“And lots of it,” Jake said.
“I’ve been researching the effects of dietary aluminum on mice.”
“I know. It’s connected, Audrey. Our father, your research, the attack last night. You need to back off at work, forget about finding our father and stay out of the way until I figure out what’s going on.”
Her laugh was harsh. “Fuck that. Why should I listen to you? You’ve been lying to me for—” Rage boiled through her again, but she kept her voice calm, reasonable, friendly even, as she asked, “Exactly how long have you known about my talent, Jake?”
A muscle jumped in his jaw. “Since you saw me and Abby Jones making out in my room. I tried to hypnotize you, but you told Charlotte anyway.”
His betrayal knocked the breath out of her again. Almost twenty years? “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I love you, and I wanted to keep you safe. I know things, Aud, things that would make you sick, things that could get you killed. You have to trust me. Neutral is a tricky kind of power. The less you know, the better it works. Isn’t it enough to know you’re talented?”
“No,” she retorted. “It’s not enough.” Not enough to make up for Jake lying to her for all these years. Not enough to erase the sense of inadequacy she had suffered since she was old enough to realize that he was special and she was not. Not even close.
“I’m sorry, Audrey.” Even though she knew him better than anyone, she couldn’t interpret the emotion on his face. It couldn’t be fear. Her badass brother didn’t have the sense to be afraid of anything, especially things he should be afraid of.
Jake crossed his arms. “Anything else strange happen lately?”
Other than incandescent electric-blue sex? “I lost my lab ID and my laptop is missing,” she said slowly, filtering her thoughts. Even if it wasn’t any of his damn business, her logical mind wouldn’t allow her to ignore his question when the last twenty-four hours had been so bizarre. “My research animals croaked, the security guard wanted a blood sample, and I think my boss was hitting on me. All in all, it was a weird fucking day.” After a weird fucking night.
“It’s about to get weirder if our father actually does walk in the door.” He glanced at his cell phone, so she looked at hers. It was almost one. “Look, we don’t have much time. I really am sorry, Audrey. I just want to keep you safe. You’re all I’ve got.” He removed his glasses, showing dark eyes full of guilt.
She stared at him, reluctantly moved. It had always been them against the world, and it hurt to feel so alone. “No more secrets, Jake.”
“I promise I’ll tell you everything I know.”
She could tell he meant it, which begged the question. “Why tell me now? Why not before?”
The door to the restaurant opened, and they both looked up. “After lunch,” he said, eyes trained on the blond man who was scanning the dining room.
Curiosity was eating a hole in her brain, but Audrey didn’t speak because the man’s eyes settled on her, flicked over to Jake, then back to her. He waved the hostess away and began to walk toward their table.
Jake stood, but Audrey felt rooted to her seat. Disappointment made her feel dizzy and sick. She didn’t know she had memories of her father, but somehow this man didn’t match what was in her head, especially his pale blue eyes. Eye color was controlled by more than one gene, but given their mother’s blue eyes, the odds of this man having fathered two brown-eyed children was slim. Abruptly, she knew her father wasn’t tall, either, and the man standing at their table topped six feet, dwarfing Jake as he held out his hand.
Her brother’s smile was wide and welcoming as they shook hands, proving her hunch that something was wrong. He met Jake’s eyes.
“Who are you?” Jake asked.
“Michael Fallon.”
Audrey watched lights gleam in her brother’s eyes. She was completely unaffected, but mesmerized nonetheless as Jake put his talent to work. “Who are you?” he repeated.
“Joseph Geraci.”
“Who sent you?”
“My employer.” The man smiled dreamily, staring, leaning closer to Jake.
“Who is your employer?”
“I don’t know.”
“What are you supposed to do today?”
“Take Audrey Fallon.”
“Take her where?”
Geraci shrugged. “I don’t know yet. I’m supposed to call when I have her.”
“Sit down.” Geraci sat. “Give me your cell phone and wallet.” He handed them over.
“Do you know why you are supposed to take Audrey Fallon?” Jake’s eyes were bright now, the dark irises nearly obscured by the gleaming pattern of lights. A shudder shook Geraci’s frame but he didn’t blink. “No,” he whispered, shaking his head, jaw slack, eyes beginning to glaze.