“It’s about the good of the planet versus the good of the people, Angel,” he explained in an indulgent tone, as if they were talking about why she needed to share with others or conserve water. “You know I love Fang like another son.” It was true—she had thought he did. Angel instantly regretted pitying him earlier.
“Then how could you do this?” Angel asked, her voice rising. “I’l
l forgive you, Jeb,” she said suddenly. She touched her eyelids again, choking back tears. “I’ll forgive you, and everything that happened with Ari won’t matter anymore. You can turn it all around. Just don’t do this.” She was gripping the bars of her cage, pleading with him.
Jeb was silent for so long that Angel held her breath, a twinge of hope swelling in her.
Then he sighed heavily. “No. He’s too dangerous now. If he remains alive, his life will become a living hell.”
“But why?” Angel demanded.
“Hans will see to it. Remember back in Dr. Gunther-Hagen’s lab, when Fang almost died?”
She nodded. It was one of her worst memories, even worse than the ones from when she was really little, in the School.
“As a result of those tests, Hans has recently discovered something truly extraordinary about Fang’s DNA.”
“What kind of discovery?” Angel asked bleakly. Jeb had no answers, no explanations—only more vague justifications. She felt empty.
“Something amazing,” Jeb replied with such bright enthusiasm that Angel wanted to hit him. They were talking about the reason for Fang’s death. “Something that would change the world.”
Suddenly, the soft padding sound of footsteps reached Angel’s ears. Someone was coming toward them.
“Yes, Angel, something that would change the world,” a cool female voice said. “And now we need to find out if you, sweetie, have the same… defect.”
Angel felt like she was going to throw up.
She knew that voice.
Dr. Martinez, Max’s mom, was at the School.
29
“REMEMBER, FIRST IMPRESSIONS are key,” Total told me sagely.
I stared. “Total, there is no first impression. I’ve been living with the guy for like three months, for Pete’s sake.”
He flapped his little black wings and sniffed. “Well, excuse me for trying to help with your—might I remind you—first-ever date with Dylan.”
Rolling my eyes, I attempted to get a brush through my ratty hair for the umpteenth time. “It’s not even a date.” I sighed. “Dylan and I are chaperoning Nudge and Sloan.”
“I bet Nudge would accept my advice graciously.”
“Perfect! So go talk to Nudge, then!”
Total whined. “But unlike you, she already knows the ins and outs of being a normal teenager. You’re the dysfunctional one here.”
I scowled. “Fine. Give me advice.”
“Ask nicely.”
“Total.”
“Sheesh, no need to get all snippy,” he said, pouting as effectively as a Scottish terrier can pout. “Just remember: No one likes a self-absorbed person. Always direct the conversation back to your date.”
“I already know everything about my… about Dylan,” I said. I sighed again and wound my hair into a lopsided bun, then tried to jam in a couple of the chopstick-y things that Nudge uses for her hair. Welcome to the glamorous life of Maximum Ride, ladies and gentlemen.
“Also, personal hygiene is a must,” Total continued.