Chapter 137: Worst Timing

I was so speechless I stood there for a minute like an idiot while Mom swept to her feet with a strained smile on her face. At first I was sure she'd told Pain everything and was grateful I wouldn't have to do it, only to realize her look and the slight shake of Mom's head meant she hadn't. In fact, was ordering me to keep my mouth shut.

Fine. At least while she was in earshot.

"Thank you, Mrs. Hayle." Pain smiled at me a little, the tension in her face easing somewhat. "I've been getting headaches," she explained to me. "Your Mom gave me an herbal remedy. It seems to be doing the trick."

Herbal my butt. More likely Mom used magic and gave her oregano out of the cupboard. But whatever worked.

"I'll leave you two to talk. Syd," Mom hugged me fast and hard, just long enough to whisper 'Don't' in my ear before vanishing with a swirl of her long skirt down the basement stairs.

We'd just see about that.

"I'm sorry to just drop in like this." Pain shifted in her chair, as if uncomforta