AMANI: Reveal Read Free Page B

see you, man. How are you holding up?”
              John frowned. “What do you want, Ian?”
              I hadn’t expected him to be so hostile, but I guess I deserved it since I’d paid no attention to him or to his brother since England. Though I believed that a little chat with him might just soften his temper.
              “May I speak with you in my office?” I said. Before he could refuse, I added, “It’s about your brother.”
              Reluctantly, he followed me to the next room, closed the door behind him, and crossed his muscular, tattooed arms in front of his chest.
              “I’m listening. But if Mrs. Cohen sent you to convince me that Xander Macfrey is not dangerous and that my brother wouldn’t want me to send an innocent man to his death, well, save your breath because I won’t change my mind. Rascals are all the same and my group will not stop until Xander pays the price for his kind! We will not hold back until we get what we deserve. Justice.”
              Seeing him all worked up made me laugh. He reminded me of myself sometimes. “Calm down, would you? My walls aren’t sound-proof and I don’t want to draw attention to our little conversation.” I observed him while he took deep breaths and unclenched his fists. When I was certain that my words wouldn’t be wasted on him, I said, “How would you like to receive my help to avenge your brother?”
              Bewilderment flashed across his face. “Are you for real? If it’s a trick, I want nothing from you.”
              “I assure you, John, I’m dead serious.”
              “What about Mrs. Cohen?” he replied, nervous. “Does she know about this?”
              I chose to remain silent to his question, which in itself became my answer. “What are you willing to do for your brother?” I asked.
              “Anything.”
              This time, he sounded desperate. So desperate that it would have been a shame not to use him for his full capacity.
              And just then, I knew how to make sure Xander was convicted. And just then, I had a plan to become the leader of the Protectors.

Chapter III
    Amya Priam
     
     
     
     
    “Do you think she’s telling the truth?” I asked Samera while we climbed down the stairs to our room.
              “Of course. Why wouldn’t she? At first I thought she didn’t care for Xander. But after what she told us, I really believe she is on our side.”
              Samera was full of joy and hope, but I couldn’t make myself feel the same way. Michelle had just told us that she had managed to find someone who was acquainted with a Rascal. A good one. That person was the author of the book on mythical creatures we had found last month at the library that described Rascals and their habits. The author’s pen name was Hibiscus. In reply to Michelle’s email, Hibiscus had given her the address of the Rascal he knew and five Protectors were already on their way to meet with him, and, if things went well, to bring him back to HQ and prove to everyone that not all Rascals are evil creatures.
              But what if it was a trick? What if that Hibiscus guy was lying, his Rascal pal wasn’t in fact a good one, and the Protectors were on their way to an ambush? That would not only prevent Xander from receiving the benefit of the doubt from the jury, but it would also infuriate everyone even more, and Xander would have no chance at all to be seen for what he really was. He would be labelled a deadly threat instantly and permanently.
              “Amya?” Samera said, pulling me out of my fears. “Are you listening to me?” Apparently I wasn’t. “Mom just texted me. Your sister wants to visit you today. She said