AMANI: Reveal Read Free Page A

how difficult it is to deal with this matter.” She turned to Amya. “I tried. I promise you I did everything in my power to calm things down, but they—numerous Protectors—are very angry at the moment. They saw what happened to Danny, and since a Third World War almost started because of the Rascals, and mostly because we haven’t found a way to protect ourselves from them, fear is rising. And fear can force good people to make bad decisions.”
              “But you don’t have to make the same choice,” Amya pleaded. “You’re their leader. You’re the one who can save Xander. They’ll listen to you. Mrs. Cohen, please, don’t let this happen.”
              “I was voted their leader, Amya. And if I want to keep this position, I must appease their anger as much as I can.”
              Someone else opened the door in a sudden gust of wind. Short, red-haired teenager with a kooky attitude; it was definitely Samera.
              “Mom! Amya! I wasn’t—able to outrun you.” She bent forward, leaning against her knees and breathing fast. “Darn, girl. I didn’t remember how fast you are.” She faced her mother. “We—we’re here for Xander. I told her. I told her everything.”
              “Yes,” Michelle said calmly. “Amya was just telling me that much. Well, I’m afraid there is nothing I can do now, is there, Ian?”
              I shook my head and looked down at my feet. “No, I’m afraid there isn’t.” I turned to Samera. “Your mother has done everything she could.”
              Michelle smiled at me and continued. “The trial will take place tomorrow but I assure you that Xander will not be convicted. There is no evidence of his being a bad person. What we need to make sure is for people to understand that Rascals are not all monsters. In any case, I have been doing my own research for a month now.” She turned to me. “Ian, since you are my replacement as a jury member tomorrow, you cannot hear what I have to say next.”
              Michelle wasn’t allowed to represent the leader of the Protectors of the United States because she was too close to Xander. I was to replace her and vote according to what I thought would be best for everyone at HQ. Nevertheless, I would have paid a lot of money to hear what she was about to confess to her daughter.
              “I shall depart then,” I replied, smiling to hide my curiosity. “I will let Stephano and François know that you are not to comply with their demand.”
              “Thank you, Ian,” Michelle answered before I left her office.
              My first thought was to call Meo, an ally I had made. A Rascal. But then I remembered him telling me to gain my people’s trust before asking for his help again. So I headed for the main office instead, where I was certain to find John.
              He was surprised to see me. The last time I’d spoken to him directly was during the first meeting concerning Xander’s trial, two days after we came back from England. He’d tried to convince Michelle to take more drastic measures against our prisoner and I’d been obligated to stand by Mrs. Cohen’s decision to allow the boy a fair trial. It wasn’t because I believed Xander was innocent. I thought that if I helped Michelle with her cause, she would grow into trusting me with more important decisions. And that was a first step in winning the approbation of the other Protectors.
              The latest turn of events, however, opened my mind to a new perspective.
              “John!” I exclaimed when I was only some feet away from him. I walked across Amanda’s desk and ignored her friendly wave. How glad I was to have my own office now, away from everyone, but especially away from her. “It’s good to