“What can I say? He thinks more clearly in the shower.” Alik shrugged at Farrow’s confused look.
Two hours later, Theo was the first one up. He was shuffling to the kitchen in his green plaid robe to make coffee when he made his way through the living room. He wasn’t the least bit surprised to see Farrow and Alik sitting up on the sofa, leaning against one another, holding hands in their sleep. Theo smiled to himself as he grabbed a throw and draped it over the two.
Chapter 60 Breakfast Part Two
“Why have you agreed to this visit?” Arkdone asked, watching Meg’s body language carefully.
Meg thought carefully before she spoke. “You were very detailed in your response to my question, so I can only assume you expect the same level of detail in my response to you,” she began. Arkdone bowed his head slightly acknowledging her grasp of his expectations.
“After my,” she paused choosing her words, “inability to reintegrate with the Winter family, I knew I would have to go my own way—it was just a matter of time. Imagine my fury at being taken and used for my blood by the man who’s supposed to be my biological father. When Gideon helped me escape and told me he worked for you, it just seemed the logical next step to come meet you. You’re in a position to help me, and I can certainly help you. I thought our arrangement could be mutually beneficial.”
“Please, go on.” Arkdone’s fingers formed a perfect triangle beneath his chin as he leaned forward, listening to every word Meg said.
“I’m not a human and I wouldn’t fit into their world. I’m not comfortable with the Winters. They have this preconceived idea of who I am and how I should behave. I’m just not that girl anymore. And thanks to you, my face is now recognizable as a criminal—a terrorist? I can’t live in the States without authorities eventually catching me, then where does that put me? I’m right back where I was as a prisoner or a lab rat.” Meg shook her head.
“The most logical path for me to take was right back to you.”
“But you still haven’t answered my question. Why have you agreed to come to me?”
“I am a very powerful empath. I don’t remember life before you performed that ‘perfect concussion’ on me, but I’ve been told my abilities are much improved. I’m able to control people with my thoughts—and not just one person at a time. You saw what I can do. In the short time I’ve been awake from Williams’ coma I have seen how extremely remarkable my abilities are. You need me. Your motives are unclear to the Winter family, but I think I understand you. I can help you meet and exceed your goals. You want power? Money? Domination? I can help make those things happen for you.”
“And in return for your ‘help’?” Arkdone narrowed his eyes.
“In return I have three conditions you must agree to.”
The Senator nodded once and opened his hands to her. “Tell me your three conditions.”
Meg tried to control her fidgeting by walking around the settee and sitting directly across from the Senator. She leaned forward and looked him right in the black eyes as she spoke.
“First, I am not an assassin. I will not kill for you.” Meg’s face was deadly serious at her first request.
“Agreeable,” the Senator nodded.
“Second, you must have the charges against the Winter family lifted, clearing everyone’s name of any wrongdoing.”
Arkdone frowned, “That would be very difficult to do.”
“Maybe I haven’t made myself clear, Senator. I will not negotiate on these three conditions. They happen or I’m out.” She locked her jaw to keep it from chattering.
“What is your last condition?” he asked as he leaned back into the corner of his sofa and casually placed his arm on the plush pillows there.
“Not only are their names cleared, but you must allow the Winter family to return to the States to live in uninterrupted peace.”
“If you want nothing to do with the Winter family, why are you so worried about what happens to them?” Arkdone asked.
“They were an important part of my life—raised me, cared for me, protected me when I needed protecting. I don’t remember these events, but my empath skills tell me they happened. I want them taken care of—it’s my way of paying them back. After these conditions are met, my conscience will feel cleared of the debt I owe them.”
“Is that all?”
“Make those things happen immediately. When I know they’re safely back in the States, my abilities will be at your disposal.”
Arkdone turned his head so he was staring deep in thought at the pendulum of a grandfather clock in the corner of the room.
“Why not just disappear, Meg? Why come to me?”
“You were a powerful enemy. I imagine you’ll be an even more powerful ally,” Meg answered simply.
“How do I know this isn’t a trap?”