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“I...” His gaze hardened and fell to the ground. “I have to go find my mom.”

‘Hector, I’m not sure that’s a good idea.’

He looked up with a furrowed brow. “Why not?”

‘I visited the police station while I was looking for you. I saw your mother there. She was very distraught and confused, but she... agh, I’m not even sure how to put this...’

“Just say it.”

Garovel eyed him heavily. ‘When I saw her, she was under the impression that you murdered your father. I don’t think she wants to see you.’

“The cops told her that I...?” He sighed. “Of course they did...”

‘I’m sorry.’

“But...”

‘Hector. I think it’s time we left Brighton behind.’

He was silent at that.

‘Your life here... it’s been destroyed. Between the crime scene at your house and the crime scene at your school, the police have pieced together your identity. I saw them in the station. They’re not just hunting for some guy in a metal mask. They’re hunting for Hector Goffe.’

“I can’t just leave my mother behind...”

‘Hector...’

“I’m all she has left, Garovel. I have to... try to... make her understand... somehow...” His expression searched for the right words. “I have to see her again. I just. I have to...”

The reaper floated around him. ‘You are easily the most wanted person in the city. Going back there right now is--’

“Do you know where she is?”

The reaper was hesitant to answer.

“Garovel, don’t lie to me...”

‘Yes. I do know. She’s in a hotel with a police detail.’

“Take me to her.”

‘What if you can’t convince her?’

“I don’t know. But I’m not leaving without trying.”

‘And what if you do convince her? What difference will that make? You’ll still be wanted for murder.’