Rituals (Cainsville 5)

"She'd stay in my building," Grace said. "We'd look after her, Veronica and I. You'd be free to visit if you wanted, but that would be up to you."

"No," Rose said. "She's my kin. My responsibility. If Gabriel agrees to this, I would look after her. In my home."

Grace shook her head. "Our compulsions will work better in my building. She'll be happier there."

"But--"

"If you wish to be her caregiver, I won't stop you," Veronica said. "Yet Grace is correct--Seanna will stay in the apartment building. Under your care, but living there."

Gabriel shook his head. "You did nothing to cause this, Rose. You shouldn't feel obligated--"

"I don't. I want to do this." She met his gaze. "I'm asking you to let me do this, Gabriel."

He nodded, and silence fell.

--

Two days of holing up in my house with Gabriel. Taking the time I needed to recover.

I hadn't been injured--not physically--but I felt more exhausted than the times I'd actually been shot or stabbed. It wasn't even a melancholy exhaustion, but more one of relief. I'd made my choice with the Tylwyth Teg and Cwn Annwn. I had yet to tell anyone other than Gabriel, but it was made, and all I wanted to do now was hole up in my house with him, feel the ground finally steady beneath my feet before I had to finish this. Commit to a choice I'd rather not make.

I had other obligations as well, and after those two days I was ready for one. Time to see Pamela. She was out of the hospital now, having recovered from her mysterious ailment, with no one ever realizing she'd left her hospital bed.

I had something to tell her, something important, but I would have postponed it longer if she hadn't summoned me.

I took my usual place, and she'd barely sat in hers before she said, "I'm confessing."

"What?"

"I'm telling the court it was me. You're getting your father back, Eden. That's what you want. That's what I owe you. What I owe both of you."

I stared at her. "You're offering..."

"Yes, and please don't ask if I have an ulterior motive. There are no strings on this gift, Eden. I want you to be happy, and this is the one thing you lack. So I offer it. No, I give it. Freely." She started to rise. "I've already asked to speak to someone. It'll be done today. That won't get your father released instantly, but I have evidence. He'll be out as soon as it can be done. I would like to speak to Gabriel about that."

She walked toward the door, and I looked at her, speechless.

Then, as the guard was about to take her, I said, "Mom?"

She stopped. Just stopped, as if not sure she'd heard right.

"You don't need to do that, Mom," I said. "You have the appeal. I was coming to tell you that. You and Dad. Gabriel was notified yesterday. The appeal has been granted, and it's strong. It's really strong."

She turned and looked at me, her expression unreadable. Then she shook her head. "I don't want strong. I want guaranteed. For him. I'm going to do this, Eden. Please let me--"

"No."

"I'm asking--"

"No. I can't stop you, but I'm asking. Let this go to court. Please. If you can get out..." I took a deep breath. "I'd like you out."

Silence. Such a long silence. I could feel her gaze on me, assessing. Then she said, "And how will Gabriel feel about that? He may prefer my option, given what I did to him."

"He's never cared. I'm the one you hurt."

She flinched at that, but I didn't regret it. It had to be said.

"Let him get you out," I said.