And wouldn't that please Mom. She might be best friends with Riley, but she'd be horrified to find me in any way involved in her more nefarious activities. Riley was retired as a guardian, but she was still a consultant for the Directorate, and she still got herself into some dangerous situations. Of course, this was me getting Riley involved rather than the other way around, but that wouldn't stop Mom from worrying.
The sensible thing to do was not tell her at all, but it was almost impossible to keep secrets from a clairvoyant as strong as she was. I'd learned long ago it was simply easier to be up front about these things.
"Tell Darci I'll clean her clothes and return them then."
Riley waved a hand dismissively. "That child has more clothes than she knows what to do with. I'm betting she won't even miss them."
And I was betting she would. Cashmere was expensive, and this sweater didn't look old. "If anything else happens, I'll let you know."
"Good." She walked around the table and dropped a kiss on my cheek. "In the meantime, be careful."
"I will." I waved a good-bye to Liander, then headed out.
The fickle Melbourne weather was playing its usual tricks, and the rain had returned. I slipped on my jacket and gloves, then raced down the stairs and jumped on my bike. I didn't get much farther because the phone chose that moment to ring.
The ring tone said it was Mom. "Hey," I said. "I was just about to drive over—"
"Ris," she cut in, her voice harried and more than a little stressed, "you need to get to Coppin Street as soon as possible."
"Why the hell—"
"Just go," she said, "or Ilianna will die."
Chapter Four
ILIANNA? DIE?
I didn't ask for details—the urgency in Mom's voice was enough to convince me. I hung up and rang Ilianna, hoping like hell she'd answer, that it wasn't already too late. Mom might have told me to go, but I'd be stupid not to at least try the easy option.