"That's why I sent Star and Rick," Abbott interjected, then asked, "Is your mother safe?"

"Yes," Zac said, then added before I could stop him. "Rick and Annie are protecting her."

"Annie?" Abbott's demeanor suddenly changed, and his eyes narrowed. "Who's Annie?"

"Acantha," I replied. "You remember, Acantha. She is now called Annie."

"Annie?" Sam Abbott's voice raised several octaves. "Acantha Bree?"

"Yeah," I replied, my eyebrows pulling together. I knew ...