Page 66 of Mysteries, Menace, and Mates

Jamie told him the good news, and the joy in Dellan’s voice reminded him what a generous, kind man he’d gotten for a half brother.He’s going through hell, and he can still be happy for me.

“So what are they like, these counselors you’re going to be working with?”

“I only just signed my contract! I haven’t met them yet. In fact, all I’ve seen is my room.” Which was more than satisfactory. He’d call Lauren later and make arrangements to move his stuff.

“Well, let me know. And tell me how things are going, okay?”

“Of course. As long as you keep me informed about whatever Dad discovers in Rome.”

“I will. Visit as soon as you can, all right?”

“I promise. Give my best wishes to Horvan and Rael.” He hung up.

It felt strange being back in the school, a place he’d known since childhood. He had to admit, he liked the atmosphere.

They’re doing something right, obviously.

He walked through the hallways as the bell rang for lunch. Doors opened, and kids of all shapes and sizes poured out from the classrooms, chatting, laughing like kids anywhere in the world. Here and there he noticed a few students who didn’t appear as carefree as most of their classmates, their brows knitted, their eyes dull, but he also noticed how it wasn’t long before another student joined them, talked with them, linked arms with them.

They’re looking out for each other.

Which was as it should be. Andmuchbetter than listening to the pessimistic voice in his head that told him to take nothing at face value, that they could just as easily be espousing Geran garbage to try and persuade others that nothing had changed, that they didn’t like the idea of Fridans in charge of the school.

I can’t hear you.Jamie would have stuck his fingers in his ears but for the fact that it would have drawn weird glances from those around him.

He headed for the staff quarters. Dellan had told him to visit the infirmary, where Aelryn’s mate, Scott, was working, and he planned on doing that after lunch.

The staff bedrooms were in the oldest part of the school, with high ceilings and tall windows. His room was on the top floor and so far was the only one of four that was occupied. No one had thought to install elevators, so he figured the stairs would keep him fit.

Maybe I should look for a gym too. Someplace local.Not right away, though. He still needed to get back into a regular schedule of meals. Lauren had nailed it—he’d lost a lot of weight.

He passed teachers on their way down the stairs as he climbed, and everyone gave him a nod or a smile. Once he was inside his room, he closed the door and took a deep breath.

I have a home again.And when his stuff arrived, it would start to feel like a home.

His phone buzzed, and he smiled when he saw it was his dad.

“So, you finally got yourself a cell phone, huh?” Jamie said teasingly.

“Don’t even go there,” he growled. “I saw a little kid using one this morning. Akid, for God’s sake. That was the last straw. I got Orsini to take me to a store. An Italian phone will still work in the US, won’t it?”

Oh, bless him.

“Dad, it’ll work anywhere. Just change the SIM when you get back to the States.”

“The what? Never mind. How are you?”

“I’m fine.” Then he smiled. “Actually, I’m better than fine.” He told him his news.

“That’s awesome! I’m so happy for you. So I guess this means your life is finally coming together again.”

Almost. There were still a few holes to be filled.

One hole in particular.

“When do you get to look at whatever you found in the UK? And what time is it in Rome now? Dinnertime?”

“That’s right. And we’re going to the archive in the morning.” He paused. “To be honest, I’m a little nervous.”

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