Apr 2008

Chapter 193The Last Game

Thoughts raced for attention in my head. First of all, he didn't know Khuna and Valerie were my friends. Of course that meant he had no idea of my role in this whole endeavour either. He probably thought I was here because of mom. Maybe I could even use this to my advantage. But it would be a very dangerous game to play.

My next words had to be chosen carefully. Not my best talent, to be honest, but I'd give it try.

Get him to explain... "I saw mom here." Technically not a lie... "What are you doing here? Why aren't you at home?"

It was almost priceless to see the look on his face. He had looked so in control right up to now. He tried to rally though, with a little success. Until I got an idea in my head. I could project simple emotions on someone if I tried. And I was feeling strong. Insecurity might help him to talk, as he wasn't used to it. With a breath I filled myself with air as I filled him with insecurity. That nagging, nervous feeling when you can't get a grip on the situation.

It looked like it was working. He was truly losing his composure.

"I... I've lived another life here and I could no longer spend it with your mother and you."

I tried to sound sweet. "And you're keeping my friends?"

"Eh... no... Two people tried to break into my mansion and I've kept them downstairs."

Still keeping up with my role. "Girls my age?"

He tried to avoid this subject, obviously. "Eh, yes I think they are." Liar. "I don't think they would be friends of you though." Double liar? Or did he not know.

I knew I couldn't really get him to tell or do anything he didn't want to. I could only push his emotions, not overrule them. I was slowly getting into trouble though. It would be just as easy for me to be captured here as well, though I doubted he would do that.

I hoped.

But careful. "Why are you keeping them?"

He was sweating now, trying to avoid obvious lies but not wishing the truth either. Being nervous made it harder for him to focus and I hoped more of the truth slipped through. "They haven't been here long, I've already called the police." A liar again. "Amy, why don't you go home and back to your mother. I'm sorry for all of this but I can't come back anymore. I have to leave this city as well now that both of you found me."

I frowned, he didn't go away because of us obviously. It probably had something to do with his image or something. "I want to see them."

He looked down at the floor but then up, his eyes clearer now. "No. You know I usually do not refuse you, Amy. But this time it is too dangerous."

I sighed, the mind game was over, let's see if truth would add anything to the mix.

"They're my friends and I've come to get them. Jason."

The surprise on his face was worth a lot at this moment. He was surprised I knew his 'other' name. But then he frowned, trying to piece it all together right up until...

"It was you! You freed the children in the orphanage?" Some of his intonation included awe.

What should I do? Say it? If he told something like that to my mom, it would get both of us in trouble. It was then my ears picked up a sound that made me worry a little more. The others still hadn't come back into the mansion but downstairs, in the basement, something bad was happening. The guy downstairs was yelling but in a closed off room.

Enough for me to hear though.

Someone was holding his arm and I could guess what had happened. If someone with warm blood came near Khuna now, she'd probably jump them and drink them dry. Hurting her own mind terribly in doing so. Time was running out, they'd made a fatal mistake. But did that mean they didn't know what we were?

But that...

If they didn't know...

Meant we had a major advantage.

He interrupted my thoughts, impatient with my non-reply. "Tell me? Was it you? Was it you who took away so much from our operation?"

What should I answer? Expose myself to learn more or try and pose as unknowing, not understanding of his sudden anger. This was so difficult, I wasn't used to playing games with others and I already went too far with this one. But not only my friends lives were at stake, he could be the only way of finding out what's going on.

Without exposing us.

Somehow...