The Sympathizer

Chapter 44

Every shift of the axis reminds me of how much time I've lost. I leave Lazarus's holding cell and head back home, wondering if I'm being tracked by General Aldric's spies the entire time. I can't stop thinking about his hands on my shoulders and his breath on my neck. 

I shudder involuntarily and try to think about those memory devices in the labs but my mind shifts to the general again. I shut my eyes tightly feeling disgusted with myself. How could I let him touch me like that? 

How could I let him kiss me when I've lain with his son and shared his bed? No, there is no way I will spend a night with General Aldric, the male I grew up knowing. I swallow my apprehension and get out of the car as soon as we approach my living quarters. 

I don't expect to see my mother when I walk in but there she is, lying on the sofas in the living room. There are bottles of spirits all over the table in front of her and I can tell by her gait that she's inebriated. 

There are a few of her friends seated on the other sofas and they take turns to laugh, their normally pale skin flushed by the alcohol. 

"Mother," I address her reluctantly. Our relationship has been more strained ever since she learned of my involvement with the seizure of the labs on Earth. I know she partly blames me for father's arrest but she's been biased towards him from the beginning. There's no point reasoning with someone who never wants to listen. 

"Luna," She murmurs curtly, her mood souring. 

"Our dearest, Luna. You must be so worried about your fiancé," Winlow - a prominent businesswoman and old friend of my mother - chirps. She's a large female, with a rounded belly and thick arms that are spread out on either side of her. Her white hair is tied up into a neat bun and her smile is friendly as she looks at me. 

Her reaction tells me two things; One, mother has chosen not to elaborate on me invading my father's lab and two, no one knows that I've broken off my engagement to Lazarus. 

I wonder what they will say when they learn that I'm now engaged to Lucian. Now definitely isn't the best time to share such news with them so I just nod. 

"He will be fine. I saw him recently and he's holding up well." I tell Winlow reassuringly. 

"If only she worried as much for her father," General Ursae quips, taking a long swig of her drink again. I notice her eyes are red rimmed and her face is gaunt. My mother looks like she hasn't slept since father was arrested. Probably hasn't. 

"He's fine." I tell her sordidly and I can see her trying not to roll her eyes. 

"Would you like to join us?" Winlow suggests. She shifts to the side, making room for me on the couch but my mother only looks horrified at the prospect. 

Commander Astrea, one of her other friends seems to read the room better. "Let's not bore the girl with our tiresome conversations. Luna, you run along, leave us to our vices." 

My mother cackles. "Vices? More alcohol and a night out sounds about right. Although the officers would definitely have something to say about that. How can a general party when her husband is behind bars?" 

"Come now, Ursae. We all know this trial is a farce and Grievous will be released anytime now." Commander Astrea strokes my mothers arm reassuringly. 

The general is slurring now and I wish she would stop torturing herself over a man who cheats on her under the very same roof. I think of my father fooling around with his attendant in his quarters and General Aldric blackmailing his way to me. 

There's something wrong with all of them, including General Mondric. 

"We could go to my private club. There's a separate entrance to the VIP room. No one would be the wiser." Winlow says and then she picks up her communicator and begins to make arrangements.