Cui Bono

XIX

The next morning, Katherine, Lupe, and Adam paid Greg a visit. Katherine had just finished telling them about David's attempt to rape Bianca, and her plans to return to Vancouver as soon as she could to sort things out.

"Even if the cops don't do anything about it, if you do anything, it could make everything worse, and even ruin your life," Lupe said.

"I know there's not much comparison, but I allowed my frustration to get the better of me, and I broke the law. I get released within the next year, though—and for good behaviour—because I just stole money. I can just imagine how much time you'll spend in a penitentiary for inflicting bodily harm, or worse, on David Larsen."

"He's not worth it, Katherine. If he's as big a piece of shit as you say, and even think, he is, he's not worth it," Adam offered.

Katherine exhaled.

"Stay here, Katherine. At least until the end of the month. Besides, you promised me you'd celebrate your birthday here."

"If nothing else, if anything does happen to Larsen, everyone will know you had nothing to do with it," Greg said.

"Visiting hours are over," the guard announced, and escorted Katherine, Adam, and Lupe out of the prison.

"So you're staying?" Lupe asked.

"I may as well. Danny'll be disappointed, but, as you say, it's for the best."

"Attagirl." Lupe patted Katherine on the shoulder.

Lupe and Adam smiled at each other, before Adam piloted the three of them back to the city.

As soon as they were back at the Ghibertis' apartment, Katherine booted up her computer; as soon as it was operating, Katherine video-commed Daniel. "He's a doctor, so I may have to leave him a message."

"As long as he knows you're not going back until the end of the month, as originally planned."

No one answered the trill, so Katherine sent Daniel an email as Lupe and Adam looked on.

Katherine turned to Lupe and Adam. "You two should go now."

Adam looked at his watch. "I have other things to do, anyway."

"Ditto." Lupe grinned at Katherine, and followed Adam out of the room.

Tosca entered the apartment, and just as Lupe and Adam were about to leave. "Good. You're back."

Katherine looked at Tosca like she had lost her mind. "OK..."

Tosca looked at Lupe. "And you are..."

"Lupe Moreno."

"Oh, good. You're here, too. Are you free today?"

"I have somewhere I have to be at three o' clock..."

"Perfect."

"Tosca, what's going on?"

Tosca grinned.

"That's my cue," Adam announced, and left.

Tosca turned to Katherine and Lupe. "Come on. Vivian's downstairs."

"You're not going to murder us, are you?"

Tosca giggled, then threaded her arms though Katherine's and Lupe's and guided them out the door and downstairs to a waiting 'Craft. As soon as they were inside, Katherine noticed the pilot was Vivian Roth, who piloted away.