Hello," I said stiffly.
His smile split into a full grin."So nice to see you again."
"Always a pleasure." My lie sounded robotic, but hopefully it was better than sounding afraid.
"No,no," he said. "The pleasure's all mine."
"If you say so,"I said.

He smiled willingly. "Well, I always aim to help others in need."
"Yeah," a new voice suddenly said. "That's exactly what comes to mind when I think of you, old man."
I hadn't thought anyone could shock me more that Abe, but I was wrong. "Rose?" The name cam out as a question from my lips, even though could be no doubt about who this newcomer was. There was only one Rose Hathaway, after all.
"Hey, Sydney," she said, giving me a small, crooked smile as she entered the room.

You think that I'm so manipulative and scheming, Miss Sage? It's all for them. For my loved ones first. My people second. And yes, I suppose I'm in the mix there too, but don't think for an instant I wouldn't sacrifice myself if it could save someone I love. And don't think for an instant that I wouldn't do terrible, unspeakable things if it could save someone I love.

I expected Abe to yell for everyone to shut up or something like that. Of course, Nathan had been trying that for a while with no results. So, I was quite shocked-as was everyone else- when Abe put a finger to his lips and let out the most ear-piercing whistle I had ever heard. A whistle like that through a microphone? Yeah. It hurt my ears. It had to be worse for the Moroi, and the screeching feedback in the speakers didn't help.
The room quieted enough for him to be heard. "Now that you have some sense to keep your mouths shut," said Abe,"we have...some things to say.

So, I want to try to spend more time with Dad."
Abe glanced at Rose."You see that?" He said. "Now that's devotion." She rolled her eyes at him.

Who are these people?" my mother asked.
"Guess," replied Abe flatly. "Who would be foolish enough to break into court after escaping it?