Grave Mistake

I heard Josie weep over the phone after I had told her that Yan Hao would stay in prison—the sound of relief. Surely, she denied that she had even shed one tear, and I pretended to believe her. The eruption of her emotions was natural. I knew she was tired; we all were. We also knew that sending Yan Hao to prison wasn't going to clear up the fucked-up situation we were in. It was the first step—a huge step, a crucial step, but one merely marking the beginning of a long road.

“If Yan Hao has been locked... does it mean my exile is over?” A nervous laugh laced her voice.

“Well… his army might still lurk around,” I said. “But if you follow Gunner's instructions, I'm sure you can at least come to New York... and stay in the penthouse.”

“Are you inviting me to your apartment, Mr. Blair?” she purred, and my lips instantly stretched into a mischievous grin.

“Our apartment,” I corrected. “Unless you'd like something... bigger. I'm sure that my mother would welcome you in the residence.”

She g