Chapter 33: Out in the Open

Emily followed Sylvia into the next room, which was Byron's home office, and closed the door behind her. She didn't completely trust Sylvia, but at least she knew the woman was desperate to help her son in any way.

"It's his depression," Sylvia said. Now that she didn't have to put on a brave act in front of Byron, the worry came through on her beautiful if slightly wrinkled face.

"How often does that kind of thing happen?" Emily asked.

"Not very, but when it does, it's hard to get him out of it," Sylvia said, "Look, Emily, maybe I came across as a little too overbearing before, but I was wrong about you. You're not as stupid as you seem."

"Thanks," Emily said, rolling her eyes. Since murdering Sylvia would probably be illegal and not win her any points with Byron, she decided that at least verbal fighting tactics such as sarcasm were permitted. "I'll be sure to get those words engraved on a plaque."

"Don't get cheeky with me," Sylvia said, putting her hands on her hips, "If you h