"You wished to speak to me?" I repeated.
"Hope," he said. "I want to see her before she goes."
"She left this morning."
"Did she say anything? Leave me a message?"
"No."
Dismay flickered, but he bounced back with a smile. "She's still mad. That's okay. She'll come around. She just needs time. When she does want to talk to me, you'll let me know, right?"
"I'm sure you'll be informed."
"Thanks. I'd appreciate that."
As he grinned, I almost expected him to pass me a tip, as if I were a concierge at his new five-star hotel.
"Is that everything?" I said.
"Yep. Thanks."
I started to turn away.
"Oh, sorry," he said. "One last thing."
I slowly turned back.
"About the werewolf. Karl, is it?"
I said nothing.
"Could you pass along a message?" A slow smile. "Tell him I'm thinking of him."
I WAS WALKING from the cell when Carlos strode past the hall door. I resisted the urge to step aside before he saw me.
"There you are," he said, shoes squeaking as he wheeled. "You're a hard man to find these days.
I'd almost think you were avoiding me."
"Hello, Carlos."
"We missed you at the funeral today. Mom was hoping you'd show. She really wants to talk to you."
"I'm sure she does," I murmured.
Carlos laughed. "You know my mother. She takes a big interest in your health."
"If you'll excuse me..."
"Not yet." He stepped into my path. "Someone else has been avoiding me. Dad stood beside Mom and me during the service then he took off. That was the only time I've seen him since he accused me of murdering my brothers and tried to kill me. Think maybe he's feeling bad about that?"
"It was a very difficult situation and--"
"Stuff it, Lucas. Rumor has it he wants to buy me out. Have you heard that?"
"No," I lied. "Where did you--?"
"I have my sources. They tell me he's been asking about my debt and my expenses, trying to figure out how much it would take to make me walk away. So how about I help him out with that? I'll name my price. You give him the message."