HE was so angry, and the worst part was that he didn't know if the anger was for Maria, for abandoning her mission and thwarting it, or it was for Oswald, for being so inaccessible as a result of his cruelty. Carlson was just angry.

He let out a loud wail and all the ladies in the circle flinched, Maria inclusive.

“Get out you all,” Kaylan shouted and in seconds, they all scurried out of the living room, everyone that had gathered. Maria headed for her little room, her heart still in her mouth.

In order to curtail his anger, Carlson stormed out of the living room and walked through...