“People? Such as government agents dressed in black? The same ones you used to deny existed? I remember the fights you had with my mom over the phone. You denied everything that Nanna said.”

“I made a lot of mistakes. But I understand now. It’s why we’ve desperately been looking for you—”

“We’ve?” William winced. “So you’re now aligned with the SSA? Because news flash, Aunt Kate, they weren’t trying to look for me. They’ve tried to kill us all.”

“I wouldn’t let anyone lay a single finger on you, and you know it. I’ve done it all your life. I know this has been horrible for you, and I’m not happy about it—”

“This is bullshit.”

“Hey,” she said, snapping her fingers. “I’m know you’ve been through hell, but son, I’ve changed your diaper, taught you to tie a bowtie, and taken red-eye flights to make your eight a.m. Little League baseball games—”

“You turned your back on us!” William outstretched his hands. “Your own family! Your own mother! And now you try to play the doting aunt?”

“I don’t expect you to understand. You have every right to blame me. But I never stopped loving any of you.”

“This is how you show your love—”

“Yes, this is how I show it,” she said, taking a step towards him. “You are no longer on the run. You are under constant protection. I can at least tell your mother and father and brothers that you are with me and there is no need to worry while we try to figure out what to do next.”

“You don’t get it. There isn’t time. If you keep me locked up in here, I can’t stop this. I can’t stop what’s coming. You want to keep your country safe? There won’t be a country if you keep me down here.”

“What is best now is that you and the other three are safe and taken care of, and I swear I will make sure you have everything you need—”

“The other three? You’ve found another?”

Kate bit her lip. “I will tell you everything in due time. Everything I learn I swear I will share with you. I will keep nothing from you. I’m just trying to protect my state and my country and family—”

“You know about Blue, then? Do you know about that, Aunt Kate?”

She blinked. “Blue?”

“They didn’t tell you that, did they?” William said, motioning outside the door. “Ask your friends in the suits about Blue. Ask your government about Blue. Then see if you can ever look any member of your family in the eye again. Until then, leave me the hell alone.”

William turned away from her, his fingers laced behind his head.

“Will—”