The revelation about the business has shaken me. The urge to call mother and confront her is strong, but I hold back. There are far more pressing things to deal with right now. We leave the lawyer's office and head back toward the safehouse. Karl intends to call the council member, Clara Tran, and try to arrange a meeting. I'm nervous about meeting her. I’m worried that she'll tip off Severin. Karl seems sure of her, though.

We're halfway to the safehouse when an odd ...