Page 51 of Semblance

“Perhaps you do belong in the Midnight Society after all,” he laughed. “You’re not going to let up on this are you?”

“I will when you tell me the truth.”

Lincoln sighed. “Fine; Shadow got drunk and fucked Lucien’s sister about four years ago.”

“That’s why?”

“Yes.”

“How’s that such a big deal?”

“Clearly you’re not an older brother,” Lincoln said.

“They were teenagers,” I said. “Teens make stupid decisions. Hell I had some sexual encounters in high school that I wish I could take back.”

“Do tell,” Lincoln grinned.

“That comes with a price too you know.”

Lincoln shook his head. “I always found that Lucien had an unhealthy obsession with his sister,” he said. “It was borderline taboo.”

“Gross,” I said. It wasn’t a stretch though picturing Lucien in the creepy and obsessive older brother role.

“Are you satisfied now?” Lincoln asked.

“Are you lying to me?”

“No.”

“Fine; I’m content. The next time I see Calisto, I’ll see what information I can dig up.”

“Excellent. During our next meeting, I expect a plethora of inappropriate information about her,” Lincoln said. He picked up his laptop. “Anyway, I have quite a bit of work to do on Abraham’s accounts before we land.”

“Lame,” I said.

Lincoln smiled as he rose from his seat. “I didn’t want to steal you away from Calvin Harris for too long,” he said, justbefore making his way to the back of the plane as well.

Alone again.

At least I had my music, my slut books, and my anticipation to keep me company.

It didn’t take me long to drift off into sleep once we were up in the air. I dreamt of an intense hot sun ruling over a majestic foreign kingdom, and Shadow--naked, holding me in his arms.

#

Chapter Sixteen

It was a long sixteen hour flight. After we landed, I desired sleep. I had smuggled in an hour or two of rest but I was worn out from travelling and needed another few hours to recharge my batteries.

By the time we reached the hotel—a charming European inspired Villa on beachfront property—it was roughly 5 A.M. Cambodian time. I collapsed onto my bed, not bothering to change, and closed my eyes. Just as I began to fall asleep, there was a knock on my door.

“You’re kidding me,” I muttered. I trudged towards the door slowly as if I were wading through molasses.

When I opened it, a young Cambodian man greeted me. He looked to be in his late teens and was full of enthusiasm as he spoke.

“Tut-tut driver,” he beamed.

“What?”

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