It was quiet at the table afterward. Marcus's accusation had put a slight fear of God into everyone.

Ariel kept looking at the door, hoping Kira would come, but she didn't, and I wasn't even sure she was going to come today at all.

"So what about your parents?" Old Man Grey asked.

She was happy that he was finally showing interest.

"Well, my mom is alive and well. My Dad, on the other hand, I don't know what he's up to these days. I haven't seen him for years," Ariel replied.

"Why?" a young boy asked. He has been silent all through the dinner, and I was just noticing...