"Now that I'm safe," I said slowly to Keir, "I'd like to go back to San Francisco and make sure my Dad is all right."

It was late at night; my coronal celebration had finally wound down and Keir had escorted me to my bedroom. He followed me in; helping me gather my long train before he shut the door behind us. Cat went straight to the bed and did her usual three circles before she curled into a fur-ball and went to sleep. Keir frowned and waved us over to the couches before the ...