Page 88 of The Pacifist
Anne blinked her eyes as if unsure whether she should be offended or flattered. “Thank you, I think.”
“Sure, no problem, but I’m standing by my words, you’re fucking crazy.”
“In a good way,” my mom added like the kind Motlander she was.
I pushed the last piece of my cake to the side of the plate and leaned back in my chair. “Hunter has a point, Anne. You committed a crime like the rest of us. It’s just a matter of time before you’ll get invited for your interview. Cole made a deal that he and Hunter took all the blame for our brewing alcohol and racing, but setting fire to a building wasn’t part of that deal.”
Anne skewed her mouth like she was chewing on her inner cheek. “Can’t I just decline the invitation?”
I gave her the same patient smile that I’d given her when we were children and she had been too young to understand that catching bees with her hands was a bad idea.
“You can try, but I doubt it’ll work.”
“Then I’ll go somewhere to hide for a while.”
I nodded. “I’m going to the Northlands after the last hearing in the Council.”
My mom looked surprised. “You are?”
“I miss Mila and I want to see her again.”
“How long do you plan to stay?”
“That depends on the vote tomorrow night.” I shrugged. “I’d rather be in the Northlands with Ema, Hunter, Mila, and my other friends than be under constant attack in the press here. From the latest news, Khan is under pressure and can use my help to win the election.”
“Yes, come to the Northlands.” Emanuela gave me a grateful smile. “I’ll feel better knowing that you’re around.”
Anne looked from me to Emanuela, and back again. “Maybe I could visit you sometime, if that’s okay. I’ve always been fascinated with the Northlands.”
This was my cue and like a cat stretching in the sun, I told her what I’d been dying to tell her all evening. “It’s funny you say that because they seem to have a fascination with you too.”
Anne’s hand went to her collarbone. “With me?”
“Yes.”
“But why? I don’t know anyone up there.”
“They’ve seen your modeling pictures and apparently you have a whole fan group.”
We laughed at Anne’s surprised expression.
“They like my photos?”
“Yes.”
“That’s weird. I can’t imagine men wearing bikinis or swimsuits.” She gave a small laugh.
Hunter leaned in. “Anne, things are very different back home. Here people see the bathing suit in your pictures, but in the Northlands the men see you. And why wouldn’t they? You’re as beautiful as your sister and they are attracted to your femininity.”
“Really?” An intrigued smile grew on Anne’s face and with a fluid movement, she pushed her long brown hair back over her shoulder.
“Actually, I had an idea I wanted to discuss with you.” I looked into her eyes. “A way for you to make up for what you did to me.”
Her smile vanished instantly. “Anything.”
“I’ve been giving Khan advice on how to win the election. He’s in no way a perfect man, but with Pearl by his side, I believe he’s the best candidate to keep the peace and prosperity in the Northlands. One of my suggestions was for him to have a hugging booth, like I did during my own campaign.”
“Yes, that’s a great idea.” It was no surprise that my mom was in favor of the idea since it had been her suggestion to me when I ran for the Council.
