I could tell from the look on Mom's face she wasn't so happy to see me. But when she realized Quaid was with me, her tension rose to a whole new level. So high, she practically shoved her aides out of the room before slamming up a shield around us and drawing a deep breath.

"I'm ready," she said through gritted teeth. "Hit me."

Quaid did most of the talking. I was grateful, considering my traitor throat closed over, misery eating at my insides to the point I doubted I ...