”
I turned at the sound of my aunt’s voice.
Velma Cannon stood on the path from my grandmother’s house, a shawl wrapped around her shoulders despite the mild temperature.
“Auntie,” I said, stopping to let her catch up.
She reached me, slightly out of breath, and placed a hand on my arm.
“You didn’t come say hello when you arrived.”
I frowned.
When did I ever?
“I had security matters to attend to.”
“Always business first with you.” She sighed and regarded me closely. “You look tired, baby. Have you been sleeping?”
Aunt Velma was the only person who could get away with calling me baby so openly.
“I’m fine,” I told her, ready for this conversation to be over.
“Are you?” She tightened her grip on my arm. “Arland told us what you’re planning. Going after the Collective… it’s dangerous, Demetrius. Your mother wouldn’t want—”
“My mother isn’t here to have an opinion,” I cut in. “This is bigger than her anyway.”
Her eyes widened, and I immediately regretted my tone. My aunt had lost a friend when my mother took off, only leaving behind a pre-recorded video telling us not to follow.
The grief wasn’t mine alone.
“I’m sorry,” I said, softening my voice. “But I gotta do this.”
She shook her head.
“This vendetta… it could cost us everything she sacrificed to protect.”
“It’s not a vendetta. It’s about respect, and they have none.” I stepped back, putting distance between us. “And I’m not asking for permission.”
She must’ve recognized the finality in my tone, because the conversation took an abrupt shift.
“Your grandmother wants to see you,” she said. “She’s waiting in her study.”
I nodded, already turning toward the house. Whatever my grandmother wanted to discuss, it wouldn’t change my course. But I owed her the courtesy of listening.
“Demetrius,” my aunt called after me. “Just remember, this family has already lost too much. Be careful, we can’t lose you, too.”
There was nothing to say that wouldn’t sound like a lie or a promise I couldn’t keep.
No matter how careful, they had more power and resources.
I kept it moving without responding.
