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that stuff and said if it checked out to expect
     to come out later in the week to be interviewed.”
    “You’re going to move to Seattle? Just like that?” AJ poured himself a cup of coffee
     and got one for his mom and Molly as well.
    “Not just like that. Not really. I’ve been out of sorts for a while and then yesterday
     the other partners kicked me out of the firm. I’ve got an attorney fighting it, but
     really, to be honest, it’s going to be about how much money they throw at me to go
     away. My life here is . . . well, it’s not what it was before. And I think I can make
     a difference with Owen.”
    “I think you can too. But I worry. That’s a lot of exposure to be on television as
     an official Other spokesperson.” AJ shrugged.
    “I lived a long time not really hiding that I was a witch, but not necessarily waving
     a banner about it either. That got me nowhere. No, that’s not true. It got me slapped
     and humiliated by my partners and watching, horrified, as humans like PURITY have
     set out to destroy me and mine. What’s left of us anyway. I’m mad, AJ. I’m mad and
     sick and tired.”
    He blew out a breath. “I’ve been talking to Mom about moving someplace with a clan.
     The witches in clan territories are more organized. Safer. Owen is as big as it gets
     in the States.”
    “Yeah, together with Gennessee, they control from northern Mexico up to British Columbia.
     I’ve never been to Seattle, but I researched it a bit. Wetter than here, but less
     snow. I don’t know. I guess I feel like it’s my time to do something right and meaningful.
     I don’t want all these deaths to mean nothing. Or worse, to have people like Carlo
     Powers use that to do us more harm.”
    Rosa threw up the evil eye. “Pig.”
    “Yes. That interview last night, my goodness. I should send him a thank-you note for
     that last push into this decision.”
    Rosa grabbed her attention and held her gaze. “You have so much potential. Your gifts
     are strong. Use them to put that creature in his place. This is a good choice for
     you. I’ll miss you. Who knows, maybe AJ will convince me at last and we’ll come out
     there too. You were meant for greatness. I know this.”
    Molly knew that coming here would make her feel better. Knew Rosa would say exactly
     what she needed to hear.
    “If I do move, I’m going to miss you guys so much.”
    AJ snorted. “Sweetness, you’re going to be too busy saving our world to miss us.”
    * * *
    GAGE looked up when Meriel knocked on his door.
    “Hey there. What’s up?”
    “I just had an interesting call from a witch who lives in Chicago. She’s some PR whiz.”
     Meriel held up a sheaf of papers. “I’ve got her résumé and some assorted information
     about what she’s done. Television, radio, other media and all that stuff. She called
     to offer her services. And if what I’m seeing here is on the up-and-up, she’s exactly
     what we need right now.”
    “You want me to run a background check?”
    “Indeed. Can you rush this? I’d like to get this wrapped up so we can get her out
     here and on the job. I mean, I’ll interview her first, obviously. But I spoke to her
     on the phone for about half an hour. I like what I see so far. She’s charming but
     no nonsense.”
    Gage held back a smile. Of course Meriel would like that. She was the same. But he’d
     run a thorough check because he’d had enough being taken advantage of. Their clan
     wouldn’t be hurt by anyone if he could help it.
    “I’m on it now.”
    Meriel paused. “Are you all right?”
    He looked up from the papers he’d been given. “I could ask you the same question.”
    “My answer would be no. How about yours?”
    He snorted. “No. Not really. This isn’t the way I’d imagined finally revealing ourselves.”
    “Three weeks. Dozens of funerals. And I’ve got to deal with all this stupid stuff
     and it makes me crazy. I want to scream at the interviewer, hey asshole, I lost